A drag and Pride event in Austin, Texas at which drag queens strutted their stuff before a crowd that reportedly included scores of children was partially sponsored by a Catholic health ministry.
“Rainbow on the Creek is a free family-friendly celebration that connects, educates, and celebrates Austin’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQIA+) community,” the event announcement on the website boasted.
“The celebration will include 25+ activations by LGBTQIA+ nonprofits and partners, a Queer BIPOC and Latinx artisan & craft market, gender-affirming care & sexual health resources, and many more activities for the whole family,” the website added.
The event was sponsored by many organizations, including Ascension Seton, a medical center in Austin that is a part of Ascension, a Catholic health ministry.
Sponsors for this event include @Google, @TitosVodka, @PNCBank, and @HEB. pic.twitter.com/NG0Ly7IpxN
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 12, 2022
“As a Catholic health ministry, Ascension has a unique obligation and calling – reflected in our Mission – to advocate for a more just and compassionate society in words and actions,” Ascension writes on its website before launching into leftist tropes: “To help address racism and systemic injustice, Ascension has launched a justice-focused framework called ABIDE, built on the hallmarks of Appreciation – Belongingness – Inclusivity – Diversity – Equity.”
“Fostering a more inclusive culture and advocating for social justice can help provide more equitable employment opportunities while also helping to remedy healthcare disparities perpetuated by racism and systemic injustice,” the website declares.
“We have a shared responsibility and accountability, as individuals and as a ministry, to lead and model the changes we wish to see in our communities of valuing inclusion, justice and equity for all,” Ascension President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Impicciche stated.
Construction will begin this fall on a new $320 million tower at Ascension Seton Medical Center and is expected to open in fall 2024 as a space dedicated to women's health.
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— Austin Statesman (@statesman) January 25, 2022
A group named the “Hydrated Queer Kitties” just performed one of the most sexual dances of the night—
Over fifty children are in attendance. pic.twitter.com/Nk3fc4q2g4
— Tayler Hansen 🇺🇸 (@TaylerUSA) June 12, 2022
“Performers at the event June 11 included multiple drag queens, including ‘Pelvis Wrestley’ and ‘Roxxxy Andrews of RuPaul’s Drag Race’ as a featured performer, according to the event page,” Pluralist reported. “While children were watching, the participants performed suggestive dancing moves. Other parts of the event included the Austin Drag Queen Showcase, ‘Hosted by Vylette Ward & Jezebel’ and Drag Queen Storytime, ‘Presented in partnership with Austin Public Library.’”
After a drag show was held at Jesuit university in Philadelphia in late April, Dr. Denise Donohue, Vice President for Educator Resources at the Cardinal Newman Society condemned the event, telling the Catholic News Agency:
When worldly views that counter Church teaching are given ‘center stage’ by a Catholic institution, whether just for entertainment or political positioning, Catholic identity is harmed, thus requiring reinforcement of authentic Church teaching for the sake of the souls of students in its care. … authentic accompaniment demands that the truth of the human person, in all its beauty and complexity, be taught from a Catholic worldview.