NAPLES, FLORIDA — The Naples City Council voted in favor of hosting sexually explicit performances from cross-dressing men in front of children as part of the annual Naples Pride Fest.
After listening to public comments from more than 70 residents on Wednesday, the council voted 5–2 approving a permit for the controversial event in Cambier Park downtown. The Naples Pride Facebook page features photos of children handing cash to grown men wearing risqué nightclub dresses.
CONSERVATIVES PUSH BACK
Footage from Fox 4 coverage of the meeting showed protesters with various signs, including one that said “‘DRAG QUEENS ARE ADULT MEN SEXUALIZING CHILDREN!”
“I think City Council is inviting the wrath of God, like Ian wasn't enough” one opponent said.
Councilman Terry Hutchison, who voted against permitting the event, purportedly started an online petition to “fight back against this madness.”
Opposition against the event has been building for more than a year. Teddy Collins, a resident and father, questioned the Collier County Council about the event last year, calling it “a form of sexual abuse.”
“The actual term is ‘visual sexual abuse,’” Collins said. “Visual sexual abuse is basically an exposure to adult content involuntary, not consenting, especially in young children because they’re so impressionable. Research has shown this exposure can cause issues later in life, including addiction, depression and even aggressive sexual behavior.”
“Why are these performers seemingly looking for the attention from little kids while they’re dancing in their underwear … with their legs spread open?” he asked the Council.
Teddy Collins of the Great American Patriots (@GAP52315531 ) speaks during public comment at the Collier Board of Commissioner meeting about drag queen performance at Naples Pride pic.twitter.com/kvoQOQ9CX9
— rachel heimann mercader (@racheyy_marie) July 12, 2022
CELEBRATING “ALL PEOPLE, JUST AS THEY ARE”
Other residents advocated for the performances as a necessary component of inclusion for all members of the community.
“We welcome LGBTQ+ people into the full life, leadership, and ministry of our congregation,” said Rev. Angela Wells-Bean, pastor of the Naples United Church of Christ. “I want my children to be raised in a community where they know that all people are welcome and celebrated just as they are.”
“This vote shows Naples is above politized (sic) issues and votes based on facts and laws to all special event permits without discrimination,” Naples Pride wrote in a Facebook post. “Naples Pride is committed to working with Naples City Council and our community to ensure our annual fundraiser remains a family friendly celebration of love and acceptance.”
