An arts center in Arkansas refusal to host drag shows led to a Pride venue change, and a lesbian bar owner in Texas was denied insurance coverage due to hosting drag shows.

Arts Center’s Prohibition Of Drag Shows Leads To Pride Venue Change

On May 10, northwest Arkansas’ Pride weekend said they were changing their venue for their Pride Youth Zone event slated for June 24 from Walton Arts Center to Fayetteville Town Center, according to the Associated Press. The venue change is due to Walton Arts Center banning the group from hosting drag shows or drag story hour with minors in attendance.

“We celebrate diversity both on and off our stages and are open to hosting Pride events this year except for drag story time for minors and drag performances by adults specifically for minors,” said a statement released from the center. “Our decision was made in the interest of safety concerns for performers, patrons and staff due to the divisive political rhetoric at this time.” 

Lesbian Bar Owner Says She Was Denied Insurance Coverage Due To Hosting Drag Shows

Julie Mabry at Pearl Bar. Photo via Facebook.

According to NBC affiliate KPRC, the owner of a Houston lesbian bar said that she was denied insurance coverage due to hosting drag shows.

Mabry said that her bar only allows people 21 and over as well as not allowing minors to watch the drag shows.

“And the narrative that we aren’t good people, that's what I believe the insurance companies are looking at as a risk. Obviously, at some point they have decided that we are too much of a risk,” Mabry told KPRC.

Mabry added that bar owners need to reapply for insurance every year. She’s already paying $60,000 a year and is worried about her cost increasing.