Memphis drag community says Tennessee bill restricting drag shows is ‘dehumanizing' and bad for local businesses

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee is on the cusp on becoming the first state to prohibit drag shows in public after Gov. Bill Lee signed HB0009 , which pa...

February 27, 2023
3:32 PM

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee is on the cusp on becoming the first state to prohibit drag shows in public after Gov. Bill Lee signed HB0009 , which passed in the state house Thursday. Members of the Memphis drag community described this legislation as dehumanizing, unconstitutional and bad for business.  'We provide a huge amount of revenue to the state and I guess they don't want our money,' said drag performer Bulla DuBalle, show hostess and show director for the Atomic Rose .  Atomic Rose is one of the most popular night clubs in Memphis and its weekend drag shows, including Sunday's drag brunch, are a big reason why.

Stephen Pimpo