A group is up in arms about the Warrensburg Pride Festival scheduled for June 3, 2023. There will be drag shows on the program. You know, fancy costumes, theatrical makeup, show and pop music tunes. This is nothing new. There were Pride Festivals in Warrensburg in 2021 and 2022. After security concerns about threats were addressed the Warrensburg Pride Festival is proceeding with its original format.
These right wingnut busybodies had organized on-line to speak to the Warrensburg City Council during the public comment portion of the City Council’s evening meetings on April 24th and May 8th, asking them to limit or cancel the Pride Festival. A loosely organized group of LGBTQIA+ allies organized on-line to speak in support of the Pride Festival. The Warrensburg City Council listened.
Yesterday someone posted their upset on a Warrensburg community social media page:
[….]
It shocks me that the city of Warrensburg is ok with a
“family friendly” drag show. So disappointing!
There was much hilarity in over a thousand responses:
I’ve gone since they started 2 years ago!
If you don’t like it don’t go. But good on Warrensburg for being inclusive
Thanks for posting this! I didn’t know it was happening! [….] let’s go!
[….] exactly lol. I don’t think free advertisement was what they were going for but it’s what they got. [….]
I was disappointed when they canceled the family friendly. Nice to see we can take the family now.
you should be ashamed for still coming on Facebook just to take time out of your day to discriminate something you don’t even go to it’s childish grow up hun
Get a grip [….]. Imagine how much energy you’d have not being so full of hate.
Warrensburg is a very diversified community. Men dressing as women has been around for 100’s of years.
Thousands
It’s amazing on the last 2 that it’s become such a topic of ‘concern’.
And those so concerned haven’t got the brains to realize they didn’t care their whole lives until they were told it was bad by politics…and too blindsee they’ve been duped as pawns in an imaginary culture war.
Sounds like a fun time
[….] we are afraid of what we don’t know. I would say come and check it out, but I’d recommend therapy first!!
Imagine being a crotchety old woman and directing hate to something that has nothing to do with them. Go knit a blanket and watch fox and mind your own damn business for a change [….]
Saw RuPaul Drag Race guys at Hamburger Mary’s in Chicago a few years back, what a great show.
OMG
Worry about yourself [….]. I bet you’re a Christian who “only god can judge” too [….].
Imma just point that I’ve seen plenty of men dressed in drag around Warrensburg, year around too, and no one said a word. I’ve seen them at grocery stores, gas stations, fast food restaurants, literally everywhere. Lived there nearly 20yrs. Not a single issue. Now all of a sudden it is? Why? Just cause they don’t match your beliefs, lifestyles and micro-managed thought processes? Like my mama told me growing, life ain’t fair and you are just gonna have to learn to get along with it. Let them have this. It’s not like our country is trying to actively kill them at every legal turn. Oh wait. Yes, they are.
Girl just say you don’t know how to have fun
18+ at 6 p.m., drag show starts at 6 p.m….lazy propagandaing but ok.
An explanation:
[….] this was originally an all ages event until threats were made towards the staff, performers and the venue supposedly for having an all ages show. At the same time a group of people in this town were attending city council meetings and demanding an ordinance be passed to make drag only for 21+.
With that Nclusion decided to make it 18+.
People became upset and offered to assist. Now that security has been heavily increased and a police presence will be at the event off and on the threat has been mitigated. The event will be all ages with 2 all age shows. After 5 pm the event will be cleared to check that no minors are in the building before the 6 pm adults only show.
Also, that group at the city council now wants to pass an ordinance banning all drag. [….] is a proud member of the group.
[….] wow that’s super gross behavior on their part. It’s seriously just people dressing up and having a fun time. The shows that are meant to be for 18+ are always super strict about it being specifically 18+ too. It isn’t like they just allow small children in for that. It doesn’t suprise me about burg at all but I’m glad that there are so many people who are open and loving moving out this way, it hasn’t always been like that.
Back to the main thread:
[….] it all started going downhill when they took down the old Arby’s sign.
It’s fitting your name is [….] lol. Love is love, clearly you don’t understand that.
Another branch:
it’s weird not only how obsessed you are with something you claim to be so against, but also how fixated you are on the sexual aspect of drag queens. You a lil curious there, sweetie? Having some confusing feelings?
Main thread:
If ya don’t like it don’t go
Oooh I hadn’t seen this yet! Thanks for sharing!
Shows like this are why I’m so glad to live in this community. Anyone who doesn’t like it? Well, there are plenty of other communities that will accept you.
We see what you did there.
Just let people live their life. If you don’t like it, don’t take your family or kids, let people be happy and enjoy the life God blessed us with. Love thy neighbor.
Don’t worry, no one descended to hell last year, everyone but the seven people across the street who spent their day miserable had a really good time
[2022 file photo]
Oh where do I begin? Well, first, you should get out more. Warrensburg is diversified AND inclusive! You might try it. Second, why should ANYONE’S way of life be excluded? Third, people usually eschew that which they don’t understand. [….]
I’m sorry you feel the need to project the way you feel about yourself onto others. It’s not hard to be kind. Give it a try.
Thank you for sharing we wouldn’t have known with out your negativity/hate! Grow up ……[….]
You know you don’t have to go to it. I’m disappointed in you for not realizing that the world does not revolve around you
I feel like we’ve all already had this conversation with someone like you. It’s boring now. We get it. You’re stuck in your ways. Good for you. Just remember.. it’s 2023.. Your Era is up. Get used to it, boomer.
We all have.
Wow!!! Who do you think you are right now?!?! I don’t insert myself into the crap on this page very often but that was to disrespectful!
So much better than the beauty pagents for children!!! If I’m able, I’ll make sure to make it a family event [….]
Grow up. Like seriously
Show me on the doll where the drag queen hurt you when you were a kid.
Oh that’s right, they didn’t nor will they ever. Stop hating on something you clearly don’t understand.
Look at all the free publicity you got for the show! What a boost for the community you have been, love. I have no doubt they appreciate you! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Sounds like fun
So don’t go. How fucking hard is that?
It’s shocking that you feel like everyone should have to follow YOUR beliefs. Don’t like it? Don’t friggin go.
[….] This post didn’t go the way she thought it would.
[….]: I hate this thing
Also [….]: posts flyer so even more people know about the event! [….] The organizers thank you…because of YOU, more people will attend. Oopsies! [….]
There’s that.
I hope you’re ready to have your feelings hurt. If you’re not interested don’t go, nobody is forcing you. But I’m am so glad to have diversity close to my home. People are allowed to express theirselves just like you have in this post. I’m going to go off on a limb and guess you’re Christian.. what a shame if so. God wants us to love everybody or so I’ve been told. Much love to you and yours [….]
Thank you [….] had no idea this was happening here! Looks like it’s gonna be really fun! [….]
What is disappoint, is all of the so called adults that have decided this is a threat.
Grow up people
it’s 2023. get with the program.
