An upcoming "Pride Drag Show" at a public park in Jackson, Tennessee – set for the evening of October 8 – is drawing public opposition from the likes of an elected state representative and other community leaders. Among the groups voicing opposition to the event is the Madison-Chester & Crockett Associations of Baptists.
Larry Murphy, executive director of the group, tells AFN it brings the usual filth of a drag show to a public park … with children in tow.
"It's totally unbiblical, un-Christian, against God's will and his Word," he states, "and we just would like for it to be canceled; or at least moved to a non-public place where not everyone has to be a part of it if they don't want to be."
In a letter to Jackson's mayor, Scott Conger, the Baptist group points out an existing state law prohibits adult-oriented entertainment in a public park – and urges the mayor to "find a way" to cancel the event:
"This kind of hedonistic even confuses our children," says the letter. "It is demeaning to our young girls and dangerous to our young men. Its purpose is for the 'grooming' and 'queering' of our sons and daughters to the LGBTQ agenda."
In contrast, the host of the event – a performer who goes by the name "Bella DuBalle" – describes drag as "just an art form" and "playing dress up" … and the event as family-friendly.
Murphy shares that, thus far, all they've been able to discern is that the event might be moved to a "non-public place." When asked what non-public place would be appropriate, he replied there is no such place.
"But at least [we'd like it moved] to a place where not everyone has to be exposed to it and where not everyone has to try to explain to their children what's taking place and what's wrong with that and why is this okay," he explains.
While Murphy says people have already been contacting the mayor's office, he encourages more to do so until an equitable solution is reached.
According to WBBJ-TV, an ABC affiliate in Jackson, this would be the third annual pride festival in the community. The Jackson TN Pride website states the group is a community project fund of the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation.
