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Jenny Goldsberry, Social Media Producer


NextImg:Democratic representative condemns Defense Department's drag show cancellation


Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) wrote a follow-up letter to the Department of Defense Tuesday regarding the now-canceled drag show at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

The base was slated to host the show on the first day of Pride Month until Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, reportedly intervened. The base last hosted a Pride Month drag show in June 2021, named “Drag-u-Nellis.” At the time, a spokesperson claimed that the event was sponsored by a private organization.

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"The show was intended to serve as a family-friendly event to recognize the importance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender service members and civilian personnel, and was to occur without federal appropriated or non-appropriated funds," Garcia wrote of the canceled show. "I note with alarm that this cancellation occurred amid rising attacks by extremist forces, including elected officials, on both the LGBTQ+ Community, Drag Performers, and on the United States Military."


Garcia went on to describe a drag performance as a "legitimate art form" and pointed to instances in American history where similar performances were hosted by the military, as they were in both world wars. The first-term congressman, who is also the first openly gay immigrant representative, suggested that events such as a drag show are meant to "boost morale, strengthen esprit de corp, and celebrate the unique interests and diversity of our service members." He would also go on to give a speech on the House floor in commemoration of drag queen RuPaul Charles.

To Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Garcia directed questions that included whether or not any appropriated taxpayer funds were involved, what specific department resources were to be expended on the show, and what other forms of "comedic entertainment" face similar bans in the military.

Meanwhile, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) celebrated the cancellation on Twitter, calling it a "huge victory" at the time.

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"Drag shows should not be taking place on military installations with taxpayer dollars PERIOD!" Gaetz tweeted.

Department of Defense deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told the Washington Examiner that the performance did not meet "certain criteria" for those in a non-federal capacity in order "to use DoD facilities and equipment."