Love Letter from Dad 191

“We’re protecting kids and families and parents who want to be able to take their kids to public places. We’re not attacking anyone or targeting anyone.”

_{Tennessee Republican State Rep. Jack Johnson}

Dear one,

Yesterday the Tennessee governor signed into law a bill that renders drag shows in public spaces illegal in the state. To further twist the knife, the bill was quietly amended so that instead of going into effect as normal on July 1, it will become effective April 1, before the state’s annual Pride celebrations in which drag performances play a large part. At the same sitting, the governor also signed a bill that bans gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Drag has been present in many cultures throughout history. It isn’t a new thing, and it didn’t suddenly become dangerous for children. It has never been dangerous for children. Pedophile religious leaders? They’re dangerous, and they’re being dragged out into the light at every turn.

The real problem is that drag has become so accepted by the mainstream, that it becomes a threat to those who seek to maintain control. These two bills show a terrible and obvious disregard for people of trans experience, further endangering their very existence.

Drag queens are not the enemy. Trans people are not the enemy. Neither drag queens nor trans people are trying to recruit or harm your children. The real threat is hate. I choose love, and today all my love goes out to the drag performers and trans youth who are directly and cruelly targeted by these bills. You are seen, you are supported, and you are loved.

Never forget that I love you, and that excludes no one.

Love,