Grammy-winning singer Lizzo protested a new Tennessee law intended to protect children from sexually explicit “adult cabaret” performances, otherwise known as drag shows, by featuring a group of drag queens on stage at her all-ages Knoxville concert on Friday.
During her performance at the Knoxville at Thompson-Boling Arena, which kicked off the second leg of The Special 2our last weekend, Lizzo featured several performers who were alumni of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, including Aquaria, Vanessa Vanjie, Asia O’Hara, Kandy Muse.
“In light of recent and tragic events and current events, I was told by people on the internet, ‘Cancel your shows in Tennessee,’ ‘Don’t go to Tennessee,’” Lizzo <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CrU0CndvWV1/">said</a> during her performance, which kicked off her second leg of The Special 2our tour on Friday in Knoxville at Thompson-Boling Arena. “Their reason was valid, but why would I not come to the people who need to hear this message the most?”
Lizzo’s beef with the law comes after the Tennessee General Assembly voted this year to protect children from sexually explicit performances, which bans adults from impersonating the opposite sex in public or near where children could see it while appealing to prurient interests — that is, engaging in a sexually suggestive performance.
“Why would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and celebrate our differences?” Lizzo <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CrWHQziuqMc/">said</a>.
“What people in Tennessee are doing is giving hope, so thank you so much for standing up for your rights, protecting each other, and holding the people accountable who should be protecting us.”
In the last year, footage has emerged from around the country, including in Texas, that has appeared to show children present at sexually explicit drag shows, prompting some lawmakers to introduce legislation.
Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) told The Daily Wire that he would introduce a law to protect children from “sexually explicit” performances last year. 
“I think we would all agree that some of the video we have seen recently of some of these drag shows that were quote-unquote family-friendly were anything but that,” Johnson said. “And if I had attended one of those with my kids, I would have been mortified, and I would have wanted someone to be prosecuted for engaging in that kind of entertainment in front of my kids.” 
The law came before Parker after Friends of George’s, a self-described “LGBTQ theatre company” based in Memphis, filed a suit challenging the law. Several upcoming shows by the company include “Drag Rocks” and “The Dragnificent Variety Show: The Gay Ole Opry.”
Following the state’s Republican Gov. Bill Lee signing the legislation into law, a federal judge in Tennessee issued a temporary injunction against the law, saying it was too vague and a potential violation of the First Amendment.
Democrat Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told The Associated Press that he does not mind that the judge placed an injunction on the law. 
“There has been much concern and confusion about the law from the community,” he <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/judge-blocks-tennessee-law-protecting-children-from-viewing-sexually-explicit-performances">said</a>. “This will allow the court to clarify the scope, application, and constitutionality of the statute. It’s important to understand the scope of this law so that it doesn’t have a harmful effect on constitutionally protected expression.” 

 Leif Le Mahieu contributed to this report.

Concert musician Lizzo

Lizzo Showcases Several Drag Queens During All-Ages Tennessee Concert, Protesting New State Law Restricting ‘Adult Cabaret’ Performances In Front Of Children

Lizzo Showcases Several Drag Queens During All-Ages Tennessee Concert, Protesting New State Law Restricting 'Adult Cabaret' Performances From Children

Drag Queens

Lizzo

RuPaul’s Drag Race

Tennessee

U.S.

