Oklahoma Performers Join National Effort to Stop Drag and Pride Bans and Censorship
NORMAN, OK – Five drag performers from Oklahoma have joined a growing national movement launched by Qommittee demanding that elected officials stop attacks on Pride celebrations and drag performances across America. Skaði Jötunn of Norman, Feral Rose Fawcett of Norman, Ariel Monroe of Lawton, Lucki P Brooks Royal of El Reno, and Storytime with May Lynn of Tecumseh are among 20 drag artists from seven states co-sponsoring the national petition following last week's Kennedy Center protest where drag performers confronted President Trump's performance in full drag. The campaign also follows the launch of Qommittee's Drag Defense Handbook, a 43-page guide for performers facing harassment and threats.
Read more about the Kennedy Center protests in Entertainment Weekly, the Advocate and New York Times.
Read more about the Drag Defense Handbook in NPR, Billboard, and The Hill.
The petition, "Stop Attacks on Pride, LGBTQ+ People, and Drag: Protect Free Expression Nationwide," has garnered over 17,000 signatures and calls on officials to reject restrictions on Pride and drag events, stop targeting LGBTQ+ people through discriminatory laws, and hold accountable those who threaten performers and venues.
Attacks in Oklahoma
The petition comes as Oklahoma faces unprecedented anti-LGBTQ+ legislative attacks and extremist violence. Governor Kevin Stitt recently signed House Bill 1217 with an emergency clause and, while the bill doesn't explicitly mention drag, all legislative rhetoric surrounding the bill has made clear that drag performers are the primary target. Over 50 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were filed during the 2024 legislative session alone, including legislation that would ban state agencies from celebrating Pride Month or displaying rainbow Pride flags. Oklahoma has also experienced serious extremist violence, including the 2022 firebombing of the Donut Hole in Tulsa with a Molotov cocktail after the venue hosted a drag queen art installation.
Featured Quotes from Oklahoma Performers
Skaði Jötunn, Norman – The Oklahomo Drag Fairy Goddess
"As the Oklahomo Drag Fairy Goddess, I'm here to spread love and understanding to all beings. I love to make people laugh, feel deeply, question everything, and learn. I work with charities and help out as much as I can. But without drag, I cannot fulfill the things that I love, nor share my love of this art with others."
Feral Rose Fawcett, Norman
"A drag ban is a poor scapegoat for the problems within Oklahoma. I deserve to stand and say my art is not a menace."
Ariel Monroe, Lawton – Oklahoma's Disney Princess and founder of Lawton Drag Entertainment
"It's important to have representatives who will fight for our rights to exist without fear. I want to do everything I can with the platforms I have to ensure our community is strong, proud, and VISIBLE."
Lucki P Brooks Royal, El Reno
“I want to join a movement bigger than myself. I want to stand strong and be a voice for those who feel unseen and voiceless.”
Storytime with May Lynn, Tecumseh – Drag performer, stand up comedian and storyteller
"At a time when hate is on the rise and prices continue to go up, Oklahoma Republicans are laser focused on pointless pandering. A drag ban does NOTHING to help the people of this state."
