‘Capitulated To Fear’: Tennessee City Makes Decision On Future Of Pride Fest That Featured ‘Explicit Sexual’ Performance

Franklin, Tennessee – After last year’s Pride festival featured an adult-themed drag performance, Tennessee residents have been split on whether to allow the festival to proceed. Franklin Mayor Ken Moore ultimately cast the deciding vote in a split 5-4 decision that gave the green light to this year’s event, despite acknowledging that last year’s event was not family-friendly.

Some residents say the festival exposed children to inappropriate content, including explicit drag performances, while other attendees maintain that the event was not meant to be a family-oriented affair. The marathon city board meeting ran for nearly five hours, with over 100 public commenters weighing in on the debate.

While approximately two-thirds of public commenters opposed granting the permit to Franklin Pride, supporters of the event countered that it’s a necessary celebration of sexuality and identity.

The decision to grant the permit for the festival was met with cheers from some attendees, while others feel that the board has “capitulated to fear”. Some who were present at the hearing argued that Pride festivals are inherently sexualized events that should not be attended by children, while others maintain that it’s important to send a message of inclusion and acceptance to the LGBTQ+ community.

Alderman Beverly Burger criticized the event’s past explicit sexual movements and argued that it was inappropriate for a public park, but another alderman claimed that the city would be sued if the permit was denied. Though the controversy surrounding the festival has polarized the community, Mayor Moore has pledged to oppose granting a permit in the future if the show is found to be inappropriate this year.

It is worth noting that this decision comes after the Tennessee General Assembly voted in favor of protecting children from explicit sexual performances, though a federal judge has temporarily suspended the law.