Actor Kevin Bacon has gone viral after he posted a video on his Instagram account in protest of the drag bans in the United States. Since the start of the year, dozens of bills have been filed in different states across America, with the aim of restricting drag performances. Last month, Tennessee passed its bill into law, barring "adult cabaret performances" on public property or in places where they might be within view of children. The bill bans "male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers." Violators may face misdemeanor or even felony charges.
In response to this, Kevin Bacon has become the latest celebrity to speak out on the issue. On Sunday, 23 April, he posted a video of him and his wife, Kyra Sedgwick, dancing to Taylor Swift's song "Karma" while wearing T-shirts with the slogan "Drag is an art and drag is a right." The video has been viewed 1.3 million times at the time of writing.
The Tennessee Drag Ban
Tennessee passed a law last month which bans “male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers”. The new law bars “adult cabaret performances” on public property or in places where they might be within view of children. Violators of the law may face misdemeanor or even felony charges. The law, which was signed into effect in March 2023, has received criticism from the public and has sparked debates on the topic of creative expression.
Kevin Bacon’s Response
Kevin Bacon and his wife, the actor Kyra Sedgwick, have taken a stand against this law by making a video that promotes drag performance as an art form and a right. On Sunday, 23 April, Bacon posted a video of him and his wife dancing to Taylor Swift’s song “Karma” while wearing t-shirts with the slogan “Drag is an art and drag is a right”. In the video, which has been viewed over 1.3 million times, Bacon wrote: “Drag bans are bad karma. Right now, drag performers and the LGBTQIA+ community need our help.”
Bacon also encouraged people to support the #SixDegreesOfKB campaign by tapping the link in his bio. The campaign supports the ACLU Drag Defense Fund in their efforts to protect creative expression and the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. By taking part in the campaign, people can make a gift and help support the cause.
Lizzo’s Defiance
US artist Lizzo recently defied Tennessee’s controversial drag ban by welcoming drag performers on stage during her concert in Knoxville. Several RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni joined the Grammy winner’s show on Friday, 21 April, at the Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville. Addressing thousands of fans in the crowd, Lizzo noted that she received requests to cancel her shows in Tennessee following Gov Bill Lee’s ban on public drag performances.
While the ban was signed into law in March, a federal judge has since put a temporary hold on the ban citing First Amendment issues. Many people, including celebrities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, have expressed their concerns about the law and its potential impact on freedom of expression and creativity.
Why is Kevin Bacon protesting the drag bans?
In the caption to the video, Kevin Bacon wrote: "Drag bans are bad karma. Right now, drag performers and the LGBTQIA+ community need our help. Tap the link in my bio to shop the #SixDegreesOfKB campaign supporting the @aclu Drag Defense Fund in the nationwide effort to protect creative expression or make a gift. #DragIsARight."
What happened in Tennessee?
Last month, Tennessee became the first state to pass a bill into law, prohibiting "adult cabaret performances" on public property or in places where they might be within view of children. The bill bans "male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers." Violators may face misdemeanor or even felony charges.
Who else has spoken out against the drag bans?
Kevin Bacon is not the only celebrity to speak out against the drag bans in the US. Last week, US artist Lizzo defied Tennessee's controversial drag ban by welcoming drag performers onstage during her concert in Knoxville. Several RuPaul's Drag Race alums joined the Grammy winner's show on Friday 21 April at the Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville.
Addressing thousands of fans in the crowd, Lizzo noted that she received requests to cancel her shows in Tennessee following Gov Bill Lee's ban on public drag performances. While the ban was signed into law in March, a federal judge has since put a temporary hold on the ban citing First Amendment issues.
What is the #SixDegreesOfKB campaign?
The #SixDegreesOfKB campaign is a nationwide effort to protect creative expression and support drag performers and the LGBTQIA+ community. It is supporting the @aclu Drag Defense Fund, and people can make a gift by tapping the link in Kevin Bacon's bio.
What is the Drag Defense Fund?
The Drag Defense Fund is an initiative of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) that seeks to defend and protect the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. It provides legal assistance and support to drag performers and other similar entertainers.
What is the impact of the drag bans?
The drag bans across different states in the US have raised concerns among members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their supporters. They view these bans as an attempt to restrict their freedom of expression and a direct attack on the community. The bans may also lead to discrimination against drag performers and limit their access to opportunities and income.
What can be done to address the drag bans?
There are several actions that can be taken to address the drag bans in the US. One of the most effective is to support organizations that are fighting to protect the rights of drag performers and the LGBTQIA+ community.
One such organization is the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has launched a Drag Defense Fund to help drag performers and allies fight back against discriminatory laws and policies.
The #SixDegreesOfKB campaign mentioned by Kevin Bacon in his viral video is one way to support the ACLU Drag Defense Fund. By purchasing merchandise from the campaign, you can help fund the ACLU's efforts to protect the rights of drag performers and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Another way to address the drag bans is to speak out and raise awareness about the issue. Celebrities like Kevin Bacon and Lizzo have already done so, but everyone can use their voice to speak out against discrimination.
This can be done through social media, contacting local and state lawmakers, attending rallies and protests, and supporting drag performers and LGBTQIA+ events in your community.
It's also important to educate others about the harm that these bans can cause. Many people may not understand the importance of drag performances or the impact that discriminatory laws can have on the LGBTQIA+ community.
By sharing personal stories and experiences, and providing resources and information, we can help change hearts and minds and build a more inclusive and accepting society.
Conclusion
The recent spate of bills aimed at restricting drag performances in the US has sparked controversy and debates on the topic of creative expression. Celebrities like Kevin Bacon and Lizzo, along with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, have taken a stand against these laws and are using their platforms to raise awareness of the issue. By supporting campaigns like the #SixDegreesOfKB and the ACLU Drag Defense Fund, people can help protect creative expression and the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
FAQs
Q1. What is the ACLU Drag Defense Fund?
A1. The ACLU Drag Defense Fund is a fund launched by the American Civil Liberties Union to help drag performers and allies fight back against discriminatory laws and policies.
Q2. What is the #SixDegreesOfKB campaign?
A2. The #SixDegreesOfKB campaign is a campaign mentioned by Kevin Bacon in his viral video to support the ACLU Drag Defense Fund. By purchasing merchandise from the campaign, you can help fund the ACLU's efforts to protect the rights of drag performers and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Q3. Why are drag bans harmful?
A3. Drag bans are harmful because they restrict the creative expression and freedom of drag performers and can contribute to the stigmatization and discrimination of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Q4. What can individuals do to address the drag bans?
A4. Individuals can support organizations like the ACLU Drag Defense Fund, speak out and raise awareness, and educate others about the impact of discriminatory laws on the LGBTQIA+ community.
Q5. Why is it important to protect the rights of drag performers and the LGBTQIA+ community?
A5. It is important to protect the rights of drag performers and the LGBTQIA+ community because everyone deserves the right to express themselves creatively and authentically, without fear of discrimination or harm.