The annual <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/country-music" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Country</a> Music Television (CMT) Awards show Sunday night was infused with political messages from 29-year-old singer <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/kelsea-ballerini-claims-her-marriage-ended-when-morgan-evans-wanted-kids-while-she-pursued-egg-freezing-route" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kelsea Ballerini</a>, who co-hosted the ceremony alongside musician Kane Brown.
Ballerini performed on stage with <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/drag-queen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drag queens</a> from a reality TV show in an apparent rebuke of GOP-backed legislation. She also <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/country-music-artists-gun-control-870948/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">seemed to push gun control</a> measures while invoking the recent <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/graphic-bodycam-footage-shows-heroic-police-response-to-nashville-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">school shooting</a> in Nashville, Tennessee, perpetrated by a former student, a 28-year-old woman who identified as a man.
&#8220;If you go down, i’m going down too // thank you to these iconic queens,&#8221; Ballerini said on Twitter, captioning a photo of the performance. The &#8220;Half of My Hometown&#8221; singer also thanked Country Music Television (CMT) &#8220;for celebrating love, self expression, and performance.&#8221;
A GOP-backed law in Tennessee would ban drag queen performances for children and in public spaces where they could be viewed by minors. The law was set to take effect at the beginning of April but has been temporarily <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/judge-halts-tennessees-drag-ban-law-rcna77743" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blocked</a> by a federal judge.
Ballerini was joined on stage by four drag queens from the reality TV series &#8220;RuPaul&#8217;s Drag Race&#8221; while performing her hit single &#8220;If You Go Down (I&#8217;m Going Down Too).&#8221;
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if you go down, i’m going down too 🏳️‍🌈 // thank you to these iconic queens and <a href="https://twitter.com/manilaluzon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@manilaluzon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kennedyddoftx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kennedyddoftx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/janjanjan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@janjanjan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOliviaLux?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheOliviaLux</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/CMT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMT</a> for celebrating love, self expression, and performance.
📸 John Shearer <a href="https://twitter.com/GettyImages?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GettyImages</a> <a href="https://t.co/jZ3JTVI3ny">pic.twitter.com/jZ3JTVI3ny</a>
&mdash; Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) <a href="https://twitter.com/KelseaBallerini/status/1642740781482930176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the show, the co-host invoked the recent school shooting in Nashville, which left six dead, including three nine-year-old students, and seemed to push gun control measures.
“On March 27, 2023, three 9-year-olds — Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney, and Hallie Scruggs — along with Dr. Katherine Koonce, Cynthia Peak, and Mike Hill, walked into the Covenant School and didn&#8217;t walk out,” Ballerini <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kelsea-ballerini-honors-nashville-shooting-victims-dances-with-drag-race-queens-shania-twain-champions-all-inclusive-country-music-at-2023-cmt-awards-053237106.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. “The community of sorrow over this and the 130 mass shootings in the U.S. this year alone stretches from coast to coast.&#8221;
The singer said she witnessed a classmate, Ryan McDonald, be shot to death in her high school cafeteria.
<a class="c-link c-link--focus-visible" href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://onelink.to/dwapp" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-21465">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP</a>
&#8220;Tonight&#8217;s broadcast is dedicated to the ever-growing list of family&#8217;s friends, survivors, witnesses, and responders whose lives continue to forever be changed by gun violence,&#8221; she continued. &#8220;I pray deeply that the closeness and the community that we feel through the next few hours of music can soon turn into action — like, real action — that moves us forward together to create change for the safety of our kids and our loved ones.&#8221;
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Listen to this exquisite statement at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CMTMusicAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CMTMusicAwards</a> tonight by <a href="https://twitter.com/KelseaBallerini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KelseaBallerini</a>, a fellow Nashvillian 🎸who used her platform beautifully 😭
 <a href="https://t.co/39CIzgwQ1s">pic.twitter.com/39CIzgwQ1s</a>
&mdash; Dr. Joy Henningsen (@JoyHenningsenMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoyHenningsenMD/status/1642696629508505602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Ballerini, who recently divorced after five years of marriage, revealed in February that the marriage ended over the couple&#8217;s disagreement on having children. The singer wanted to wait and freeze her eggs so she could continue her career at full speed, while her now ex-husband, Morgan Evans, wanted children right away, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/kelsea-ballerini-claims-her-marriage-ended-when-morgan-evans-wanted-kids-while-she-pursued-egg-freezing-route" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Wire</a> reported.
“That was something that we had talked about early on, and that was something that I was changing on,” she said. &#8220;&#8216;Cause he was ready. He was like, ‘I don’t want to be an old dad,’ is what he kept saying. And I was like, ‘I’m not there yet, and I can’t do that to save this and give you something that I’m not ready for.&#8217;”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/the-glitter-wears-off-country-singer-explains-reason-for-divorcing-husband-of-5-years" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘The Glitter Wears Off’: Country Singer Explains Reason For Divorcing Husband Of 5 Years</a>

2023 CMT Music Awards

Country Star Performs With Drag Queens At CMT Award Show, Pushes Gun Control

Country Star Kelsea Ballerini Performs With Drag Queens At Country Music Awards

Country Music

Country singer

Gun Control

Daily Wire host Matt Walsh slammed the popular toy company Build-A-Bear on Thursday after it added a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/drag-queen">drag queen-</a>inspired teddy bear to its lineup.
The Missouri-based retailer is a big hit with kids around the nation. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/children">Children</a> visit Build-A-Bear store locations to customize stuffed animals tailored to their preferences, providing a one-of-a-kind experience. But this new teddy bear is not appropriate for young people.
RuPaul, a 62-year-old celebrity drag queen, announced a collaboration with the retailer Wednesday in an Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYZJXNpymz/">video</a>. The “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/rupauls-drag-race">Drag Race</a>” host unboxed a “gorgeous” pre-stuffed brown bear clothed in a gold one-shoulder gown. The bear also has gold eyeshadow, heavy eyeliner, red lipstick, and a blonde wig, plus high heels which can be purchased separately.
“I feel like a proud parent,” RuPaul said in the video. 
The new RuPaul doll is featured in a section of the Build-A-Bear website called The Bear Cave, which is “filled with unexpected collabs and unique plush gifts, intended for shoppers 18 and older.” But the doll is being promoted on the website’s landing page, which is accessible to children.
“Cover BEAR! Put the fur in your walk. Head to paw, let your whole body talk,” the RuPaul Bear product description says, referencing many “Drag Race” phrases.
“She done already done had herses — and now you can have yourses with your very own RuPaul Bear! Two iconic pop culture institutions join forces for this one-of-a-kind collector’s item made in tribute to the world’s most famous drag queen,” it says.
“Category is teddy bear realness with RuPaul Bear’s signature wig and gold sequin dress included. While this isn’t RuPaul’s Best Friend Race, RuPaul Bear is still sure to become your new best squirrel friend and TV watching partner.”
Daily Wire podcast host Matt Walsh called out the company for the new collab. 
<a class="c-link" href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://onelink.to/dwapp" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-11536">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP</a>
“Remember: there’s absolutely no agenda to groom your kids. Don’t be ridiculous. On an unrelated note, [Build-A-Bear] is selling a drag queen stuffed bear for children,” Walsh <a href="https://twitter.com/MattWalshBlog/status/1641525967477780481">tweeted</a> on Thursday.
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I&#39;m told that the bear is sold in a section of the site that&#39;s &quot;intended for 18+ shoppers.&quot; Except that they have the drag bear right on the front page, front and center, alongside the Easter merchandise.
&mdash; Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattWalshBlog/status/1641527618892603393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“I&#8217;m told that the bear is sold in a section of the site that&#8217;s ‘intended for 18+ shoppers.’ Except that they have the drag bear right on the front page, front and center, alongside the Easter merchandise,” he shared in a follow-up.

