Take a deep breath. Nobody is banned. The very articles you’re reading with headlines that claim drag queens are banned very clearly state that drag queens are not banned.

The actual story is not that exciting. All organizations have criteria for selecting performers, and Free Pride Glasgow is no exception.

Let’s talk about what actually happened.

It was felt by the group within the Trans/Non Binary Caucus that some drag performance, particularly cis drag, hinges on the social view of gender and making it into a joke, however transgender individuals do not feel as though their gender identity is a joke. This can particularly difficult for those who are not out and still present as the gender they were assigned at birth.

No matter how you personally feel about drag, this is true. While much, even a majority, of cis people in drag are very much pro trans and even good allies, some of the most visible and popular performers are proud or even violent transphobes.

While we’re here I’ll remind you that however you feel about this view, the way some trans people are affected is valid and deserves consideration — particularly from a pride organization formed to address structural issues within big-P Pride, where trans people are often marginalized in-community.

While it was discussed whether we could have trans drag acts perform, it was agreed that as it would not be appropriate to ask any prospective drag acts whether or not they identified as trans. It was therefore decided that having no drag acts perform would be the best option as it would mean no-one would feel pressured to out themselves.

Here’s the point— it’s not about drag. It’s about creating a safer space for trans attendees, by minimizing harm caused by cis performers whose acts are often accidentally transmisogynist (or may be perceived as such).

(Free Pride has since revised their policy to allow drag acts by trans performers)

So that’s it. They chose not to invite any drag performers. But wait, are drag queens allowed?

We would like to reaffirm that this is not to say that we do not want gender expression, which we do encourage, at our event. We encourage everyone to wear what they want and express their gender however they please!

Of course.