Local drag performers feel hope as court blocks child protection law

Tallahassee, FL (WTXL) — Florida law restricting live performances has been postponed. A child protection law that some say targets the LGBTQ community was ruled vague and unconstitutional by a federal judge on Friday.

A local drag performer said it was a big win.

Sior Williams will perform as drag persona Iggy Monroe Moon in The Rose Room.

He said the court’s ruling cleared a dark cloud of fear around the things he loved to do.

“It was very shocking and very heartbreaking,” Williams said. “The fact that we went back in time for a few months and were nervous the whole time.”

Williams said Florida’s new child protection laws made her afraid to wear drugs in public and in front of her 2-year-old son.

He said drugs felt great for him.

“It gives me confidence,” Williams said. “It makes me feel bold and it makes me feel beautiful.”

He now feels hopeful after a federal judge temporarily blocked the law. A judge ruled that the law was unconstitutional and vague.

“This smile is so genuine,” Williams said with a wide smile. “This is how I feel this morning.”

The judge cited a comment by Rep. Randy Fein, who called events like the drug story “propaganda,” and wrote that the law restricts free speech.

In a Facebook post, drag queens brilliantly described themselves as adult entertainers raising children as part of the LGBTQ community.

When I spoke with Fine about the bill in March, he told ABC 27 that a pride parade in his local neighborhood exposed children to inappropriate sexual practices inspired him to write the bill. Told. He said the bill is aimed at protecting young children from being sexually targeted.

Ashley Kappelman, a licensed child therapist, says research shows that sexuality doesn’t change when people are exposed to LGBTQ themes.

“Simply exposing someone to a different normative view, such as LGBTQ, does not change their personal identity,” says Kappelmann.

Kappelman said giving young people LGBTQ representation can be beneficial to their mental health.

“It can reduce the incidence of mental health problems. This is when someone feels included and accepted and has support from someone – at least one person in their life.” It happens sometimes,” Kappelman said.

What Williams said helped him establish himself after growing up in an unacceptable home.

“It was the people within the community that helped me find myself, understand myself, and become who I wanted to be,” Williams said.

Williams said he wants to stand by for LGBTQ youth, whether the law is passed or not.

“I will only do it for the next generation and the generation after that,” Williams said.