Kentucky Senate Bill 115 tests the nature of drag shows, locales

CAPE GIRAREAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Kentucky Senate Bill 115 is a bill that has provisions to prevent drag performances within 1,000 feet of parks, libraries, schools, and more.  

Tara Marcum, a member of Paducah Pride’s Leadership Committee, who is not a drag performer but a supporter, says the bill feels like an attack.  

“I think it’s an attack, and it’s an attack on a population that’s already vulnerable; we are, we are not a threat to anyone,” said Marcum.

Marcum says that many of the drag events are geared toward businesses that require patrons to be at least 21 years of age. 

Which means children are not present and the bars host these events for the people who want them and are supporters.  

“The amount of love and support that the audience gives to them, that’s because they want to be there on the night that the performance is happening, and they want to support the queens and kings that are performing.” 

Marcum says that if a drag performer is doing shows for all ages, they are professionals and change their acts to suit the crowds.  

“They’re probably going to dress in a beautiful head–to-toe gown covering everything [and] dressed in makeup, what is wrong with that? What is wrong with someone dressing up anything other than who they are representative,” asked Marcum.

Right now, Senate Bill 115 is in the Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection Committee.