BUILD A BEAR

Matt Walsh Slams Build-A-Bear For Drag Queen Stuffed Teddy Bear

Children

Matt Walsh

Social Issues

Maren Morris just made an apology to &#8220;<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/lgbtq">LGBTQ+</a> members&#8221; on behalf of the entire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/country-music">country music</a> genre.
The 32-year-old singer became emotional during an appearance on the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/television">after-show</a>, “Untucked.”
“Coming from country music and its relationship with LGBTQ+ members, I just want to say I’m sorry,” Morris said in a video clip posted to the show’s Instagram page. “I love you guys for making me feel like a brave voice in country music. So I just thank you guys so much for inspiring me.”
Morris told the gathered group of drag performers that she was “going to cry” after expressing her feelings. Contestant Isabelle Brooks added, “Just you being here shows you’re an ally.”
Drag performer Spice chimed in, “I love hearing Maren share her story because a lot of times with country artists, they can’t really express their more progressive ideals. Just her being here shows she’s down to roll with the LGBT.”
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Recently, the “Chasing After You” singer got into a public spat with Jason Aldean’s wife, Brittany Aldean, over transgender policies, especially regarding the transition of minors. 
“I’d really like to thank my parents for not changing my gender when I went through my tomboy phase,” Brittany captioned her post. “I love this girly life.”
Morris called Brittany an “Insurrection Barbie” and told her to “not be a scumbag human” in reply to the post, setting off a back-and-forth that involved several other celebrities. 
The singer <a href="https://people.com/country/cmas-2022-maren-morris-skips-cmas-despite-nomination/">skipped</a> the 2022 Country Music Awards red carpet in November because she wasn’t “comfortable” attending. 
“I think there are people in country music that want it to be niche,” Morris <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/liberal-country-star-says-shes-not-comfortable-going-to-cma-awards-after-attacking-brittany-aldean-over-trans-post">explained</a> of her dilemma. “They don’t want it to expand. They don’t care about it becoming more inclusive. It’s theirs, and everyone else is an other, or woke, or whatever.”
Morris also criticized actress Candace Cameron Bure and her plans to “keep traditional marriage at the core” after leaving the Hallmark Channel for the Great American Family network. 
Instagram influencer Matt Bernstein <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/make-dj-gay-again-country-star-takes-time-out-from-feud-with-brittany-aldean-to-attack-candace-cameron-bure">shared</a> a post saying, in part, “You went decades without ever having to see an LGBTQ character on screen. Now, we’re in 1 out of 5 movies. Sorry if this disturbs you. Sending thoughts and prayers.”
Morris commented on it, saying, “Make DJ Gay Again,” referring to Bure’s “Full House” character.

57th Academy of Country Music Awards – Arrivals

Maren Morris Apologizes To ‘LGBTQ+ Members’ On Behalf Of Country Music During ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Appearance

Maren Morris Apologizes To 'LGBTQ+ Members' On Behalf Of Country Music During 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Appearance

Celebrities

Entertainment

LGBTQ

Television

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Kids and parents filled one of America’s oldest continuously operating children’s theatres last weekend for a professional performance of the classic “The Wizard of Oz” — only this showing of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/how-im-saving-the-childrens-book-genre" target="_blank" rel="noopener">children’s fantasy</a> contained a spin: a man in <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/drag-queen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drag</a>.
As play-goers waited patiently for the performance to start, young children voiced their excitement, especially about seeing the Wicked Witch of the West on stage.
 “I heard she flies on a broom,” one girl excitedly told her mother moments before the play began.
To the audience’s delight, the Wicked Witch soon appeared on stage, dressed in green with a broom in hand, but this Wicked Witch wasn’t the conventional character seen in the beloved children’s story. At the Nashville Children’s Theatre (NCT), the Wicked Witch was played by a drag-obsessed male actor in a dress, and some parents were not entertained.
“I never once ever thought, ‘You know what, maybe I should prescreen this play before I take my children to a children’s theatre,’” Kelley Judd, a Nashville-area homeschool mom, told The Daily Wire after she attended a previous showing of NCT’s “The Wizard of Oz.”
Judd explained that the children around her in the audience, including her daughter, reacted immediately after actor James Rudolph appeared on stage for the first time. “That’s a man! That’s a man!” they shouted.
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Executive Artistic Director Ernie Nolan — an award-winning playwright, director, and choreographer — cast James Rudolph as the Wicked Witch for the play geared toward elementary school audiences, telling The Daily Wire that Rudolph was the best fit for the role.
“We cast what we felt was the best actor in a role for our play. We had someone who we thought could do a fantastic job, he’s a fantastic actor, and we cast an actor in a role,” Nolan said.
Rudolph wore a form-fitting green dress, stilettos, and matching lipstick throughout the play, and some parents were appalled at what they saw as a push to normalize drag at a children’s theatre.
Nolan pushed back on any suspicions that NCT had a political agenda in its “Wizard of Oz” performance. He referenced British pantomime, ballet, and opera that “are presented to young people that use gender-blind casting.”
“We made our decision based on theatrical tradition and theatricality for the world that we had. That’s really what we were focused on at the time we were creating our play,” Nolan added.
Rudolph has been a professional performer for 15 years, according to his bio on the NCT <a href="https://www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org/teaching-artists-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> complete with “he/him” pronouns next to his name. The actor is also a teaching artist at NCT, helping young children explore acting at the theatre’s drama school that offers in-person day-long camps throughout the year. 
But what’s not advertised under Rudolph’s bio on NCT’s website is that he also hosts a profanity-laced podcast called “Gettin’ 2 The Drag,” a “drag queen read-view show” that Rudolph and two other hosts dedicate to analyzing “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The <a href="https://anchor.fm/gt2drag" target="_blank" rel="noopener">description</a> for the show’s latest episode reads, “60&#8217;s girl group challenge got us feeling supreme. Join the gang as they review RuPaul&#8217;s Drag Race, Season 14, Episode 8!”
The play&#8217;s director informed The Daily Wire that Rudolph hosting a drag queen podcast “didn’t have any influence” over his decision to cast Rudolph as the Wicked Witch. But casting a man in a dress isn’t the only way NCT has pushed boundaries on gender and sexuality.
A quick read through NCT’s drama school <a href="https://www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org/nct-drama-school">web page</a> reveals that the children’s theatre has fully bought into radical gender theory. NCT dedicates over 600 words on its website to “LGBTQ+ Support,” which states that “Students are allowed to use the bathroom that best matches their gender identity.”
NCT also says students may change their preferred pronouns or name during class sessions, and the theatre promises not to inform parents if their child uses a different gender identity if the parents don’t know or approve of their child making that decision.
“[I]f a student confides in us that they are not ‘out’ at home, we will protect a student’s confidentiality and use the names and pronouns that were listed on the student’s registration when communicating to grown-ups, but use the preferred names and pronouns during class/camp,” the <a href="https://www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org/nct-drama-school" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> states.
The performance was one of many showings of Dorothy and her fun-loving dog Toto running from November 17 through December 23 at the downtown Nashville theatre that has been in operation since 1931. Judd, who attended the play with a group called the Nashville Homeschool Calendar, praised the theatre for its past showings of classic plays for children that the homeschool group always looked forward to.
Nashville Homeschool Calendar leader Jennifer Chavez organizes the group’s field trips, and she also had high praise for the theatre’s past plays, but after hearing from parents like Judd who attended the performance, Chavez had other thoughts on NCT.
“Nashville Children’s Theatre is a location we have been going to for 10-plus years,” Chavez told The Daily Wire. “Over the last several years, they’ve started to get a little more liberal, but not to the extent of what happened at ‘The Wizard of Oz.’”
Chavez added that she’s heartbroken that NCT appears to be moving in a direction that normalizes radical gender theory, even in plays aimed at young children. The Nashville Homeschool Calendar planned on attending two more shows in the spring of 2023, but the group pulled their tickets after attending “The Wizard of Oz.”
“It’s very sad because for so long we couldn’t go with COVID, and it’s always been just a really well-loved fun location. They’ve done really great shows. Most of the time, they’re literature-based, and they’re just good, clean, and pure shows for our youth, and as time goes on, those things just seem to be harder and harder to find,” Chavez remarked.
The Nashville Homeschool Calendar said it will not be sending groups to the theatre after attending “The Wizard of Oz.” Judd said she called the theatre after seeing the performance and voiced her concerns, but she was disappointed with NCT’s response.
“I felt like my opinion was falling on deaf ears because they didn’t care,” she commented. “It was almost as if [they said] ‘haha got you.’ That’s how I felt.”

