Drag Queen Testifies Against Texas Bills Targeting Performances for Children

Austin-based drag queen, Brigitte Bandit, recently testified at the Texas Capitol in opposition to Senate Bills 12 and 16. A Texas State University graduate with a degree in psychology, Brigitte Bandit explained how these proposed laws would unfairly impact their ability to work with children based solely on their appearance.

Bandit, who occasionally hosts drag queen story times, argued that these events are not fundamentally different from other children’s activities they have been involved in. However, the proposed bills could potentially discriminate against individuals based on sex or gender, rather than focusing on the content of the performances.

Bandit urged lawmakers to prioritize the content of performances and their appropriateness for children, rather than targeting the performers based on their sex or gender. Emphasizing that drag is a versatile art form that can be adapted for various audiences, Bandit thanked the committee for their time and consideration.