Dear Friend,
Wednesday was meant to be a quiet day nestled between Christmas and New Years Eve, but then the DeSantis Administration began to attack not just a local drag show, but they threatened one of our most beloved Orlando venues too.
For more context: On Wednesday night The Plaza Live was scheduled to host the 8th Annual Drag Queen Christmas, a traveling show of holiday cheer that would also feature performers from the Emmy Award-winning television show, RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Naturally this event sold out. It was not marketed towards children but that didn’t stop the DeSantis Administration from using a state agency to threaten The Plaza Live, and say that drag shows are dangerous to minors.
You can see more via the Spectrum News story below.
I want to be clear: these attacks are part of a much larger anti-LGBTQ+ agenda, and should unsettle everyone. The very notion that Governor DeSantis can shut down venues over speech and expression he does not like is undemocratic. If the Governor does not like drag shows, I would simply encourage him not to attend one.
On top of all of this, Governor DeSantis also just appointed two anti-trans doctors to the Florida Board of Medicine, further solidifying what has become a political agenda to weaponize state agencies against vulnerable communities.
I don’t enjoy writing emails like this. Candidly I have a lot to do as we prepare for the new year and I know you do too. But I refuse to allow any community to be targeted this way, especially in House District 42.
Which is why on Wednesday night I was at The Plaza Live, to help make sure the hundreds of people who attended, the performers on stage, and staff that worked the venue would be safe. And despite the anti-LGBTQ+ protests that took place outside leading to a heavy police presence, the show went on and people had an incredible time being themselves.
Which at the end of the day, is what each person yearns for. To just be themselves without judgement, shame or fear of violence.
We’ll keep fighting for that world, nation, and state. I am grateful that you’re in this fight with us.
Onward,
Rep. Anna V. Eskamani