Wicked Witch

One Of America’s Longest-Running Children’s Theatres Casts Drag-Obsessed Man As Wicked Witch

Nashville

Readers Pass

“<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/rupauls-drag-race">RuPaul’s Drag Race</a>” is one of the most well-known, long-running <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/television">reality shows</a> in the history of the genre, and producers Randy Barbato And Fenton Bailey have some thoughts about why that is, giving credit to “Drag Race” for pulling <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/drag-queen">drag queens</a> into the mainstream and appealing to “families, kids, grandparents.”
The <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/entertainment">series</a> features a revolving cast of drag queens competing for the approval of the eponymous host. “Drag Race” received 11 Emmy nominations this year, putting it in the running to become the fifth most Emmy-winning TV show in history. 
It’s been on television for 14 seasons and spurred multiple spinoffs in that time. 
Bailey delved into the popularity of “Drag Race&#8221; with <a href="https://deadline.com/2022/08/rupauls-drag-race-randy-barbato-fenton-bailey-interview-emmys-1235093528/">Deadline</a>, boasting it comes at an “important time” in history. Conversations are heating up over the morality of drag shows, especially for young audiences, as drag becomes mainstream and gets promoted at <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ny-library-hosts-events-for-young-teens-to-learn-the-art-of-drag">local libraries</a>, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/desantis-makes-move-against-florida-bar-that-held-sexually-explicit-drag-shows-with-kids">restaurants</a>, and even <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/four-colorado-elementary-schools-dei-groups-teamed-up-to-promote-drag-queen-story-hour">public schools</a>.
“We are seeing an attempt to turn the clock back to stereotypical values,” Bailey says. “To a time when women weren’t empowered, when there wasn’t marriage equality — there’s been a huge sort of retrenchment. And this show is the antithesis of that, because the message of ‘Drag Race’ is: ‘Don’t be afraid to be yourself, be who you are.’”
The producer points out that even in Catholic-majority countries such as Italy and the Philippines, “Drag Race” is popular. He says it’s “a counterbalance to conservatism, bigotry, and homophobia, and all those other unpleasant things that make everyone’s life so unpleasant.”
Bailey goes on to claim that “drag is universal” and that while some consider it niche, he believes that everyone is participating in drag simply by getting dressed in any clothing. 
“In the past, people thought, ‘Oh, drag is great, but drag’s for the margins, drag’s a downtown thing.’ But, really, you’re born naked and the rest is drag,” he insists. “Everything you put on is some kind of statement of identity about yourself. It’s like kids in the attic playing dress-up. It’s as old as time and everybody’s done it.”
The “Drag Race” producer goes on to say drag is for everyone, including children. 
“‘Drag Race’ isn’t what I think it was originally perceived to be, which is a niche LGBTQ+ show. It isn’t. And that’s I think the secret of the success,” he says. 
“Because I don’t know if you’ve ever been to RuPaul’s DragCon, but you’ll see from the people there it’s not just LGBTQ+. I mean, obviously we’re queer and that’s our core being, but at DragCon you get families, kids, grandparents — it’s multi-generational and fun.”
Barbato agrees, saying “Drag Race” is “about love and self-expression and openness.” 
“It’s like we’re on a mission. &#8230; It does feel like we’re answering to a higher drag being,” he says.
Many critics are becoming concerned about the mainstream nature of drag culture, especially as it’s being marketed to children. They point out how the overly-sexualized performances are not appropriate for kids, especially as now some are being encouraged to participate. 
In June, a Dallas gay bar came under fire for hosting an afternoon drag show for children where kids were invited onstage and tipped performers in front of a neon sign bearing an obscene message, The Daily Wire originally <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dallas-gay-bars-drag-show-for-kids-obscene-sign-draws-angry-protests">reported</a>.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 Finale Party