Your whole profile is…yikes…
Don’t go, problem solved
Thanks for bringing awareness to this event! A lot of people didn’t know about this until you posted it so thanks so much because of your contributions more people will attend the event [….]
Some of ya’ll need to touch some grass. Get out an explore the world. That small town mindset. Yikes. [….]
someone should tell them their bathroom in their home is *gasp* gender neutral
Can’t wait !!!!
Waaa waaa waaa
Offs…..this is not the first year we’ve had drag shows here…..chill….you’re not required to go [….]
Actual license plate.
Heh.
It means go if your family is friendly. And if yours isn’t, stay home.
Fuck all the way off. Although, thanks for letting me know about Pridefest.
Just because you may not like it doesn’t mean anybody else will..people need to be more accepting..let people be happy! Shit it isn’t hard.
Stay home if you don’t like it. [….]
I am personally glad that we are having something like this here!
I just don’t understand what you benefit for being ugly?
I’ll buy your ticket to both shows and have you up front and center! What time should I pick you up?
Omg no we must save the children from….. Awesomeness!!!! How dare we allow children to see these amazing performers!!!
[2021 file photo]
Omg I had no idea this was happening! Thank you so much for spreading awareness. I’m so excited to go! I just got some awesome pride merch
Oh no a show that you can choose whether or not to go to….. good grief
Honestly, I’m dumbfounded as to why anyone would even comment on a post simply announcing a public function here in Warrensburg. If it’s not your thing, don’t attend. If it’s something of interest to you, by all means, go see it. Fairly simple.
Hi yeah go if you want to, don’t if you don’t. Everyone go outside, have a nice evening
Imagine being such a snowflake you think clothing has an assigned gender.
let’s not even address that historically heels and makeup were originally considered masculine
In early theatre, women were not allowed to perform so men “gasp” dressed as women!! Dang that Shakespeare for damaging family values by writing women into his plays.
Oh no, people in costumes scare you… don’t go, that simple
This is year 3 of this show here in Warrensburg and I attended the first 2 as well. It is an absolute blast! Regina La-rae is the host and an absolute queen. The booths are fun and the atmosphere can’t be beat. I highly recommend.
I bet Halloween pisses you off huh?
I love RuPauls Drag Show. I didn’t know they were going to be guests! Now I have to go!!
It doesn’t affect you so what does it matter
Ew. Another Karen
Some of ya’ll preaching all this hate sure are acting like the Pharisees and not the Jesus you claim to love
It makes me sad Warrensburg has so many bigots… disgusting
Jesus said the old laws have passed away and he gave us one command… To LOVE one and other as he loved us. The bible says God is LOVE. To the hate spewing “Christians”, LOVE brings more people to Christ than your hate ever will. All of you have family or friends that are gay, your hate terrifies them.
Just how is it being “shoved on you? ” Yoy certainly don’t have to go to this event. Stay home. Keep scrolling and even ignore this post entirely.
I must say I’m proud of Warrensburg right now, standing up for this event. And for that, I thank you.
It amazes me how judgemental people are. Same folks are “entertained” by movies like Mrs. Doubtfire, Tootsie, and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar and more. It is entertainment! If you don’t think you will like it, don’t go! These Entertainers put on a great show and certainly do not need your negativity!! [….]
also Bugs Bunny, The Carol Burnett Show…
Don’t be a bigot.
Here’s a thought… if you don’t like it, don’t go. [….]
I thought most religion teaches to NOT JUDGE OTHERS. So much bigotry happening here.
DRAG QUEENS ARE JUST PERFORMERS!! THAT IS A L L. no different than a normal concert. no different than a band performance. or a circus. all of these things have the option to be ‘18+’ but can also be family friendly!! and most ARE family friendly!!
you all would rather die on a grave of bigotry, misinformation, and hate then recognize that there are actual problems and actual threats to our children going on.
You guys are the ones who want our children to be safe, but you’re the only ones imagining children in a gross context!!!
I can’t wait until all these haters find out that Shakespearean performances were technically drag performers. Men playing females. Men playing Juliet, having a sex scene portraying a woman.
Drag is nothing new. Y’all just got too damn soft and hide your hatred toward the lgbt community by bashing drag performers. [….]
Can you post the whole ad please. I would really like to go, with my kids!!!
If you don’t like it don’t go just stay away from it and don’t come onto Facebook and complain about something that doesn’t even involve you and drag performers are very family friendly around children especially at Warrensburgs pride show
If you don’t like it. Don’t go. Stop telling others what they can do because you are a homophobe
If you don’t like it. Scroll on by. Don’t be a Karen.
I mean, hats off to Warrensburg for being so inclusive, tolerant, progressive and 2023 century!! Way to go!! [….]
Because simply choosing not to go is so hard. [….]
Well if you don’t like it, stay home and keep your hatred to yourself, the world doesn’t need people like you spreading your ignorance and hate
Well now that you’ve announced it I hope the whole town shows up.
Oh my god get a life
Drag is not inherently sexual. And your perception of that is a you problem. [….]
So don’t go.
How embarrassing for your family that you actually posted this lol
What shocks me is there’s still people who discriminate against others who arent hurting a soul.
Thanks for posting this. I totally forgot!
And it shocks me we have people as ignorant and regressive as you. Face the facts homeslice, it’s 2023. They don’t expose themselves, the worst thing they do is swear like a sailor and hell I’m guilty of that! Drag is art. It’s expression. It’s BEAUTIFUL. And your attitude is not.
I’m glad Warrensburg is able to support diversity and groups that have been persecuted by people like the one who made this post. It’s unfortunate that today they are still having to worry about their freedoms being stripped away by fearful/hateful people. Grow up and learn some tolerance.
June 3rd? Perfect. Thanks for the advertising, this will be a great outing for my daughter and I!
If you don’t want your family going, don’t take your family. What other people do with their families is none of your business.
The world will progress without you, don’t worry
Thanks for posting! I had no idea this was happening! Drag shows are so much fun. Can’t wait!
Can I just say I love the support for this event. I can’t wait to take my kiddoes and go. This is ganna be amazing. Also looking for more LGBTQIA+ Friends. Especially parent friends.
Thanks for the advertisement! Seems like it’ll be a lot of fun, I’ll make sure to let all the kids know that the drag queens are statistically near 100% safer than the priest at church
it shocks me that people like you still exist, pls do the research before you post things like this on a public platform. obviously you don’t understand the severity of your hate, nor do you understand the reality of your words and their consequences. you hate it because you don’t understand it, that doesn’t mean that everyone around you isn’t allowed to enjoy queer spaces.
Is this the same Burg where there was publicly a post shaming Asian people and majority of the racists came out of their snake holes to spew a bunch of hate-filled crap? That Burg?? Or the one where these people would cry over a mask being put over their face for a brief moment in a store?? That Burg?
