Mineshaft - FIGHT OHIO HB249 Drag Fundraiser - Saturday May 9More Details to Come Soon!
About the bill:
Ohio House Bill 249 would essentially ban drag performances in any location where a minor “could” be present. Further, the language of the bill makes it illegal for any “adult cabaret performance” to take place in such spaces, which would include:
- Go-go dancers;
- Performers or entertainers who exhibit a gender identity that is
different from the performer’s or entertainer’s biological sex
using clothing, makeup, prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts,
or other physical markers; [or]
- Other similar performers or entertainers who provide
entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest.
What constitutes an “obscene” performance or display under this bill is recklessly characterized and would be an attack against drag performances and, potentially, self expression. The law would make it illegal for a performance that “featured performers or entertainers who exhibit a gender identity that is different from the performer’s or entertainer’s biological sex using clothing, makeup, prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts, or other
physical markers,” to occur in selected spaces. This means both drag queen and/or king performances could be outlawed, or heavily scrutinized to the point where queer spaces would struggle to be able to host them because of legal actions.
Further, the law is carelessly written and does not well define some of the proposed “illegalities” and could result in prosecution of individuals who jog in a sports bra, partake in cheerleading performances, or cause problems for wearing various types of swimwear. This is especially problematic for our transgender brothers and sisters, who could be targeted by this legislation.
For Ohio’s queer community, this could be a highly impactful law that infringes on queer spaces, the right to freedom of expression, and artistic performances we all enjoy. Please take a moment to support this fight and learn about this latest attack against the queer community.
Event Venue
1105 Poland Avenue, Youngstown, OH, United States, Ohio 44502
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
