Drag Queens

The GAY-la at the Factory in Chesterfield on Sunday will feature St. Louis drag performers, band Blusch and electronic producer Umami.

The measure limits drag shows to downtown Branson because the area was “created to ensure that the peace and safety of residential and neighborhood-adjacent districts were not negatively impacted by live entertainment uses.”

The new ordinance, which passed a first reading 3-2 Tuesday night, would require a permit to host a drag show and would not allow shows within 600 feet of any religious institution, park or school. It would also bar anyone under 18 from attending a drag show.

The move is in response to a drag show held at a public park last month during the Rolla Pride Celebration. Council members said the performance was sexually explicit and targeted minors.

As lawmakers in Missouri consider restricting drag shows, drag queens take to the streets.

Republican lawmakers in Missouri, Tennessee and other states are advancing bills that would restrict drag show performances. The proposals threaten the LGBTQ community as well as businesses, critics say.

Michael Shreves was a trailblazer for St. Louis’ LGBTQ community. Performing in drag as Michelle McCausland, he won a sexy legs contest intended solely for women. He also led the charge to overturn St. Louis’ archaic laws banning drag performances — by fighting his own misdemeanor arrest. We’ll remember this remarkable man. He died last month of COVID-19.

On the latest edition of Politically Speaking, St. Louis Public Radio’s Julie O’Donoghue and Jason Rosenbaum take a look at local, state and national…

Once a month, 90-year-old John Chaney dons a blond wig, dressy suit and heels — and transforms into a Tammy Wynette look-alike who lip-syncs to country…

A group of drag queens in bejeweled ball gowns and stiletto heels brought unexpected glamour to storytime on Mother's Day weekend.A rambunctious crowd…