Then are we really that surprised these people don’t have a grasp on what drag is? Like, are we CERTAIN we’re that surprised?? [….] These people are the personification of “yeehaw” and we are that surprised… like…. I’m not surprised in the slightest. These people don’t know what they’re talking about. Drag isn’t even in a certain age group, it varies depending on the performer. It’s like saying Taylor Swift is in the same type of age demographic she caters to, as Cardi B. Come on, now… I know you guys aren’t that dependent on assumptions and grouping people up.
But thank you for this post as it reminds me that I can in fact attend ! I’ll keep it in mind.
What’s shocks me is that it’s really that big of a problem to some people. Seriously it’s not like they are doing this with a captive audience with no choice in what they are watching. If you dont want to see it then don’t go, its a Super simple solution to a super simple perceived problem
It really doesn’t matter where you stand in your personal beliefs, as long as nobody is forcing anyone to do anything then mind your own business
You’d think.
Sounds like a fun evening my nieces and I [….] Thanks for the reminder
This isn’t going how you thought it would, huh [….]
You don’t want to go or don’t want your family to go, then simply don’t go. It’s simple as that.
It’s a beautiful thing watching bigots trip over each other trying to out-bigot the other.
My earnest hope and desire is that this post has, and will continue to, open the eyes of the community of Warrensburg to the extreme danger that activities like the drag show presents to the children. This thread has been filled with hateful, ungodly, rhetoric that is scary, to say the least. This invasion is not going to go away on it’s own. YOU, good people of Warrensburg, MO, and surrounding areas, are going to have to fight against it! Don’t hide in your comfort zone; don’t be afraid that somebody is going to talk mean to you with lies and unfounded insults. Get up and fight against the menace that wants to infiltrate and steal your children from the good and hopeful life you are trying to create for them. If you don’t, you will regret it.
Imagine being this stupid, and thinking “I’m not stupid”
Dunning-Kruger Effect.
Thanks for advertising this! Looks like a fun event!
A group is up in arms about the Warrensburg Pride Festival scheduled for June 3, 2023. There will be drag shows on the program. You know, fancy costumes, theatrical makeup, show tunes. This is nothing new. There were Pride Festivals in Warrensburg in 2021 and 2022. After security concerns about threats were addressed, the Warrensburg Pride Festival is proceeding with its original format.
These right wingnut busybodies had organized on-line to speak to the Warrensburg City Council during the public comment portion of the City Council’s evening meetings on April 24th and May 8th, asking them to limit or cancel the Pride Festival. A loosely organized group of LGBTQIA+ allies organized on-line to speak in support of the Pride Festival. The Warrensburg City Council listened.
Apparently, the pearl clutchers read the press release last night:
We the People of Johnson County Missouri – Friday, May 26, 2023 👺🤥 Nclusionplus Has Reinstated the Drag Queen Show for Kids on June 3 at the Elks Lodge – ACTION REQUIRED.
WE THE PEOPLE OF JOHNSON CO MO
MAY 26, 2023
Hi Folks,
Many of us have prayed diligently, asking God to STOP THE DRAG QUEEN SHOW FOR KIDS at the Elks Lodge a week away on Saturday, June 3. A lot of work was done by a LOT of people. Nclusionplus said they had CANCELLED the show for children and only 18+ year olds would be admitted.
Today their fb page announces the drag queen show for children is RESCHEDULED, and will occur as originally planned.
I was naive. I trusted them. If you all in favor of the drag queen show are reading this, “Hi! Welcome.” I trusted you.
I asked God to stop the show, I believe He said, “YES.” This looks like He didn’t keep His Word, but I don’t think that’s the deal. He wants to know if we REALLY, REALLY MEAN what we’re asking of Him. He says,
If My people who are called by My Name will HUMBLE themselves and PRAY, and SEEK MY FACE, and turn from their wicked ways, THEN will I hear from heaven, and forgive their sins, and HEAL THEIR LAND.
We have to do it ALL, folks. Humbling isn’t the easiest thing to do. Sometimes I don’t even realize that I’m not humble before God. I have to ask HIM to help me humble myself. He does it, and it helps me see things from HIS Perspective!
I also have to ask Him to give me the words to pray. God says the Holy Spirit will pray through us when we ask. Ask. Now. And let Him do it.
Seek God’s Face. Seek Him like you never have before. Praise Him for His Work! Praise Him for His Power!! Praise Him for loving children and protecting them from the remarkable lies being spewed these days by satan. Pray for His Wisdom in how to pray! Ask Him to change your heart and life so you are CONSTANTLY living in His Presence; RIGHT beside Him. Hidden under the shadow of His Wing.
Ask Him to HELP us IDENTIFY our wicked ways, and then leave them buried at the foot of His cross, where His blood completely covers them in forgiveness and SALVATION!!!
Folks, the time is NOW. There is NO OTHER time. Stop reading and PRAY. Ask God to help us do WHATEVER we need to do to HEAL OUR LAND. Please, Father, protect our children; HEAL our land. Change us from the inside out. Make us new.
Strengthen our hearts as you did David’s when he fought Goliath. Fill us with COURAGE, to do YOUR Will. Father, we are Your people called by Your Name, clean us so we LOOK LIKE YOU!!!!
When you get up from praying, call Rick Brattin, our Senator. Let him know nclusionplus lied, and MANIPULATED ALL of us. He needs to know they manipulated him.
Rick Brattin – 573 -751-2108.
Call. PRAY. SHARE THIS WITH ANYONE WHO WILL PRAY AND CALL SENATOR BRATTIN.
Now PRAY more.
John 16:33 – I have told you these things so in ME you may have PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. BUT TAKE HEART!!! I have overcome the world!!! – JESUS
In case anyone was wondering, hate and bigotry are not supposed to be family values.
“…I was naive. I trusted them. If you all in favor of the drag queen show are reading this, “Hi! Welcome.” I trusted you…” Weird concept of what trust is. You think people are going to trust you when someone says this at public city council meetings?: “…I don’t know if any of you know the definition of pedophilia, but I’m gonna share it with you…” “…And I really do propose that having these drag queen shows in our community is illegal and it does psychological damage to our children. It’s known as grooming…” “…Uh, they have drag queens that are stripping in front of children. I get chills just thinking about this…” “…children in our community holding up dollars for drag queens like patrons at a strip club…” “…Drag queens are female impersonators who’s venue can sexually exploit children with their indoctrination about adult sexuality and sexual orientation….” “…Some would argue that we here today, we might be haters, fearmongers, or the dreaded homophobics because we don’t bow down and agree to the senseless immoral, perverted, corrupt garbage that is being thrown around and forced on us…” “…Um, we’ve talked a lot about rights. And what I realize, I think, anyway, what I realize is there was no vote taken about having a drag queen show in the Warrensburg area. It just appeared. So anybody who didn’t particularly want it really never even got to have a vote about that….”
Rich. No one is being forced to attend anything. And you are haters. And some are apparently ignorant about how voting actually works.
“…When you get up from praying, call Rick Brattin, our Senator…”
Rick Brattin (r) [2013 file photo].