‘Born Naked And The Rest Is Drag’: ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Producers Discuss Why The Show Is So Successful

'RuPaul's Drag Race' Producers Discuss Why The Show Is So Successful

Bryan Watkins, a former contestant on the reality show “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/rupauls-drag-race">RuPaul’s Drag Race</a>” and current performer in <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/las-vegas">Las Vegas</a>, is defending himself over a viral video clip that allegedly shows him stealing money from a woman’s purse.
The incident occurred at a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/drag-queen">Drag Brunch</a> event in Vegas where Watkins performs under the identity of “Shannel,” TMZ <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2022/08/18/rupaul-drag-race-queen-denies-stealing-money-vegas-guest/">reported</a>. A <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meggymomma/video/7132259564904254763">TikTok clip</a> showing the reality star reaching into a woman’s purse as part of a gag during the show has more than four million views as of Thursday, especially after the woman claimed Watkins pocketed her money without permission.
The publication says they spoke with Watkins and he claims he only took several dollars as a joke. But the alleged theft victim tells a different story. 
Megan Gerber said she had over $1,000 in her bag since she was there celebrating her birthday and accused the performer of taking out $700. The video does not make it clear how much money was actually taken. 
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A video posted to TikTok by Megan Gerber shows former “Drag Race” contestant Shannel, whose real name is Bryan Watkins, removing cash from a purse while the audience looks on. (2/8)<a href="https://t.co/IIahrEttv3">https://t.co/IIahrEttv3</a>
&mdash; Jay Valle (@OfficialJValle) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialJValle/status/1560060718690586630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Gerber shared details of what happened in a series of TikTok videos. Over the weekend, Gerber was at the Mexican-themed bar and grill franchise Señor Frogs, per <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/drag-performer-accused-stealing-700-audience-members-purse-rcna43618">NBC News</a>. Gerber claims that after the incident, Watkins asked her from the stage why she looked so upset. Gerber publicly accused Watkins of stealing her money, to which Watkins allegedly replied, “B****, please, I took a dollar.” 
“There were tables next to us that saw him take the wad of cash out of my wallet, and nobody told him he could go into my purse,” Gerber explains in one of the videos. She says she sought out the venue manager and later reported what happened to local authorities. 
Watkins alleges that the venue manager paid Gerber $700 cash in a good faith payment plus refunded her cost of admission, per TMZ.
Las Vegas police confirmed in an email to NBC News that they had received Gerber’s larceny report. A spokesperson said the case “will be turned over to that bureau or detective to do a followup or investigation.” 
Watkins posted an 11-minute Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChW-8pBFn5H/?hl=en">video</a> defending himself and further explaining the incident. The post, titled “In My Words,” includes the drag performer apologizing to Gerber and detailing how the whole thing was supposed to be a joke. 
While many commenters expressed their support, they also agreed that touching Gerber’s purse was a huge mistake.
“It’s common sense to not go into anyone [sic] personal belongings wether [sic] it’s a joke or not. That simple. I love and support drag queens but definitely feel some feel that they can get with things people normal can’t just because they’re a performer,” one follower shared.

VH1’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 10 Finale – Arrivals

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Contestant Denies Stealing $700 From Woman’s Purse After TikTok Video Goes Viral

'RuPaul's Drag Race' Contestant Denies Stealing $700 From Woman's Purse After TikTok Video Goes Viral

Las Vegas

Theft

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 <a href="https://waterloogreenway.org/rainbow-on-the-creek/">announcement</a> on the website boasted.
“The celebration will include 25+ activations by LGBTQIA+ nonprofits and partners, a Queer BIPOC and Latinx artisan &amp; craft market, gender-affirming care &amp; sexual health resources, and many more activities for the whole family,” the website added.
The event was sponsored by many <a href="https://stayhappening.com/e/rainbow-on-the-creek-%E2%80%94-free-family-friendly-pride-celebration-at-waterloo-park-E2ISUKTTVK9">organizations</a>, including Ascension Seton, a medical center in Austin that is a part of Ascension, a <a href="https://ascension.org/Our-Mission?_ga=2.67198550.635889550.1655221301-232102286.1655221301">Catholic health ministry</a>.
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Sponsors for this event include <a href="https://twitter.com/Google?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Google</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TitosVodka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TitosVodka</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/PNCBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PNCBank</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/HEB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HEB</a>. <a href="https://t.co/NG0Ly7IpxN">pic.twitter.com/NG0Ly7IpxN</a>
&mdash; Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) <a href="https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/1535868949782441984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“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 <a href="https://healthcare.ascension.org/">website</a> 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 <a href="https://www.ascension.org/Our-Mission/Diversity-and-Inclusion?_ga=2.227111069.1277243785.1655217701-1919750533.1655217701">stated</a>.
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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&#39;s health. 
This story is for subscribers. <a href="https://t.co/zxvT8N7AAX">https://t.co/zxvT8N7AAX</a>
&mdash; Austin Statesman (@statesman) <a href="https://twitter.com/statesman/status/1485960691135782914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A group named the “Hydrated Queer Kitties” just performed one of the most sexual dances of the night—
Over fifty children are in attendance. <a href="https://t.co/Nk3fc4q2g4">pic.twitter.com/Nk3fc4q2g4</a>
&mdash; Tayler Hansen 🇺🇸 (@TaylerUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TaylerUSA/status/1535787621447655424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“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,” <a href="https://pluralist.com/rainbow-on-the-creek-pride-event-hosts-family-friendly-drag-show-says-its-sponsored-by-google/">Pluralist</a> 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 &amp; 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 <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251084/catholic-education-expert-decries-drag-show-at-saint-josephs-university">Catholic News Agency</a>:
<blockquote>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. &#8230; authentic accompaniment demands that the truth of the human person, in all its beauty and complexity, be taught from a Catholic worldview.</blockquote>

