Democratic Sen. Reggie Thomas hopes to further pare down language in Senate Bill 115, which originally sought to place tight restrictions on where drag shows can be performed. The latest version of the bill focuses more on whether kids could be present — and puts drag performers at risk of criminal charges for doing shows in publicly-owned spaces or anywhere a child may be present.
Esper Jett, who identifies as genderqueer and uses she/them pronouns, produces a drag and variety show in Frankfort. She says there are already a number of regulations the shows have to follow, and the legislation goes too far.
"When we do child-friendly shows, like prides and stuff, there is a limit on what music we can have. There's a limit on our costuming. They check, before we go out, to make sure nothing we're wearing will be inherently exposed."Esper Jett, drag and variety show producer
Under the current bill, the rules would apply to "sexual explicit" shows involving male or female impersonators. Just what counts as explicit is a topic of debate.
Thomas' amendment ensures that participants in theatre or dance performances — including children's shows — may portray a gender "different from their gender at birth."
