In the Heart of Fort Worth, minors are stepping into a world of glitz and glamour at the Red Goose Saloon's "Moondance Drag Brunch." With shows running every Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. until May 1, the bar opens its doors to youths at their parents' discretion, a decision not without controversy. According to The Dallas Express, the event is billed as Fort Worth's PREMIER drag show and features performances by Salem Moon, who was recently named Best Drag Performer of 2023 by Fort Worth Weekly Critic's Choice.
The event's website suggests that attendees be 16 years or older due to "language and some suggestive humor" while assuring that "No strong sexual content permitted." However, Texas Family Project raised the alarm in a Facebook post dated March 18th, cautioning that a "sexually explicit drag show is taking place this Sunday in Fort Worth!" and implored the public to express their disapproval to the show operators, insisting that such displays are not suitable for children.
The recent show at the Red Goose Saloon headlined by Salem Moon has been described by the Texas Scorecard as "a man who performs dressed as a hyper-sexualized caricature of a woman." Following the conclusion of one of their recent events, The Dallas Express reported that they were unable to secure tickets for the event, noting that no visible minors were spotted leaving the venue.
Questions surrounding the appropriateness of minors at drag shows have been spurred by claims of misogyny by some critics, including West Texas A&M University president Walter Wendler, who described drag as "derisive, divisive, and demoralizing misogyny" upon canceling a university drag event in March 2023. The Dallas Express reached out to Red Goose Saloon owner Chris Hutchinson for a comment on the accusations and to address whether he might hold misogynistic views. He did not respond by their press deadline. Meanwhile, Brady Gray, president of TFP, told the Texas Scorecard that the organization will persevere in its opposition to children attending such events.
Gray's organization condemned the ongoing allowance of minors at these events, branding those who oppose an age restriction as indifferent to a major cultural debate. "Not only is the Red Goose Saloon intending to continue to allow children at their event, but they’ve also responded to requests to simply restrict these explicit shows to be 18+ with anger and disdain,” said Gray. He further commented on the legislative landscape, stating, “Although it is sad and embarrassing that we must pass legislation to stop perverts from grooming children, it is essential that the 5th Circuit uphold Senate Bill 12 and stop this evil." Texas Family Project, he vowed, will remain vigilant, aiming to "expose these people and fight against the grooming and sexualization of Texas kids."
