ORLANDO, Fla. — A drag-themed event planned for this weekend has been relocated due to “uncertainties regarding age-appropriate content,” according to event organizers.
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The “Miss Rose Dynasty Pageant 2023″ was originally scheduled to take place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando on Saturday. The event is billed as family-friendly, with six drag queens competing in gowns and dresses and non-drag performances by teenagers and other groups.
Past events raised tens of thousands of dollars for nonprofit organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth and adults.
Organizers said they were notified by the Dr. Phillips Center two weeks before the planned event that they were “potentially in jeopardy if we did not make the event 18 years and up.”
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Organizers claim they were also told they could postpone the event until they had further clarity on the issues.
“Dr. Phillips has been our venue in the past and has been a great partner,” an event spokesperson posted on social media. “Our response is that we will not enforce an age restriction or postpone the event, as an age restriction would go against our mission, vision and work we do here at Rose Dynasty Foundation.”
Organizers claim the Dr. Phillips Center contacted state officials to get more clarity, but did not get an answer. They announced Tuesday the show will still take place, but it’s been moved to Wyndham Orlando Resort & Conference Center in Kissimmee.
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“Rose Dynasty will continue to provide a safe space for all ages in our events. As many of you know, nothing inappropriate or ‘lewd’ happens at our events,” an event spokesperson said.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts released the following statement regarding the Miss Rose Dynasty Pageant:
“Due to recent uncertainties regarding age-appropriate content at drag shows/pageants across statewide venues, we began working with several state agencies to seek clarification of Florida statutes to confirm compliance for upcoming shows in the arts center. Due to the close timing of the show this month, and the anticipation of a response from the state, the Miss Rose Dynasty Pageant chose to relocate to an alternative venue in order to host the show without an age restriction. We fully respect their decision and look forward to hosting the event in the future.”
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The movement of the event comes one month after Florida leaders moved to revoke the liquor license of the Plaza Live, which hosted a touring Christmas-themed drag show in December.
Some performers and dancers in that show featured suggestive costumes and dancing. Initially, tickets to the show were not restricted to adults.
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State officials said several minors were allowed into the venue despite the state’s warning. Advocates protesting outside the venue said parents should be allowed to decide what performances are appropriate for their children to see.
Plaza Live was given several weeks to request a hearing to present its arguments to save its license.
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