Rick Brattin (r) is the pre-eminent legal scholar and final arbiter of the law in the State of Missouri, said no one ever.
We don’t allow ignorant comments out of moderation to be linked with the original post, but we will present some of them in subsequent posts for the purpose of public derision and mockery. As we see fit.
Some of us happen to agree this is a detestable event. Evidence was given to City Council exposing the truth of the content of those events.
Do your homework instead of a sales pitch!
Evidence? We were there in 2021 and 2022. How about you?
They tried it again:
Some of us happen to agree this is a detestable event. Evidence was given to City Council exposing the truth of the content of those events.
Do your homework instead of a sales pitch!
Then, another:
Most of us are NOT in support of this kind of behavior and want children protected! PERIOD!!
It’s sad we can’t all agree we need to be on the same page. Which would be that page labeled , Moral. Kudos to those standing up for justice, morals. and the Children.
“Some of us…”? “Most of us…”? Which is it? Get your talking points in order.
With all the respect due to you, take your pages and shove them up your bigoted self-righteous ass.
By the way, the IP address and email address of all comments are attached to the original comment in our blog operating system.
Dumbasses.
Meanwhile, we think we’ll have an ice cold beer or two.
“…either everyone is welcome in Warrensburg, or no one is…”
A group billing themselves as Johnson County Citizens for the Protection of Children is still up in arms about the Warrensburg Pride Festival scheduled for June 3, 2023. There will be drag shows on the program. You know, fancy costumes, theatrical makeup, show tunes. This is nothing new. There were Pride Festivals in Warrensburg in 2021 and 2022.
These right wingnut busybodies had organized on-line to present a petition to the Warrensburg City Council during the public comment portion of the City Council’s evening meeting on April 24th to limit or cancel the Pride Festival. A loosely organized group of LGBTQIA+ allies organized on-line to speak in support of the Pride Festival.
The pearl clutching busybodies returned to Monday night’s City Council to demand an ordinance banning drag shows in Warrensburg, this time with photos on posterboard. In the period between the two council meetings the producers of the Pride Festival had already changed the festival format to 18 years of age and older due to reported threats against the festival and the venue. A similar group of LGBTQIA+ allies attended and signed in to speak in support of the Pride Festival and against a city ordinance.
More of the public comments:
…Again, thank you for allowing me to speak today. I’ll try to keep it short this time, I wrote this stuff down. Um, we’ve heard a lot of talk about safety and protecting children. But, I, I have to ask, does that include my kids? Are you gonna protect my kids when they get harassed for being gay, walking down the street. Because that does happen.
I want to make a point that making it 18+ is not an admittance that it was wrong or something inappropriate was happening. This means that the people who put it on took into account the threats they were receiving and decided to make it a, a decision basically out of safety.
Um, I would encourage the council to reach out to those businesses, publicize a point of contact to those businesses to contact you to know how they were being harassed, how they were being threatened.
Um, basically in my opinion a ban is a solution in search of a problem. We don’t have an epidemic of drag shows happening in this town. And so, I don’t know why a ban would be really necessary.
We even considered, uh, organizing an LGBTQ family event, just for families, not including any drag performers. And even when we were considering that we thought, what about the safety of the families attending. I think that says something when we are concerned about families just getting together being threatened.
Um, last I would say, either everyone is welcome in Warrensburg, or no one is.
Thank you.
.
…Everyone here today is talking about the children. And, you know, as the person who is my dad just spoke, I am, actually, one of these children. I used to be. Three years ago I was in Warrensburg High School. This place, I have never felt, less safe.
I grew up here, born and raised here.
When I found out that I went to UCM I almost cried because of the safety that I didn’t ever really feel in this community.
In high school people said heinous phrases to insult me just for being LGBTQ. People would shout ‘faggot’ towards me. People would shout slurs in my direction. I even had people tell me that they hope I got raped by my dad.
I have never felt more suicidal than homophobic people speaking against the rights of me and my siblings. The only places I have ever felt safe in Warrensburg, from even just walking down the street, has been the Pride events in Warrensburg.
These pride events are really important for children to experience because in high school they are not safe. They do not feel safe. LGBTQ kids feel like they have no community. And Pride is that sense of community.
I know people have said they’ve been worried about the drag shows and have showed images. I, trust me, you can see worse images if you go to a public pool. These public pools, we’re not showing ordinances against those. And this is because it’s not an LGBTQ event.
They’re not attacking us because it is not a sexually exploitive experience, it is because they are LGBTQ.
People talk about the agenda, people in the audience have said this, this is just because it’s LGBTQ people.
There are kids, including my siblings, who are the positions that I was in, who cannot access Pride anymore. And LGBTQ kids, just like me, are afraid to speak up.
The only thing this proposed ordinance would protect children from is their own self-expression. Please, if you care about people like me, do not pass this ordinance.
Thank you.
.
…back in the day I was a tour director. And I took conventions, conferences, and tours to places like Miami, New York City, Chicago, uh, Seattle, Phoenix, Las Vegas. A few years after that I taught on post at a military base. And I have seen all of the clubs that are on the outside gates of the military base.
I can pretty much, with assurance, state that what we had last year at Pride was none of the above. It was very family friendly and we should be very comfortable with NClusion Plus. They took great care of the kids that came to see them.
In the state of Missouri it is legal for a parent to give permission for a child under the age of 16 to marry. In the state of Missouri it is legal to force a child who has been raped to bear a child.
Think about that.
I am extremely concerned that because the words perversion, yad, yada, yada, etcetera, whatever, are getting thrown around we are mistaking human sexuality for an imaginary problem.
Grooming happens within a trust relationship. Those trust relationships are mostly really close to home. It’s the pastor, it’s the athletic coach, it’s the caretaker, it’s the babysitter.
It doesn’t happen in a one-hour or two-hour show.
We have had somewhere around six hundred years of common reading available. And in that time we have managed to read the bible, all manner of western civilization literature and it has not gotten rid of gayness.
They’re not going away.
Two hours at a kid friendly drag show, make those, outlaw those? That’s Robin Williams. That’s Bob Hope. [laughter] Yeah.
We just had a proclamation in this chamber a couple of months ago supporting the LGBTQIA community. In the city of Warrensburg we declared ourselves a welcoming community.
I don’t care how you raise your children. You do not have the right to tell anyone else how to raise theirs.
And the city of Warrensburg has followed their processes, yes ma’am….
.
…I’ve been a member of the Warrensburg community for thirty years. And I stand firm when I say that I stand to protect children. Allowing those children, 18 an under, to attend any type of adult entertainment, including a drag show is unacceptable. It doesn’t matter if they are the children or family of the performers or participants.
State laws that prohibit this are there to protect the children in our community.
In this community there seems to be some question whether the state laws in place should be enforced locally.
I would like a municipal ordinance put in place to codify that no one under 18 be allowed to drag shows or any other adult entertainment within city limits.
Thank you.
.