Crucifix on bible, with copy space

Catholic Health Ministry Sponsors Texas Drag Queen Event Which Children Attended

Catholic Church

Texas

Speaker of the House <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a> (D-CA) called it “an honor” to make a guest appearance on the most recent episode of the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/drag-queen">drag queen</a> show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
The show follows previous drag competition winners in a “tournament of champions,” premiered on May 20.
“It was an honor to make an appearance on episode 5 of @RuPaulsDragRace All Stars 7 this week,” Pelosi said. “I was inspired by the contestants because they know their power. Their freedom of expression is what America is all about.”
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It was an honor to make an appearance on episode 5 of <a href="https://twitter.com/RuPaulsDragRace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RuPaulsDragRace</a> All Stars 7 this week. I was inspired by the contestants because they know their power. Their freedom of expression is what America is all about. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrideMonth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrideMonth</a> <a href="https://t.co/d5D7wubRKp">pic.twitter.com/d5D7wubRKp</a>
&mdash; Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/1535801416035475456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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During her appearance, Pelosi told the contestants she was proud of them and thanked them “for the joy and beauty [they] bring to the world.”
“Your freedom of expression of yourselves in drag is what America is all about,” the House speaker added. “I say that all the time to my friends in drag.”
Pelosi then joked with the drag queens about her &#8220;shady sarcastic&#8221; clapping during former President Donald Trump&#8217;s 2019 State of the Union Address. &#8220;It was completely unintentional,&#8221; Pelosi said to laughs.
Pelosi&#8217;s appearance on the &#8220;RuPaul&#8217;s Drag Race&#8221; comes as many parents and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/really-deranged-texas-rep-crenshaw-blasts-dallas-gay-bars-obscene-kids-drag-show">politicians</a> across the country voice their <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/indiana-town-cancels-family-friendly-drag-show-after-being-exposed-by-libs-of-tiktok">anger</a> over drag-themed <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/texas-lawmaker-to-introduce-legislation-to-defend-children-from-being-subjected-to-drag-shows">events</a> being targeted toward children.
The <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/nancy-pelosi-to-appear-in-drag-queen-show">appearance</a> wasn’t Pelosi’s first on a drag queen show. She was also on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2018. “This idea of people believing in themselves, being themselves, taking pride in themselves, is not just a lesson for politicians but for everyone in the country. And that’s why I was so excited and couldn’t resist being on the show,” Pelosi <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/nancy-pelosi-previews-her-drag-race-visit-talks-potus-trump-is-lip-syncing-his-policies-1093072/">told</a> The Hollywood Reporter after her first appearance.
The 82-year-old House speaker also tweeted about her cameo on the show in 2018, writing, “All I can say is, you betta werk! Had a fabulous time with @RuPaul and good luck to all the queens.”
Some considered Pelosi’s 2018 appearance on the show to be a publicity stunt, since at the time Trump was attempting to block transgender people from serving in the military. Trump’s <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/pentagon-issues-strict-transgender-policy-paul-bois">rule</a> went into effect in 2019, but was later <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-biden-repeals-trump-ban-on-military-funding-for-sex-reassignment-surgeries">repealed</a> by the Biden administration.
Pelosi also took a political angle on her most recent appearance as she encouraged people to vote. “With the midterm elections coming up, it’s very important for people to make their voices and their vote heard,” she said.

Nancy Pelosi

‘What America Is All About’: Nancy Pelosi Calls It ‘An Honor’ To Appear On Drag Queen Show

