A San Antonio drag company is challenging Senate Bill 12, which bans drag performances in front of minors.
San Antonio drag queen Iridescent said she worries that her full face of makeup and pink suit could lead to criminal charges for performers like her and the places she performs. “Oh, it’s frightening. I miss when one of the worst things drag queens had to worry about was the rain. Or it being too hot,” Iridescent said. “If they saw us, I could be arrested or fined or become a felon just because I’m talking to you in front of a camera dressed in a suit that I made.”is challenging the law alongside the American Civil Liberties Union.
“All you have to do is trust American parents to know what their children should or should not be exposed to and allow them to make the decision for themselves,” Co-owner of 360 Queen Entertainment Richard Montez said.“SB 12 is written in such an overly broad way that it could impact things like traveling, theater shows, concerts, professional cheerleading, even something like a karaoke night.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office is representing the state in this lawsuit. The AG’s office said the law was passed to protect children and uphold public decency.It will be several weeks before a judge decides if this law will stay in place.Camelia Juarez is a news reporter at KSAT 12. She joined the station in 2022. Camelia comes from a station in Lubbock, Texas. Now, she is back in her hometown. She received her degree from Texas State University.