“…State laws that prohibit this are there…”
“…there seems to be some question whether the state laws in place should be enforced locally…”
Rick Brattin (r) and Denny Hoskins (r) are the pre-eminent legal scholars and final arbiters of the law in the State of Missouri, said no one ever.
…Um, we’ve talked a lot about rights. And what I realize, I think, anyway, what I realize is there was no vote taken about having a drag queen show in the Warrensburg area. It just appeared. So anybody who didn’t particularly want it really never even got to have a vote about that.
So now, belatedly, we’re coming forward and saying we don’t want that for children. We simply don’t want it for children.
[….]
The bottom line is that drag queen exposure for kids just helps confuse them. And it’s a mean trick. It obvious, it, I mean, it is. If somebody had thrown that in my face when I was a kid I probably would have run out screaming. And that’s the truth. I would have started crying and run away.
Um, it’s, it’s not fair. It is just not a fair thing to do to children. It mixes them up, it confuses them.
So, I do also request that the city do, uh, a municipal ordinance to ban drag queen shows for children, for children. Let’s not mix them up anymore. Life’s hard enough. Thanks.
.
“…what I realize is there was no vote taken about having a drag queen show in the Warrensburg area….”
There were no votes taken about which pizza toppings to order…in the Warrensburg area. There were no votes taken about what day we can wax our cars…in the Warrensburg area. There were no votes taken about which doctor’s office we can visit…in the Warrensburg area.
“…It just appeared….” Immaculately.
“…So anybody who didn’t particularly want it really never even got to have a vote about that…”
And no one really never even got to have a vote about which movies appear at the local theater. Fancy that.
Bugs Bunny?
…I, too, have been a resident of this town for fifty years. Quite some time. [….] However, I also have worked for the city of Warrensburg, as a dispatcher, a law enforcement officer, and in Johnson County as a law enforcement officer investigating child abuse and personal crimes.
During that point in time I never, in my investigation of child sexual abuse, child physical abuse, child emotional abuse, ever spoke to a drag queen. I spoke to pastors, I spoke to friends, I spoke to family. I spoke to two little girls whose father committed suicide because it was disclosed that he had been sexually abusing the older daughter. Never a drag queen.
We’ve heard talk of grooming [….] and I believe this was brought to your attention just a few minutes ago as well, that there are several steps to grooming a child to the point that they can be sexually abused. It includes gaining trust and access, playing a role in the child’s life, isolating the child, creating secrecy around this relationship, initiating sexual contact, and controlling this relationship. It does not happen, again, as been mentioned, in a one hour drag show.
It doesn’t happen.
If people want to talk to others about protecting children maybe this needs to be taken to the schools, maybe this needs to be taken to the churches, maybe this needs to be a community project with parents and caregivers in the city of Warrensburg.
I’m not a religious person, but I will finish with this. Matthew 7-1, the new living translation, do not judge others and you will not be judged. Verse 2, you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
I’d also like to say [turning to gallery], so many times I cannot hear the words of love that you are professing, because your actions are too loud.
A group billing themselves as Johnson County Citizens for the Protection of Children is still up in arms about the Warrensburg Pride Festival scheduled for June 3, 2023. There will be drag shows on the program. You know, fancy costumes, theatrical makeup, show tunes. This is nothing new. There were Pride Festivals in Warrensburg in 2021 and 2022.
These right wingnut busybodies had organized on-line to present a petition to the Warrensburg City Council during the public comment portion of the City Council’s evening meeting on April 24th to limit or cancel the Pride Festival. A loosely organized group of LGBTQIA+ allies organized on-line to speak in support of the Pride Festival.
The pearl clutching busybodies returned to last night’s City Council to demand an ordinance banning drag shows in Warrensburg, this time with photos on posterboard. In the period between the two council meetings the producers of the Pride Festival had already changed the festival format to 18 years of age and older due to reported threats against the festival and the venue. A similar group of LGBTQIA+ allies attended and signed in to speak in support of the Pride Festival and against a city ordinance.
So, I am a registered nurse, I graduated UCM and then, um, I have a medical degree from Japan. I’m a psychiatrist. And as a psychiatrist my concern is LGBTQ youth suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of youth. In 2019 19% of youth considered to attempt suicide. And 77% of them are LGBTQIA+ community. [….] In 2020, nationwide, 73% of LGBTQIA+ youth experienced discrimination, based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. And 45% considered suicide and 14% attempted suicide. In Missouri, its numbers are about the same.
So, it was noticed by U.S. government, long time ago, twenty years ago, the U.S. government had this program, plan, to reduce LGBTQIA+ youth suicide with, you know, decrease the number of people committing suicide. So, many researchers are done research and they found a risk factor is stigmatizing, stigmatizing is for who they are. And the youth feel isolation, feeling of being a burden to people, and negative school, like bullying. And they also find there’s a positive protective factor which is support from school, family, community.
So, I’m a scientist. I know we like to divide things in groups. But humans […] inside, outside, doesn’t match, that don’t match. [,,,] They are born to be that way.
I have been to the Pride Festival, twice, two years, two years ago and last year. And the significant thing I, touched my heart, there was many young people wrapping themselves with the pride flag, holding their hands, they, their face were peaceful. Then I, I realized this is what they need. They need to feel they’re okay to exist. Most of this, I’ve been there, most of the performer, they’ve been through discrimination. They are not professionals, they have their day job, they do this part time. They’re trying to tell young people it’s okay to be who they are.
So, as we talk about the safety of children as a community we have to provide safe environment for the children to keep them. Thank you.
.
…We have, uh, gone to the drag shows, as she said. I didn’t see anything that would, uh, indicate a violation of any of the laws that were mentioned. We thought it was a friendly, uh, and, uh, supportive event, as my wife said. We’ve raised five kids. We feel that we can make decisions about what events our children should attend. Input from other people is not needed, and frankly, not welcome.
Last time I was here I mentioned that I thought there was an economic issue, with the economic health of Warrensburg. That if we discourage people from holding a variety of events that, uh, has a negative impact on Warrensburg. And since that time we’ve seen that the, uh, Pride Fest that was planned is now limited to adults. Guess what that means? That means there are people who would have been in Warrensburg, frequenting businesses, spending money that, that day, who will not be. If the sort of ordinance that’s being supported were to be passed that would mean, uh, in the future, uh, there will be people who otherwise might have come to Warrensburg who will not.
Not just for that particular event, but because they see Warrensburg as a place that is not welcoming to them.
So, my thought is, let’s be careful about the decisions we make where we try to legislate morality for other people because those decisions may well come back to bite us economically. Thank you for your attention.
.
When we moved here, almost two years ago, I thought I lived in Warrensburg [….] We are kind of here, hearing a lot of opinions about a lot of stuff, but I think the thing that strikes me most is that there are laws in this country for a reason to protect children. Children don’t process things well as youth. They have to grow and mature. And, until in this nation have been identified as roughly eighteen years of age, some twenty-one, depends on what it is, they are not allowed to make or partake in situations which you’ve heard about here tonight [….]
.