Nancy Pelosi Calls It 'An Honor' To Appear On Drag Queen Show

Congress

Donald Trump

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will appear in drag queen show &#8220;RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,&#8221; according to a Paramount+ announcement Friday.
The show premiers on May 20, and follows previous drag competition winners in a “tournament of champions,” The Hill <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/now/pelosi-rupaul-drag-race-appearance-012000361.html">reported</a> Friday. Pelosi appeared in a commercial for the show for only a few seconds where she is seen asking “Can I get an amen?” which is one of the host&#8217;s iconic <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nancy-pelosi-rupauls-drag-race_n_6263af75e4b0197ae3f5e8c2">lines</a>.
It won’t be the first appearance for Pelosi on the show. She was also on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2018. “This idea of people believing in themselves, being themselves, taking pride in themselves, is not just a lesson for politicians but for everyone in the country. And that’s why I was so excited and couldn’t resist being on the show,” Pelosi <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/nancy-pelosi-previews-her-drag-race-visit-talks-potus-trump-is-lip-syncing-his-policies-1093072/">told</a> The Hollywood Reporter after her first appearance.
<iframe loading="lazy" title="RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 Exclusive First Look!" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YozpDMbdaEY?start=106&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
“You’re an inspiration ― I hope you know ― because you really know your power,” Pelosi told the drag queens on the show, <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nancy-pelosi-rupauls-drag-race_n_6263af75e4b0197ae3f5e8c2">according</a> to Huffington Post. “It’s about taking pride. And that’s what you do ― take pride in yourselves.”
The 82-year-old House speaker also tweeted about her cameo on the show in 2018, writing, &#8220;All I can say is, you betta werk! Had a fabulous time with @RuPaul and good luck to all the queens.&#8221;
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All I can say is, you betta werk! Had a fabulous time with <a href="https://twitter.com/RuPaul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RuPaul</a> and good luck to all the queens. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DragRace?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DragRace</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZrJDyDmuVh">https://t.co/ZrJDyDmuVh</a>
&mdash; Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/954086505793966080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Some considered Pelosi’s 2018 appearance on the show to be a publicity stunt as former President Donald Trump tried to block transgender people from serving in the military. Trump&#8217;s <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/pentagon-issues-strict-transgender-policy-paul-bois">rule</a> went into effect in 2019, but was later <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-biden-repeals-trump-ban-on-military-funding-for-sex-reassignment-surgeries">repealed</a> by the Biden administration.
&#8220;President Joe Biden repealed a Trump-era executive order barring people who identify as transgender from serving in the military in most cases, as well as preventing military funding from paying for sex reassignment surgeries,&#8221; The Daily Wire&#8217;s Tim Pearce reported in January 2021.
At the time of her first appearance on the drag queen show, Pelosi was asked what her drag name would be, but she said she hadn’t considered it, The Hill <a href="https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/377439-pelosi-after-ru-pauls-drag-race-i-think-politicians-could-learn-from-drag/">reported</a>.
Politicians appear on TV shows often, but Pelosi’s drag show cameo is a different strategy than what most politicians use to get on TV.
In March, Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacy Abrams (D) appeared on “Star Trek” to the excitement of the show’s producers and actors, The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/star-trek-showrunner-gushes-about-stacey-abrams-cameo-cant-think-of-anyone-better-to-represent-the-president-of-earth">reported</a>.
“I’m still floored when I think about Stacey gracing us with her presence in our Season 4 finale,” actress Sonequa Martin-Green told <a href="https://deadline.com/2022/03/stacey-abrams-star-trek-discovery-cameo-president-season-finale-sonequa-martin-green-michelle-paradise-1234980833/">Deadline</a>. “We spent so much of our time fanning out and pretending to be cool in her midst.”
Abrams is reportedly a huge “Star Trek” fan and appeared in season 4 of the series as the “president of Earth.” “She’s one of the most prominent ‘Star Trek’ fans in the public eye. She’s spoken at length about how much she reveres Kathryn Janeway and that ‘Voyager’ is her favorite ‘Trek’ show,” IndieWire <a href="https://www.indiewire.com/2022/03/how-stacey-abrams-joined-star-trek-discovery-as-earth-president-1234708679/">reported</a>.

Nancy Pelosi To Appear In Drag Queen Show

Hollywood

The classic “Brady Bunch” television show is being revamped for a special episode involving television personalities from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Described by “<a href="https://www.today.com/popculture/brady-bunch-kids-re-create-classic-episode-rupaul-drag-race-t223639">Today</a>” as “the wholesome suburban family meets drag queen crossover we never knew we needed,” the special Paramount+ event will be named &#8220;Dragging the Classics: The Brady Bunch” and was announced on Wednesday.
According to “Today,” “Five of the original ‘Brady’ kids (Barry Williams, Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland, Eve Plumb and Susan Olsen) will be joining ‘RuPaul&#8217;s Drag Race’ favorites to re-create the episode ‘Will the Real Jan Brady Please Stand Up?’”
<a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/rupaul-drag-race-brady-bunch-1234972563/">The Hollywood Reporter</a> noted that the “special promises to ‘make and break pop culture history’ as it reunites The Brady Bunch original cast members alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race favorites as they recreate the 1971 episode…The event will use ‘state-of-the-art technology to transport the cast into the original Brady house.’”
The show is meant to be a celebration of “Pride” month when LGBTQ+ rights and issues take center-stage in the United States via corporate promotions and entertainment events during the month of June.
A few of the original stars will make an appearance in the special, but some will be supplemented by others from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Deadline <a href="https://deadline.com/2021/06/rupauls-drag-race-brady-bunch-crossover-paramount-mtv-1234779843/">reported</a>:
<blockquote>Set to drop Wednesday, June 30 exclusively on Paramount+, Dragging The Classics: The Brady Bunch will see Barry Williams, Christopher Knight and Mike Lookinland play Mike Brady, Peter Brady and Bobby Brady, respectively. Eve Plumb and Susan Olsen will also return as Lucy and Margie, respectively.
Filling the gaps are Drag Race superstars. All Stars 5 winner Shea Couleé will appear as Marcia Brady, Drag Race season six winner Bianca Del Rio as Carol Brady, Ben DeLaCreme as Greg Brady and Kylie Sonique Love as Jan Brady. Additional participating Drag Race queens are Nina West as Alice and Kandy Muse as Cindy Brady.
The special will also feature appearances from RuPaul as Wig Attendant and Michelle Visage as Helen.</blockquote>
&#8220;RuPaul’s Drag Race&#8221; is a reality competition show that involves “queens” dressing in drag. This is not the first “wholesome” television show to be infiltrated with gay rights topics, and not even the first to be in a show geared at children and families.
As The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/nickelodeon-ratings-crash-amid-lgbtq-push">reported</a>, shows on Nickelodeon have recently taken up LGBTQ themes and incorporated queer issues into shows aimed at children. “[B]oth Nickelodeon and its preschool-targeted network, Nick Jr., have released videos championing ‘trans,’ ‘queer,’ and ‘pansexual’ inclusion,” The Daily Wire noted.
The network potentially took a ratings hit, however, as parents might not be eager to allow their children to hear about sexual orientation issues through television at a young age.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.piratesandprincesses.net/viacom-struggles-with-paramount-and-nickelodeon-while-disney-pulls-away/">Pirates and Princesses</a>, a popular entertainment site specializing in Disney-related news, reports Nickelodeon YouTube videos were ‘downvoted to such a degree that they’ve now hidden the ratio.’ The site also says the network has seen a major decline in viewers since it began overtly pushing the LGBTQ agenda to its young viewers,” per The Daily Wire.
Disney recently took a similar step to expand its content, “following in competitor Nickelodeon’s footsteps and planning an LGBTQ virtual concert for children in honor of Pride month. Like Nick Jr.’s ‘Blues Clues and You’ drag queen <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/childrens-show-blues-clues-features-pride-parade-cartoon-drag-queen-children-explaining-pride-flags">parade</a>, the event will be hosted by Andrew Levitt, whose stage name is Nina West, as well as perennial kid-favorite Kermit the Frog,” The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/disney-partners-drag-queen-with-kermit-the-frog-to-host-lgbtq-pride-concert">reported</a>.

