Is It Wrong?

Drag is not my thing but I don’t hate it, I’m just not interested in watching it. However, I don’t think it should be banned from a Pride parade.

Scotish Pride Event Bans Drag Queens To Avoid Offending Trans People
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By Matthew Tharrett
July 20, 2015

A Pride event in Scotland is facing backlash after banning drag queen performances because they may be offensive to transgender and non-binary people in attendance.

Free Pride Glasgow, an “anti-commercialist” alternative event to the city’s main Pride event, announced the decision in a statement that claimed some transgender individuals had expressed their discomfort with drag performance because they feel it mocks gender identity.

I have to agree that Pride has turned into a corporate event that pushes beer but I don’t think they should ban drag queens. The article has part of the statement from the organizers,
The statement reads in part:

After much discussion, the trans and non binary caucus decided not to have drag acts perform at the event.
…
The decision was taken by transgender individuals who were uncomfortable with having drag performances at the event. It was felt that it would make some of those who were transgender or questioning their gender uncomfortable. It was felt by the group within the Trans/Non Binary Caucus that some drag performance, particularly cis drag, hinges on the social view of gender and making it into a joke, however transgender individuals do not feel as though their gender identity is a joke. This can particularly difficult for those who are not out and still present as the gender they were assigned at birth.

While it was discussed whether we could have trans drag acts perform, it was agreed that as it would not be appropriate to ask any prospective drag acts whether or not they identified as trans. It was therefore decided that having no drag acts perform would be the best option as it would mean no-one would feel pressured to out themselves. This also adheres to our Safer Spaces Policy, where we ask that no-one assume anyone else’s gender identity, and to always ask people’s pronouns.

It is not just a black and white, I can understand that some people do not like drag and I can also understand that some think of it as a form of “blackface.” There are similarities but there is also differences and the question is does the differences outweigh the similarities.

What do you think?

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