FL Democrats Defend Sexualization or Grooming of Children at Drag Shows

Although the 2022 midterm elections are in the rearview mirror, the culture war is not close to being over in the state of Florida.  Florida Democrats are now pushing back against Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) on the latest alleged child grooming at recent drag shows around the state.

While drag shows have been around for adult audiences for quite some time, Florida Republicans have recently waged a war on the practice bring kids to these shows, claiming it harms minors.

Tension on the issue came to a head when Governor DeSantis attempted to shut down a drag club in Miami for catering to minors with kid's menus.

Now, Democrats are responding, making the once-fringe issue front and center in Florida Politics.  Former State Rep. Carlos G. Smith (D-FL)  is now firing back at Gov.DeSantis along with other prominent Democrats after DeSantis announced the investigation of a Christmas drag show held in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Smith echoed his colleague State Senator Shevrin Jones (D-FL) who Tweeted, "No crime has been committed, but yet state resources will be wasted on this aimless investigation. This enhances no one’s life, nor does it improve the well-being of Floridians life. We should focus on the things that matter."

Fox News contributor Geraldo Rivera was retweeted by Smith, with a similar sentiment.

"Now they’re coming for drag shows? What is the crime exactly? Whenever this guy starts looking good, he does something scary. Do any concerned citizens really care about drag shows? They’ve been around since burlesque. Whatever happened to live & let live in the Sunshine State," stated Rivera.

Former DeSantis spokeswoman Christina Pushaw has since responded to the  Progressive claims of no crimes being committed.  Pushaw stated in response to Rivera, "Yes drag shows have been around for a long time. But it’s only recently that sexually suggestive and explicit performances have been marketed to CHILDREN. Can you not understand why adult entertainment isn’t for children? Or do you think burlesque should be 'all ages' too?"

The Governor's office is expected in the coming days to release the findings of an investigation conducted by the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DPBR).

The interview Publisher Javier Manjarres conducted of a 12-year-old girl and her mother at at drag show in Miami is said to be the key piece of evidence investigators may use to make their case.

Going into 2023, it seems as if fighting the Culture War will remain one of DeSantis' top priorities as governor.