Two-time Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon has condemned Republican senators for approving an anti-drag bill in Tennessee.
Although the legislation does not explicitly reference a “drag show”, it expands the definition of adult cabaret to include “adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors”.
It then proceeds to restrict adult cabaret from taking place on public property, or in a location where minors could see it.
“We don’t want to have the door open that they can go see advertent nudity and sexual acts or the depiction of sexual acts,” said Republican Sen. Becky Massey. “I’m sorry, that’s not what Tennessee is about.”
It passed through the Senate by a vote of 26-6 16 February, with only Democrats opposing.
A debate about it is scheduled to take place in the Tennessee House on 23 February.
“We are fighting an uphill battle as a direct result of the progress we have made”
After learning about the bill, Jinkx took to social media to share her disgust at it.
“Last night my heart was broken as I learned that Tennessee’s anti-drag/trans bill passed,” they wrote. “I really had more faith.”
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Jinkx said she is “tired” of having to “educate” people on LGBTQ+ issues “so they stop following misinformation like sheep.”
“We are fighting an uphill battle as a direct result of the progress we have made – and the insidious efforts of the conservative right (and well, ALL Republicans at this point, you f**king evil cowards). I want to be angry, and yell, and scream,” she continued.
“I wanna dismantle every press outlet that continues to give a resounding voice to vitriol and bigotry.”
READ MORE: Jinkx Monsoon on her Drag Race All Stars 7 victory and “ridiculous” new series Sketchy Queens
Jinkx recently became the first drag performer to take on the role of Matron ‘Mama’ Morton in Chicago on Broadway.
Her performance has been met with critical acclaim from both audiences and critics alike, with her appearance bringing LGBTQ+ representation to the mainstream.
She recently made history as the first contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race to win more than one season, emerging victorious from season five of the US series and season seven of the All Stars edition.
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