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‘Brady Bunch’ To Recreate Episode With RuPaul, ‘Drag Race’ Cast For Pride Month Special

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As both lives and livelihoods are lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, the popular game show &#8220;The Price Is Right&#8221; donated nearly $100,000 for the abortion giant Planned Parenthood in the latest primetime special “<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/entertainment/tv" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Price is Right At Night.</a>”
&#8220;The longest-running game show in television history aired Monday evening with regular host Drew Carey joined by Emmy-winning host of &#8216;RuPaul’s Drag Race,&#8217; RuPaul,&#8221; reports <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/price-is-right-planned-parenthood-donation-debate">Fox News</a>. &#8220;The famous drag queen was on hand to help raise money for charity, with the show promising to match all the contestants&#8217; prize winnings with a donation to Planned Parenthood.&#8221;
&#8220;Contestants won big during the special, totaling $97,266 in prizes,&#8221; the report continued. &#8220;This meant that the same dollar amount is now going to the organization as a charitable donation.&#8221;
RuPaul has long been an outspoken supporter of Planned Parenthood. In 2017, he even told <a href="https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/q-and-a/a25674/rupaul-interview-drag-race-season-nine/">Marie Claire</a> magazine that his mother used to work there.
&#8220;Women in our culture have been so marginalized and so really beaten down. We live in a masculine-dominated culture,&#8221; he said. &#8220;How dare some man tell a woman what to do with her body. That is outrageous! Outrageous. As a human, that is a big issue for me that really strikes a chord. My mother, she had never really had a job before. Planned Parenthood represented so much freedom for us. For me to watch her blossom into a working woman and self-sufficient after this sort of system of being married to a man and staying home, after that façade fell apart, she built herself back up. In my heart, it represents so much strength, and I think it&#8217;s a very important organization.&#8221;
As noted by Fox News, people on social media were largely upset that &#8220;The Price is Right&#8221; waded into such polarizing political waters.
&#8220;I went to watch the price is rights night time special with RuPaul&#8230;but&#8230;.his charity was planned parenthood. They lost this viewer. #TRUMP2020,&#8221; said on Twitter user.
&#8220;The Price is Right at Night is raising money for the &#8216;charity&#8217; Planned Parenthood. Are you kidding me??? Wow&#8230; #whatisthisworldcomingto,&#8221; said another user.
&#8220;Tell me I’m wrong but The Price is Right is a disgrace.  They raised $97,000+ for Planned Parenthood with their evening show tonight.  How many lives will be lost because if this?  They celebrate the deaths,&#8221; said another.
Abortion advocates <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/cbs-news-op-ed-covid-19-abortion-restrictions-are-a-public-health-crisis">have been stressing</a> the importance of the grisly practice since the outset of the pandemic, arguing that certain states have used the lockdown as a vehicle to enact a post-Roe v. Wade society.
“Abortion is an essential component of comprehensive health care. It is also a time-sensitive service for which a delay of several weeks, or in some cases days, may increase the risks or potentially make it completely inaccessible,” the New York Times Editorial Board argued in March. “The consequences of being unable to obtain an abortion profoundly impact a person’s life, health and well-being.”
The historic $2 trillion stimulus bill passed by Congress provided no relief funds for abortion providers. At the time, Alexis McGill Johnson, acting president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, denounced President Donald Trump and the GOP for not allowing abortion clinics to benefit from the package.
“It has become shamefully clear that not even a global pandemic will stop the Trump administration or Republican Congressional leaders from attacking access to reproductive care,” said McGill Johnson in a <a href="https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/pressroom/senate-covid-19-response-package-leaves-much-to-be-done-for-our-families-and-public-health-response">statement</a>. “Our leaders should be working to support the nation’s full network of safety-net health care providers during these uncertain times. Instead, the Senate bill targets Planned Parenthood and expands the harmful and discriminatory Hyde amendment, putting up even more barriers to care for women, people with low incomes, and communities of color.”
The Daily Wire, headed by bestselling author and popular podcast host Ben Shapiro, is a leading provider of conservative news, cutting through the mainstream media’s rhetoric to provide readers the most important, relevant, and engaging stories of the day. Get inside access to The Daily Wire by becoming a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/subscribe">member</a>.

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‘The Price Is Right’ Donates Nearly $100k To Abortion Giant Planned Parenthood

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