Florida Attacks on Drag: Know Your Rights and Organize

Take Action
Written By Scott Simpson

August 1, 2025 - Florida's Attorney General is demanding guest lists, surveillance footage, and personal information from everyone who attended a legal drag Pride event in Vero Beach on June 29, 2025. No law was violated. Florida's statewide "drag ban" has been BLOCKED by federal courts, but state officials are weaponizing existing laws to bully, intimidate, and surveil our community.

This is serious government overreach designed to intimidate drag performers into silence. They want performers to stop performing. They want venues to stop booking drag shows. They want our community to stop gathering and celebrating who we are. Going to a drag show should not mean you forfeit your anonymity or land your name in a government database.

We cannot let that happen. Every drag performer and venue in Florida must stay loud, stay proud, and protect themselves while continuing their art.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR FLORIDA DRAG

Your Rights Are Still Protected

  • Drag is protected speech under the First Amendment - Courts have consistently ruled drag performances are artistic expression
  • All ages drag shows are 100% legal - Content must follow same obscenity laws as any other performance
  • The First Amendment protects confidentiality of attendees - According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Supreme Court has ruled multiple times that subpoenas forcing disclosure of members of peaceful organizations have a chilling effect on free expression
  • Florida's drag ban has been BLOCKED - Federal courts have ruled the statewide restrictions unconstitutional

Important Realities

While your rights are protected, remember:

  • Government intimidation is escalating - This investigation started with ONE complaint from someone who didn't even attend
  • Surveillance attempts are increasing - Officials are demanding guest lists, footage, and personal information
  • False accusations are weaponized - "Grooming" claims may constitute defamation when proven false
  • Venues may face pressure - Some may self-censor out of fear rather than legal requirements

Know Florida's Laws:

All Ages Shows: Keep it family-friendly (no nudity, sexual content, or lewd behavior). Here are the legal definitions of these terms.

Adults-Only Shows: Much more freedom. Ensure proper age verification and clear separation between portions.

These laws have been in place for a long time - they are being misused and weaponized against drag.

TAKE ACTION

For Drag Performers:

For All Floridians:

  • Sign our petition - Add your voice demanding protection for free expression
  • Show up at local drag events - Your presence demonstrates community support
  • Support targeted venues like The Kilted Mermaid in Vero Beach
  • Contact your representatives - Demand they oppose government overreach and protect constitutional rights

IF YOU'RE FACING GOVERNMENT TARGETING

Immediate Steps:

Get a Lawyer Immediately: Consult an attorney before responding to a subpoena

Document Everything:

  • Save all communications with officials
  • Screenshot false statements made against you
  • Keep records of threats, harassment, or intimidation
  • Note dates, times, and officials involved

Don't Face This Alone:

  • Connect with audiences, LGBTQ+ organizations, and media
  • Build community support before you need it
  • Contact Qommittee for resources and connections

PROTECT YOURSELF WHILE PERFORMING

For Performers:

  • Keep minimal records about attendees - Collect bare minimum information, don't maintain unnecessary guest lists
  • Record your shows to prevent out-of-context attacks - Keep full, unedited footage showing complete context
  • Be strategic on social media - Hate groups monitor accounts, taking clips out of context for harassment campaigns
  • Understand your legal protections - Know both your rights and the laws being weaponized against you

For Venues:

  • Review your record-keeping policies - Minimize data collection and retention
  • Ensure proper legal counsel - Have attorney contacts ready before you need them
  • Build community relationships - Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations and allies
  • Document any government overreach - Keep records of unusual requests or intimidation

REMEMBER: SILENCE IS SUBMISSION

We must stay visible, stay loud, and stay proud. Every drag performer and venue in Florida has the constitutional right to continue their art while protecting themselves from government abuse.

This intimidation campaign wants us to self-censor out of fear. We will not give them that victory.

NEED HELP?

If you're facing government surveillance, subpoenas, threats, or harassment - contact us immediately.

Qommittee is staffed entirely by volunteers but we can try to connect you to information and resources:

Email: dragisjoy@qommittee.org
DM: @qommittee on Instagram
Web: qommittee.org

Created by Qommittee - the national volunteer network defending drag artists' rights. This is educational information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and situation. Consult qualified attorneys for specific legal guidance.

August 1, 2025

Scott Simpson
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