The lawsuit claims that because the anti-drag law was found unconstitutional based on its legal merits, not just based on facts limited to a particular county, it can’t be enforced anywhere in the state. It argues separately that the law is unconstitutional and that Desmond and his co-defendants sought to restrict plaintiffs’ right to free speech and expression. It also asserts that the plaintiffs have a “reasonable fear” that the law enforcement officials named in the suit will target the event for surveillance and enforcement.
“This law, which specifically targets drag performances, threatens to return the LGBTQ+ community to the days when they had to hide their identity and their art behind blacked-out windows,” the suit says, in requesting an injunction and temporary restraining order to prevent enforcement of the anti-drag law.
As of Thursday evening, the event was still planned for Saturday at Maryville College, a school connected to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Despite the possibility of protests — Desmond’s letter referred to potential “protestors and counter-protestors” — Grant is excited to return to Maryville, a town where last year the drag queen held a packed-out concert on one of Grant’s favorite stops of the tour.
“I want to support this community, their right to continue to gather and throw a rainbow shindig and have a good time together,” said Grant.
Though the event is not faith-based, a local Episcopal church is one of the sponsors, and Grant’s performances, which feature full-throated folk songs about growing up in the church, are known for their spiritual flair. Grant hopes the lawsuit can debunk the myth that drag is an inherently sexualized art form. It’s a queer art form, Grant said, one that has as much range as theater or dance.
“Drag is a liberating thing. It shines a light on the ways that we have forced ourselves to fit in boxes that we weren’t meant to fit in,” Grant said. “And for me, spirituality is all about liberation, it’s calling shame what it is, and calling people into liberation and pride, so they are proud of who they are, and that they know they are worthy and loved. I think drag absolutely can be a spiritual art form.”
This article originally appeared here.
