A drag show scheduled to take place in Grapevine as part of a New Year’s Eve party was canceled after members of the True Texas Project expressed displeasure on social media that drag performers and a palm reader would be involved.
The party was to be held at Piaf Kitchen + Wine + Bar on Main Street, where a magician, a palm reader, dinner, a fire thrower, music, and a DJ were to be featured. However, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, when it became known that drag performers would be part of the event, individuals claimed they would stop frequenting the restaurant.
“The same owners allowing [a] drag show in Piaf have just shot themselves in the foot because now your establishment and the Piaf will no longer see business from a lot of people in Grapevine. Grapevine is not the town that needs drag shows — if you want to do that go open up a Place in Dallas or Austin,” wrote Darlene Sansone on Facebook.
A woman named Cindy Miller also posted on social media, citing the scheduled drag show as the reason she would allegedly no longer go to Piaf Kitchen.
“My husband and I will no longer frequent this restaurant due to the owners and management deciding to have a drag queen be part of the entertainment on NYE!” posted Miller.
True Texas Project raised awareness about the event, voicing concern over the drag component. The group’s founder, Julie McCarty, celebrated the restaurant’s removal of the drag show from its New Year’s Eve lineup.
“Victory! Victory! Let’s repeat it! I just heard from a very reliable source that Piaf has canceled their drag show in Grapevine! Way to go citizens and city council! And thank you to Piaf’s for hearing our concern,” she wrote on Facebook.
Piaf Kitchen said in an announcement that it decided to cancel the drag show to “ensure a more universally enjoyable and safe experience for everyone attending.”
Not everyone was pleased with the cancellation though.
“We love coming here and fully support your establishment! Great food and atmosphere, that is consistent. In the future, please reconsider caving to the vocal minority. A drag show, adult entertainment event, is appropriate and valid. It is not controversial (or should not be) and is tasteful. You made the right choice initially and sorry to see the overreaction,” wrote Instagram user tiffany.amado.1.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, drag shows have sparked controversy in Texas over concerns by some that such performances are inherently disrespectful toward women.
“Drag shows stereotype women in cartoon-like extremes for the amusement of others and discriminate against womanhood,” said Walter Wendler, president of West Texas A&M University, in an email to teachers, students, and staff, as reported by NBC News. Wendler canceled a drag show scheduled on campus earlier in the year.
“Drag shows are derisive, divisive, and demoralizing misogyny, no matter the stated intent,” he claimed.
The Dallas Express reached out to Piaf Kitchen for comment but the owner was unable to provide comment prior to press time.