Except you’ll make the parenting decisions for someone else’s kids. Because?
Explain the differences among the 1st Amendment, the 2nd Amendment, and the 14th amendment. We’ll wait.
So, I work here in Warrensburg. I’m the mother of six and I’m very concerned about having kids in our community attend drag shows. It’s never appropriate for kids to attend these type of events. I understand the event in June is now an adults only event, but my continued concern is for next year. We will need the city council to stand up and make it clear where they stand. Protect our children. A munici, a municipal ordinance would accomplish this. I want to thank Missouri senator Rick Brattin [r]…
. “…It’s never appropriate for kids to attend these type of events…” You attended? If not, how would you know? But you still get to decide for everyone else? Because?
Rick Brattin (r) is the pre-eminent legal scholar and final arbiter of the law in the State of Missouri, said no one ever.
The NClusion drag queen venue is sexually explicit adult entertainment. I think we’d all agree about that. Adult entertainment should be for mature audiences only. Drag queens are female impersonators who’s venue can sexually exploit children with their indoctrination about adult sexuality and sexual orientation.
[….]
. “…I think we’d all agree about that…” Uh, no. You might have noticed other speakers two weeks ago and at this city council meeting, right?
…I want to start off by reminding everyone here that our children are our future. They are our heritage. God states in his words that every child is a gift and every child is a reward.
We live in a society where our children are constantly being told they have to believe a particular way, otherwise they are wrong or perhaps they are a bad person or even a hater.
Some would argue that we here today, we might be haters, fearmongers, or the dreaded homophobics because we don’t bow down and agree to the senseless immoral, perverted, corrupt garbage that is being thrown around and forced on us.
We, in fact, we embrace the right to choose. We’re speaking on behalf of the children. We also embrace reality. Normal moral and ethical living. Living is right, living right is not rocket science, it’s common sense. And like the most of us in this room I think we’re strong in that part. [….]
We are here as a group of citizens. We are committed to standing for the voiceless, our children, the ones who don’t have a voice in these days.
We aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, no matter what names, titles, or ridiculous ideologies others may speak against us or throw our direction. We are fully aware who we are through god who created us.
We are looking for solutions and so that’s where you all come in. We want safeguards put in place. We want accountability where there should be accountability. We want our children protected against EXPLOTATION.
We don’t come with a lot of feel good stories about our experiences with last year’s drag queen show. However, we did come with evidence that they are being exploited.
Photos of minor children at last year’s event were handed to you last, at the last meeting as well.
We want our children protected from an agenda that is hell bent on grooming our children. We want our children’s minds and their lives protected in these very vulnerable years.
[….]
We are committed to standing strong until this battle is won, until we see action from you on behalf our minors. We want to see an ordinance. We’re not going away, guys.
. “…We live in a society where our children are constantly being told they have to believe a particular way, otherwise they are wrong or perhaps they are a bad person or even a hater…” Wait, isn’t that an argument against organized religion?
“…Some would argue that we here today, we might be haters…” Okay. If the shoe fits…
“…the dreaded homophobics…” Weren’t they a punk band in the 80s Waukesha music scene? Maybe not.
“..the senseless immoral, perverted, corrupt garbage that is being thrown around and forced on us…” That’s a whole lot to unpack there.
“…we embrace the right to choose…” Irony challenged. Definitely.
“…However, we did come with evidence that they are being exploited…” Evidently not.
The statement at the end of the public comment portion of the agenda at last night’s Warrensburg City Council meeting – read by Bruce Uhler, on behalf of the city council:
STATEMENT REGARDING DRAG SHOW
The City recognizes and appreciates the citizen input received over the last several weeks related to a drag show planned for June 3, 2023. While the organizers have announced cancellation of the “all ages” portion of this event, these discussions still merit response. This event was scheduled to take place at a privately owned property in town, and as such, the City must operate for any similar future events within its constitutional and statutory boundaries related to private conduct on private property.
At the same time, the City also takes seriously the protection of children, and recognizes and enforces state law related to private activity that exposes children to illegal content or actions. Just as the City enforces state laws related to other crimes, the City will continue to uphold its duty to enforce state laws related to children. Crimes that involve child victims are serious, and should be handled under the state statutes that set those rules. City ordinance violations carry fairly minimal penalties when compared to state law. Nuisance violations, which some have suggested the City apply here for example, have a statutory cap of a $200 fine, inclusive of all court costs, for a first violation. Jail or imprisonment is not an option available for this offense in municipal court. State law on providing minors pornographic or obscene material, however, can result in imprisonment, and fines reaching the thousands of dollars. Enacting city ordinances to address serious state crimes does not deter those crimes, it actually makes the consequences for their commission less severe. The City stands behind state law, with its proportionate penalty provisions for all crimes involving child victims.
A suspicion that a private person or entity might commit a violation of law, however, does not empower the City to shut down private property or private assemblies in advance. The City must respond to violations of law as they happen, when the facts provide probable cause to believe that a crime has taken place. This situation is no different. The City will investigate any allegation of criminal activity involving children, and will, when probable cause exists, forward the results of those investigations to the County’s elected prosecutor to file charges.
The police power entrusted to the City by the State of Missouri is an awesome responsibility, and must be exercised with care, and without favortism to any person, group or point of view. Passionate viewpoints have been expressed on many sides of the public comments surrounding this upcoming event. Passionate viewpoints alone, however, cannot determine arrest and charging decisions. Any law enforcement action of the City or its officers must be based upon the facts as they occur and the law as it exists. It is the charge of the City and its officials to honor the rights of all citizens, and at the same time to see that all citizens live up to their duties under law as well. That obligation will be honored by the City without fear or favor. But there is no crystal ball. We will review the facts as they happen. One of our most famous founders, Alexander Hamilton, put it best when he said, “There can be no truer principle than this– that every individual of the community at large has an equal right to the protection of government.”
Whether that protection be for a child, for a parent, for a concerned citizen, or for a performer, the City will stand steadfast in its obligations to ALL parties, and demand that those same parties do the same with respect to their own duties to comply with the law.
“…[turning to the gallery] So many times I cannot hear the words of love you are professing because your actions are too loud…”
A group billing themselves as Johnson County Citizens for the Protection of Children is still up in arms about the Warrensburg Pride Festival scheduled for June 3, 2023. There will be drag shows on the program. You know, fancy costumes, theatrical makeup, show tunes. This is nothing new. There were Pride Festivals in Warrensburg in 2021 and 2022.
These right wingnut busybodies had organized on-line to present a petition to the Warrensburg City Council during the public comment portion of the City Council’s evening meeting on April 24th to limit or cancel the Pride Festival. A loosely organized group of LGBTQIA+ allies organized on-line to speak in support of the Pride Festival.
The pearl clutching busybodies returned to last night’s City Council to demand an ordinance banning drag shows in Warrensburg, this time with photos on posterboard. In the period between the two council meetings the producers of the Pride Festival had already changed the festival format to 18 years of age and older due to reported threats against the festival and the venue. A similar group of LGBTQIA+ allies attended and signed in to speak in support of the Pride Festival and against a city ordinance.
