A Fort Worth brewery plans to host a “family-friendly” drag show and brunch on Sunday from 1-3 p.m., but protesters are making other plans for the day.
The event features performers who, in the past, have left little to the imagination, according to a recent article by Texas Scorecard.
Fort Brewery & Pizza is hosting the April 23 event, which a restaurant representative described to The Dallas Express as a “family-friendly” show.
“Accompanied minors are permitted with a parent — as we believe in parental choice,” said Aaron Hoernke, the restaurant’s marketing director, speaking with The Dallas Express.
“We are a brewery that sells pizza, wine, beer, and no hard liquor. The atmosphere is one that was designed to be enjoyed by all,” Hoernke added.
Unlike BuzzBrews Kitchen in Dallas, which is not involved in advertising the “family-friendly” drag shows it hosts, Fort Brewery has chosen to promote its drag brunch on its website.
“Welcome to the ultimate celebration of drag, brunch, and delicious drinks!” the ad reads. “Our talented drag performers will take the stage to entertain you with their fierce moves, incredible lip-syncing skills, and captivating personalities.”
While the ad does not specifically mention children or use the phrase “family-friendly” as employed by Hoernke, it does go on to say:
“This is the perfect event to celebrate a special occasion with your friends, family, or coworkers, or to simply indulge in a fun-filled day out with your loved ones.”
That wording drew the attention of Protect Texas Kids, an organization whose stated mission is “protect Texas kids from the harmful agenda of the left.” The group plans to protest the drag show for allowing children to attend.
“HERE WE GO AGAIN: Another “kid-friendly” drag show has decided to start marketing itself to families in Texas. Join us April 23, in Fort Worth,” PTK posted on Twitter.
PTK has previously protested at numerous drag shows that allow children to attend, including at BuzzBrews Kitchen in Dallas.
Meanwhile, in Austin, Texas lawmakers have been drafting laws that would make it illegal to host adult drag shows with minors present.
As reported by The Dallas Express, Rep. Nate Schatzline (R-Fort Worth) introduced HB 1266, a bill that would ban all-ages drag shows in Texas and amend business and commerce codes to classify venues that host drag shows as sexually oriented businesses.
Senate Bills 12 and 1601, which would respectively ban sexually oriented performances in the presence of minors and defund public libraries that host drag events for children, passed in the Senate early this month, as The Dallas Express reported.