Florida Public Nude Beaches Vs. Drag Shows

Th Hypocrisy is Sickening

The Florida Senate passed a bill recently that could prevent children from attending "adult live performances." This bill, known as SB 1438, defines such performances as "any show, exhibition, or other presentation that is performed in front of a live audience and in whole or in part, depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, specific sexual activities, … lewd conduct, or the lewd exposure of prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts." In a last-minute move, the Senate also passed an amendment to block government entities from issuing licenses for such events.

While proponents of the bill claim that it is necessary to protect children from sexual content, critics argue that this is just another attempt to restrict the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. This bill is one of over 400 pieces of legislation nationwide aimed at transgender people and the LGBTQ+ community. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis' "Don't Say Gay" law explicitly prevents discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation, resulting in what critics call censorship of LGBTQ+ voices and an increase in harassment of queer students, teachers, administrators, and their allies.

I think most people agree that children should not be exposed to certain content, but the problem here is quite astounding.

Vague

The disturbing trend of targeting the LGBTQ+ community through laws that purposefully aim to suppress their rights is on the rise in various states across the country. These laws are vague, and they instill fear and intimidation in venues that might consider hosting any event that could potentially break the law. The chilling effect of these laws is already being felt, as organizers wonder whether even high school students attending a play that features men dressed as women would be considered breaking the law. Until such a case is brought before a judge, no one can be sure, but the fear of legal repercussions may dissuade many such events from happening. Broadway shows like "Chicago," "Ruthless," and "Matilda," all featuring men in drag, could also be at risk if these laws remain in place.

Hypocrisy - Public Nude Beaches

These laws claim to protect children from sexual content in private venues, but they only seem to target the LGBTQ+ community through drag shows. The hypocrisy is glaring when we consider the fact that in Florida, there are dozens of public nude beaches, which allow parents to bring their naked children to them, where they may be exposed to potentially dozens of other naked strangers. The fact that this is happening on public land in Florida is alarming and shows the blatant bigotry of those making these laws. If their real concern was to protect children, rather than further marginalize the LGBTQ+ community, these beaches would be the first on the chopping block.

The situation is dire, and the urgent need to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community cannot be overstated. These laws and the bigotry behind them are unacceptable, and we must speak out against them. We cannot let fear and intimidation be used to silence those who are different from us. It is time to stand up for what is right and demand that these laws be repealed. The LGBTQ+ community and its allies must unite and fight against these discriminatory laws that have no place in our society.

I'm not arguing for or against nude beaches, or for children to be exposed to explicit performances, but I am pointing out that the hypocrisy of the right is undeniable and bigoted in nature.