This time there were about fifty individuals in the city council chamber gallery.
The portion of the meeting for public comment was again prefaced by a brief explanation of the ground rules. Individuals who signed up for public comment were allotted three minutes, with a city official acting as the timer. Speakers were asked to state their name and address. Some did, some didn’t.
…I appreciate the chance to speak to you as a city council. I am a Johnson County central committee [political party] member, a wife, a mother, a grandma, a christian, and a very concerned citizen of Johnson County. Let me ask you a few questions. Do you want Warrensburg to be known as a safe community for families and children? [….] But are we really thinking about the long-term consequences of allowing drag shows and their perversion into our town. Uh. how important is the safety of our kids’ souls? I’m a mom and a teacher so I am very in tune with children. If you’re not thinking about long-term, how this would affect our community, I would encourage you to do that. You’ve been entrusted to protect Warrensburg citizens and provide day-to-day public service. This includes protecting our children and I understand that you are in a challenging position. But now you have a chance a decision that will impact children and generations of young people for years to come and our community. I am requesting that you as the city council would consider two points today. One, to protect the children. And, two, I’m requesting a city ordinance to ban all drag queen shows to protect the children, now and in the future, and all public areas, libraries included. Missouri senator Rick Brattin [r], District 31, sent a letter to the Warrensburg chief of police and the police department April the 21st, sharing several Missouri laws that prohibit these activities. And to be truthful, I didn’t even know there were this many laws against sexual, uh, deviance with children. But I am, uh, now understanding that there are Missouri laws, there’s federal laws [….] And I really do propose that having these drag queen shows in our community is illegal and it does psychological damage to our children. It’s known as grooming. And as you can see with these signs [posters], uh, this is pictures from last year’s drag show here in Warrensburg [….] Uh, they have drag queens that are stripping in front of children. I get chills just thinking about this. I cannot believe this is where we are at in our society. So I am encouraging you guys to stand strong, don’t cave into political pressure. But, where would this ever be okay, to strip in front of children? Thank you.
.
Sure. “…ban all drag queen shows…”
Rick Brattin (r) is the pre-eminent legal scholar and final arbiter of the law in the State of Missouri, said no one ever.
Rick Brattin (r) [2013 file photo].
Stripping? Uh, you do know what drag actually is, right?
“…I cannot believe this is where we are at in our society…” Ditto, but for much different reasons.
The busybodies had more individuals who signed up to speak, and they were, for the most part, at the top of the sign-up list.
…So, I know a lot of people…So, my purpose in telling you all that is to let you all know I know a lot of people around town. Uh, and since the last city council meeting two weeks ago I have been approached by a lot of citizens who were made aware of the drag show from the article in the paper. Um, they didn’t know about the all ages drag show until that information came out. A hundred percent of the people I spoke to were absolutely against a drag show for kids. Now, while I don’t mean that as any threat, I do mean to report that many of them said that the council was to allow this drag show for kids to continue they would certainly remember that come the next election. From what I learned the silent majority is not gonna remain silent on this issue. So, I want to make it clear to the council that when people spoke at the last council meeting it was misinterpreted that we were against the drag show. That’s not true. Personally, I have nothing against someone performing for adults. But, when you consider the age of the kids, please keep in mind I can’t send my underage kids to buy alcohol, they can’t buy cigarettes, they can’t drive, and they sure can’t attend an R rated movie. All these rules put in place to protect the kids. So why should an all ages drag show be any different? In closing my recommendation to this council would be to implement an ordinance against allowing an all ages drag show in the future. If people want a drag show for kids they can do that in the privacy of their own home. Thank you very much.
(audio edited)
.
The plural of anecdote is not data. And, if you don’t live within the city limits you don’t get to vote in city council elections.
“…while I don’t mean that as any threat..” Yes, yes you do.
“…So, I want to make it clear to the council that when people spoke at the last council meeting it was misinterpreted that we were against the drag show…” Uh, no, that was quite clear.
Missouri has graduated drivers license starting at age 15, when accompanied by a parent.
A rated movie? A parent or guardian can accompany their child to a movie.
“,..If people want a drag show for kids they can do that in the privacy of their own home…” You mean like on private property? Interesting. Wait, if you really believe it’s illegal then it’s illegal everywhere.
…I was thankful to learn that the drag show scheduled for June 3rd is now an eighteen and over only event. I wish their decision to limit the event to adults could be the end of this affair. I’m sure you all hope for the same thing. It is clear from their statement that they intend to try again in the future to bring an all ages event back to Warrensburg. I never again want to see photos of children in our community holding up dollars for drag queens like patrons at a strip club posted on social media. More importantly, I want to insure that the children of our city are never exposed to such environments in the first place. And I know that I’m not alone in that hope. In speaking with our state senator, Rick Brattin [r][…] I urge you to act quickly. Doing so will add additional support to our great police. And, most importantly, protect the children of Warrensburg and surrounding communities from these highly sexualized and inappropriate performances in the future…
. “…I wish their decision to limit the event to adults could be the end of this affair…” Well?
“…holding up dollars…” Never heard of tips? Busking?
“…like patrons at a strip club…” How would anyone know?
Again, Rick Brattin (r) is the pre-eminent legal scholar and final arbiter of the law in the State of Missouri, said no one ever.
…Judge righteously…
.
Well?
…My husband and I are new to the area. And, um, you could only imagine my shock and dismay at learning that the past two years there’s been a drag queen performance that included children, um, being invited to it, encouraged to come to it. Uh, advertised as being appropriate for children and families. I couldn’t disagree with something like that more…
. “…you could only imagine my shock and dismay…” Don’t need to. You’re telling us.
“…advertised as being appropriate for children and families…” And it was.
“…I couldn’t disagree with something like that more…” Yet you weren’t there because, you know, you’re new to the area.
Maybe ask for an ordinance where you actually live? Just to see how that works.
(personal information omitted)
.
…So I guess we’re quoting the bible. But, I don’t know if we’re paying attention to them ten commandments where it tells you not to bear false witness. Lady stood up here, at least she didn’t call me pedophile this time, that said that there was stripping going on. None of the performers took off any clothes. I understand you, you folks in the audience, look at those pictures and say, oh that’s terrible, I don’t want that for my child. I would again tell you, not your child, I think it should be legal.
But it doesn’t matter because we had some people with guns make threats. People talking about building bombs, blowing up the Elks. So we have decided to make it, what the folks here said was gonna be okay with them, just a pride event, a drag show with no kids, eighteen and over. But yet we’re still here talking about it.
Thank you very much.
.
…I thought I wouldn’t be here today because I thought that the goal from last time was to have an adults only drag show. And because of concerns about the safety of performers and attendees that’s what’s happening now.
Um, I’ve heard a lot about biblical reasons not to have drag shows. Um, the legal reasons I’m a little iffier on. [….]
