A Georgia-based Pride group, House of ALXNDR, has come under scrutiny after recruiting children as young as 13 to participate as drag show performers, which has led to significant backlash online [1]. The group posted a call for 'drag newcomers ages 13-18' on Facebook, inviting teenagers and their parents to submit applications for the 'Cabbage Patch All Ages show' scheduled during the Pride Month Artist Market & Drag Party. The event was advertised to take place on Sunday, June 14, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with the drag show set for 2 p.m. at Wild Heaven Beer: West End Brewery & Gardens in Atlanta [1].
The Facebook post promoting the event appears to have been removed following an inquiry from Fox News Digital [1]. Taylor Alxndr, the founder of House of ALXNDR, is described as an influential figure in Atlanta's drag and LGBTQ+ performance scene, having received multiple awards such as the 2024 Atlanta Pride Grand Marshal and OUT Georgia's 2021 Next Gen Leader of the Year, among others [1]. Taylor has also performed alongside notable entertainers including Charli XCX and Chappell Roan [1].
The online reaction to the event has been largely negative, with social media users expressing outrage and questioning the appropriateness of involving minors in drag performances. Comments included, 'What kind of parent would sign-up their kids to perform in drag? These are sick people,' and, 'People can be as freaky as they want to be, but it needs to remain behind closed doors and they need to stay the f---k away from children!' [1].
Fox News Digital reached out to House of ALXNDR for comment, but no response was reported in the article [1]. The article also references a similar controversy from the previous year involving another drag group, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, which faced backlash for hosting a children's Easter egg hunt and drag costume contest [1].
CONCLUSION
The recruitment of minors for a drag show by House of ALXNDR has ignited strong backlash online, with critics questioning the involvement of children in such performances. The event has drawn significant negative attention, but there is no indication of broader market or financial impact at this time.