Oklahoma Drag: Perform, Organize & Know the Facts
Almost all drag shows in Oklahoma are entirely legal (and entirely amazing!) but opponents Freedom of Speech and LGBTQ+ folks are trying to intimidate Okie drag performers and venues.
REMEMBER: SILENCE IS SUBMISSION
- How they win: Make you think drag is banned. Make you think you need permission. Make you cancel legal shows.
- How WE win: Know your rights. Refuse unconstitutional demands. Document intimidation. Keep performing.
This guide, vetted by attorneys, will show you what you can and cannot do.
THE BOTTOM LINE
States and cities cannot ban drag. Oklahoma passed HB 1217 that some claim makes drag illegal. That's false.
Governor Stitt claimed it "basically bans drag shows in front of kids." Oklahoma's Attorney General confirmed that's wrong - drag is protected speech. But state officials are demanding cities act as censors who "prevent" performances before they happen.
Here's what's really happening:
✓ Most Oklahoma drag venues are completely exempt from HB 1217. Bars, clubs, or anywhere that checks IDs, charges admission, or excludes minors = not covered by this law.
✓ All family-friendly drag shows can still be performed anywhere for any audience. Like always, outdoor drag or shows with mixed audiences should be family-friendly. Rules below.
KNOW THE LAW
HB 1217 bans only "adult performances containing obscene material" in public places and public property where minors present.
Most Venues Are EXEMPT:
"Any place that limits access pursuant to an admissions process or that restricts minors from entering" = exempt.
That means:
- Bars and nightclubs ✓
- Any 21+ venue ✓
- Ticketed shows ✓
- Any venue that cards at the door ✓
- Pride events that charge admission ✓
Where to Be Concerned: Truly Free-Access Public Spaces
- Public parks (no admission fee)
- Sidewalks and streets
- Government buildings open to everyone
Even in Public Spaces, Drag Is Legal Unless Actually Obscene
"Obscene material" requires ALL FOUR of these:
- Contains actual sexual conduct (intercourse, masturbation, exhibiting genitals, etc.)
- Patently offensive by community standards
- Appeals to “prurient interest” (morbid fixation with sex) as dominant theme
- Lacks serious artistic, educational, political, or scientific value
Your typical drag show does NOT meet this. Lip syncing, dancing, comedy, costumes, makeup = protected speech.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Anti-drag groups send monitors to record and misrepresent shows:
- Song selection: Family-friendly, avoid explicit lyrics
- Costumes: Avoid nude illusion undergarments - hate groups take "upskirt" photos to falsely suggest nudity. Use full coverage, opaque undergarments.
- Choreography: Age-appropriate, no grinding/twerking or sexual gestures
- Audience interaction: Minimal physical contact
- Record everything: Full, unedited footage protects you when clips are taken out of context
- Be strategic on social media - clips get taken out of context
- Don't pre-comply - refuse unconstitutional censorship demands
These aren't because your performances are inappropriate - they're defensive measures against bad-faith attacks.
TAKE ACTION
Drag Performers:
- Share this guide
- Join Qommittee: qommittee.org/drag-alert-sign-up
- Download Drag Defense Handbook
All Oklahomans:
- Sign our petition
- Show up at drag events
NEED HELP?
Facing intimidation, permit denials, demands for pre-approval, or harassment? Contact us:
Email: dragisjoy@qommittee.org | DM: @qommittee on Instagram | Web: qommittee.org
This is educational information, not legal advice. Consult qualified attorneys for specific legal guidance.
