During the Levelland City Council meeting held on June 15, the council heard citizens' opinions on the upcoming drag show event to be held in Levelland.
The drag show was announced on Facebook earlier this month, hosted by a local organization called ‘Take Up Space, Sis,’ and features performances by drag performers from the Lubbock area. The free event is set to be held at Levelland City Park on June 26 to commemorate Pride Month.
Following the announcement, many Levelland community members expressed extreme opposition to such an event being held in a public space. Many cited concerns over exposing children to sexually explicit and inappropriate content and began calling on the city to cancel the event under Texas Senate Bill 12.
Circulating online were claims that the city might revoke permits for the event; however, organizers of the event cited that, because it was reserved as a free public park gathering, no additional permits were required under existing park reservation procedures. Some speculated that an attempt by the city to stop the event could result in a civil rights lawsuit.
Still, online discourse regarding the event continued, with defenses from both opposing and supporting sides. Event organizers have an ongoing petition on Facebook, which had 1065 verified signatures, as of Wednesday. Meanwhile, city officials refused to comment on the issue, awaiting guidance from the city attorney.
Monday’s city council meeting held its public comment period allowing community members to make their opinions heard.
Most comments were in opposition, with the most common sentiments expressed being that the council had a resposibility to protect children, and that if the city blocked the event and faced a lawsuit, the community would back the decision.
“Never be afraid of getting sued for doing the right thing,” said community member Dan Patterson, a comment that was applauded and cited afterward by other commenters.
One community member, Gary Bridges, stated that he was “not out after a particular lifestyle, but was concerned for the kids.”
“I’m just gonna say that there’s no way to protect kids from being exposed to sexually inappropriate behavior and situations at such an event. I’m asking the council to protect our children,” said Bridges.
Several commenters in opposition brought posters and packets meant to demonstrate the sexual nature of drag performances, the repercussions of child exposure to drag shows, along with the non-legality of public celebrations and displays of sexuality.
Many expressed specific concern over the fact that kids were invited to attend the performance on the poster. “Kids will be drawn in and may have questions and receive answers they don’t need to know,” said one community member.
Some also expressed religious opposition, citing Bible scriptures from Revelation and John and asking that the council uphold “God’s moral standard.”
Advocates cited the legality of the event and the importance of connection, while also expressing disappointment in the division that the issue had created within the Levelland community.
“Each group should be allowed to celebrate itself. All-age drag shows are legal. The Constitution states Congress shall not abridge freedom of the press, speech, or the right to peaceable assembly,” said one community member.
Event organizers Leandra Timmons and Ariana Salinas were in attendance, each giving comments expressing that their organization was aimed at creating community unity, as opposed to divisions, as well as the intention of the performers to adhere to the strictest guidelines of conduct during the event.
“I’ve worked with youth, and I have seen how critical community, belonging, and unity are,” said Timmons. “Kids are welcome to the event, not targeted. Our intention was not to exclude anyone due to childcare needs. This event is subject to the same rules as other community events. No one needs to attend or support it.” Salinas expressed a similar sentiment, asking the community to treat one another with dignity. “Attend or don’t; that is your right.”
Following the public comment period, the council held a discussion with City Manager James Fisher and City Attorney Slater Elza regarding the issue, focusing mainly on the possibility of revising special events and public facilities reservation policies along with the legal implications of preventing the event from taking place.