The search for a 2024 venue for the Blount Pride celebration is on after Maryville College declined Blount Pride's application to return to the college's Clayton Center for the Arts. The college's choice comes amid continuing controversy over drag performances, and safety and legal cost concerns from the previous year's event. Last year's event was marked by a legal skirmish with District Attorney General Ryan Desmond's threat to enforce the Tennessee Adult Entertainment Act, despite a federal judge's order to hold enforcement while its constitutionality is challenged.
Blount Pride communicated through Facebook that their intent was to recreate the "joy and success" of the 2023 event, but inclusivity of drag performances appeared to be a point of contention. In a statement obtained by WATE, they explained being asked by the college to exclude drag from the festival. Their queries to the college, requesting clarity on the definition of drag, were met without response, leading to the ultimate denial of their application.
While Maryville College has declined to rehost the event, they have expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community and offered sponsorship for Blount Pride at an alternate location. In a social media statement, the college stressed that their decision was not reflective of a stance on drag performances or the LGBTQ+ community, but rather rooted in a prioritization of student safety and the operational integrity of the institution. They faced tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and substantial disruptions during the 2023 Blount Pride events, “The September 2023 Blount Pride event, while successful by many measures, also resulted in extensive legal wrangling, media attention, and protests,” as reported by WVLT News.
Meanwhile, Blount Pride has filed an application to host the 2024 event at Jack Greene Park, a public venue where the group held their celebration in 2022. This application is still pending approval from the City of Maryville, leaving the event's future uncertain at this moment. According to a post by Blount Pride, featured in a report by WBIR, the group stands firm in its mission and seeks continuing community support as they navigate securing a location. As for DA Desmond’s office, WVLT News reached out for a statement but nothing had been provided as of their report.
