In the latest instance of an unsettling trend observed during recent months, a Salt Lake City drag show has been cancelled after the arrival of armed protestors outside the event. The group identified themselves as the Salt Lake City chapter of the Proud Boys. The larger Proud Boys organization has become infamous to many due to its involvement with the January 6 insurrection.
Speaking to The Advocate, host and drag performer Tara Lipsyncki shared that protestors had begun threatening the show online last summer, but this was the first time they showed up in person. While standing outside the venue, the group harassed attendees of the show and yelled homophobic slurs, and at least one semi-automatic rifle and handgun was witnessed.
While the LGBTQ community has been no stranger to protests by religious or extreme right-wing organizations during social gatherings, these displays have typically been shrugged off without impeding festivities. However, in the wake of recent violent events like the Club Q attack in Colorado Springs, event hosts have had to reconsider guest safety from a heightened perspective. This led to the difficult decision to cancel the event.
“Because of everything we experienced on Friday, I’m afraid we’re going to have to pause and step back to regroup,” Lipsyncki stated. “Unfortunately, they won one battle, but we will win the war.”
Recent protests of drag shows, accompanied by anti-LGBTQ rhetoric being spread across various media outlets, is particularly frustrating to many during a time when actual dangerous occurrences are plaguing the country daily. For example, by late January 2023, 39 mass shootings have occurred in the U.S., but little protest is being enacted by majority groups to solve this alarming epidemic.
While this time may feel uncertain for many in the queer community, drag shows represent freedom of expression, unity in joyous celebration, and the courage to simply be whomever we would like to be as we move through our lives. Let’s continue lending our support to our performers and safe space establishments.
Image courtesy of social media.
