It’s been a week since Wilton Manors city commissioners voted to ensure enforcement of the ban on live, public, drag entertainment at next month’s Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival. In this week’s SFGN, online now and on stands tomorrow, I examine the sense of betrayal in the community and claims of misunderstanding by local politicians.
Wilton Manors’ city commission voted unanimously to amend the permit for the Stonewall Pride Parade & Street Festival, ensuring event producers follow all laws, including ones passed since the permit was issued in February. The practical effect is to comply with the new law that appears to classify all live drag entertainment, regardless of content, as adult entertainment, and prevent drag performances on outdoor stages that will be set up all along Wilton Drive for the June 17 party. It appears people in drag will be allowed into the event and to participate in the parade. However, performing in the parade or on any exterior stage is likely to be prohibited due to being labeled adult entertainment. Detailed guidelines for attendance and participation are still being worked out.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said the law is needed to protect children and recognize parental rights. Kevin Quinlan, a concerned resident, pointed out this actually infringes on a parent’s rights. “Families live in the community and love bringing their kids to Wilton Manors. It’s the parents’ responsibility, not the government, to decide what their children are introduced to seeing and viewing.” Many are calling for outright defiance. But officials and organizers say doing that would win the day but not the fight. Open violation could lead to the governor exercising his authority to remove elected officials and city employees. Wilton Manors Commissioner Chris Caputo reluctantly voted for the amendment, saying it’s unfair for city employees to get caught up in politics, telling me, “While it's one thing for an elected official like myself to be removed from office, it's not fair to ask our city staff to potentially lose their job and ability to get hired by any other Florida municipality,”
He plans to attend, in drag, on a float, and encourages others to join him. Everyone, from citizens to city employees to organizers are upset. SFGN and Queer News Tonight will continue to follow all the developments and talk with planners, officials, and the entertainers who are affected by the hateful bill coming from the increasingly fascist GOP party in Florida. #Queer Up South Florida Gay News