Cheers were heard from all over the street as people celebrating Independence Day in an Ohio city were treated to a novel attraction at their annual parade: a drag performer.
Three drag queens dressed in star-themed costumes marched down Route 59 in northeastern Ohio as they participated in the 66th annual Stow Fourth of July Parade.
Pepper buffet, Marley Muvarri AND Peruvian Pineapple he walked next to the councilor Kyle Herman — Stow’s first elected official — who invited them to participate to show his community that the performing arts can be a patriotic and fun, family-friendly celebration of freedom.
“As Stow’s first openly elected official, I feel a tremendous responsibility to help ensure representation for historically marginalized groups and defend my friends — and all Ohioans — from hateful bigotry,” Herman wrote in an email to supporters before the parade.
The queens’ appearance comes as Ohio Republicans are considering bill HB 245, which aims to restrict drag queen performances to adult spaces.
“State lawmakers are trying to blame [LGBTQ+] people with cruel laws that would restrict free speech by banning drag or dressing up as someone else – to the point where men could be prosecuted for simply wearing wigs, tights, make-up or heels, all things our Founding Fathers wore [by the way]“And transgender people can be arrested just for existing,” Herman said.
Given the political climate, Herman said his invitation to drag performers to participate in the parade is especially vital in the context of the holiday.
“We proudly celebrate the Fourth of July because we are an important part of American history – as are all Americans – created equal, endowed with unalienable rights, and helping America keep its promise of liberty and justice for all,” Herman said.
Herman said Buckeye Flame that despite some negative comments on Facebook after the parade, the response from Stow residents was overwhelmingly positive.
“The vast majority of Stow residents I spoke with expressed gratitude and joy that we live in an inclusive and welcoming community,” Herman said. 🔥
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