One of my biggest concerns about the bible being used is, um, as a legal argument, is a phrase that was recently used about the issue, that says, I don’t think we have the command to kill anyone. I hope that nobody thinks that the bible has told them that they need to kill people who are supporting our LGBTQ people. Um, and I’d hope that we’d move on to something that is actually harmful to kids.[….]
What bothers me more than anything else in this is that LBGTQ young people are four times more likely to attempt suicide. And these are the children who deserve to be proud of who they are. Because I was raised to believe that god made me who I am. And I cannot imagine that same god wants me to kill myself because people in my community can’t accept who I am. Thank you.
“…I am a person. I think that’s what we’re down to here, an issue of people. And we’re forgetting that we are people…”
A group billing themselves as Johnson County Citizens for the Protection of Children is up in arms about the Warrensburg Pride Festival scheduled for June 3, 2023. There will be drag shows on the program. You know, fancy costumes, theatrical makeup, show tunes. This is nothing new. There were Pride Festivals in Warrensburg in 2021 and 2022.
These right wingnut busybodies organized on-line to present a petition to the Warrensburg City Council during the public comment portion of Monday night’s meeting to limit or cancel the Pride Festival. A loosely organized group of LGBTQIA+ allies organized on-line to speak in support of the Pride Festival.
Over 100 individuals crowded into the city council chamber.
The portion of the meeting for public comment was prefaced by an explanation of the ground rules. The city council was there to listen, but would not comment nor respond to questions. Individuals who signed up for public comment were allotted three minutes, with a city official acting as the timer. This worked well, with one glaring exception. Speakers were asked to state their name and address.
…I’ve been to drag shows before. I went to one last year. Been to Pride festivals, never saw any sort of child abuse going on.
I respect their rights to come and protest that if they want, that’s their choice. But that’s why we’re here.
Rather what I saw going on there and what my family saw going on there was messages of empowerment and joy…
…I just wanted to say I have attended one of these drag shows in Warrensburg with several of my family. I’m a thirty-three year resident of Warrensburg, I’m married, we have five children together, four who are adults.
The drag show was quite enjoyable. I did not see anything objectionable from my point of view. I did not see any potential for harm to anybody. There were some people who were wearing nice clothing. There were people wearing makeup. They lip-synched. Some of them did quite a good job, some of them did okay. [laughter] We all enjoyed it.
The additional point that I just wanted to bring up is that I believe it’s in the economic interest of Warrensburg to support a diversity of events to which people with different interests feel welcome to attend. And to the extent we don’t do that I think it contributes to an image problem that can only hurt the city economically.
So I support Warrensburg being open to holding a variety of events for people with a variety of preferences and interests.
Thank you.
…I’ve lived here in Warrensburg for eleven years I think now…I have never been this disappointed in our elected officials in this country as I am standing here today. I remember years ago it was common, it was a very common to hear the phrase it takes a village to raise a child. And there was a time that we knew as a country that we knew we were working as a united team. The parents, our extended families, our church family, and of course, our government supporting the traditional family and the ideas attached.
Sadly, our villages are broken. Families are divided. Our schools are busy trying to be politically correct. And all the while trying to convince our youth that America’s moral ground has shifted.
The saddest, most pathetic part of all of this is that our churches have forgotten their own role, in not just the family, but in our nation.
Then there’s the smaller government such as city boards, school boards that continually change the rules, that despite all the logic and moral facts that would negate their divisive changes and actions. So, I find myself in front of one of those smaller governments. And, let’s face it, you all need a gentle reminder every now and then that you do represent we the people.
And many of these people are too young and, and they have a voice that is just not heard so we have to be their voice. I do attend church and I am fully aware that [inaudible]. And even though my kids are grown I can tell you this, my job has not ended.
The majority who didn’t get out and vote who are represented here through myself and in people in this room today do not want this mislabeled immoral cabaret event in our county. Honestly, we don’t want it anywhere.
We can clearly see, this is the national consensus, all you have to do is look at the bills that are currently waiting for amending and vote [….] and Tennessee just passed anti-drag queen legislation, Ohio did as well.
Here we are relying on you to make a fair, sound, moral, ethical assessment and judgment based on the following facts, all the while remembering you are the voice of we the people. And that includes our children.
And do, I don’t know if any of you know the definition of pedophilia, but I’m gonna share it with you [inaudible] the dictionary. [voice: “So now I’m a pedophile?”] Pedophilia is a psychiatric disorder [….] [timer: “Fifteen seconds.”] …So, they are attracted to these age groups. Now, knowing this, what part of a performance begins with a goal of a man dressing as a woman [timer: “Time.”], putting on makeup [voice: “Ma’am, that’s the expiration of your time.”] and strapping on body parts and dancing provocatively. And by the way, you all have a picture…[shouting][gavel]
Silent majority? That’s not how this all works.
Tennessee? Ohio? Uh, we’re in Warrensburg, Missouri.
Rules. How Ironic.
—–
—–
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…
Is this a great country, or what?
…I am a Silver-haired Representative for Pettis County, retired Air Force, and I’ve been to both of the previous Pride events. As a Silver-haired representative I’m a required reporter as well. And there was never any occurrence in which I felt a need to call Social Services.
What I did see was love and inclusion, which is sorely lacking in today’s society. Ones what I think we’re supposed to be trying and do better for our children, and by showing the good in everyone.
So, the pride is just that…
…I come to you tonight as a white woman, speaking from the Christian faith. And my concern goes back to pledging allegiance a little earlier tonight and the freedoms that we enjoy to congregate with those we want to. My faith tradition came in 1720 to Pennsylvania, persecuted in Germany. If you baptized an adult you were killed. And so they came here seeking religious freedom. Freedom we enjoy today. To choose what church we want to attend, what community event we want to be part of. And I believe, tonight we are here for a much larger issue. And that is the freedoms we enjoy which are being threatened by persons who want to pinpoint one group.
And I want to share the importance of that in a quote by Martin Niemoller, a Lutheran pastor, who spoke after Nazi Germany. And he said:
First they came for the Socialists. And I did not speak out, because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade-unionists. And I didn’t speak out because I was not a Trade-unionist.
Then they came for the Jews. And I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me. And there was no one left to speak for me.
I think we need to take those words to heart tonight as we speak up for those who are on the margins of our society. I believe Jesus did that, as he gave me that example. I want us to love others and to lift up those on the margins in or community. And to celebrate the gift of God’s creation in each human being.
Thank you.
…I would just like to say, what exactly are we talking here? Kids like me? People who encourage them to be who they are? I don’t understand why a woman, pardon, a man in a dress is a problem if they want to wear a dress. I don’t understand. I, my rights are being threatened at the state level and yet we’re here worrying about this?…
…You’re not allowed to tell me what I can and cannot do just because, you, your religion or beliefs say it. I have my own beliefs. I am a person. I think that’s what we’re down to here, an issue of people. And we’re forgetting that we are people.
