Well, I'm joining the rest of the concerned parents all over the nation. When a neighboring city, St. George, hosted an HBO, MA-rated (18+) Drag Show, in the children's area downtown, I quickly realized Utah was not immune to the child-sexualization we see happening all over the United States. I had so many questions: 

Why did this Drag Show have to be in the children's area? Why would a show with a mature rating even be allowed in a children's area? How many children are asking for drag shows? If parents and their children should happen upon this show accidentally, wouldn't that infringe on parental rights (to decide how/when they discuss sexuality with their children)? When another drag event, last week, also targeted children, I began connecting more thoughts: 

-The MPAA sets movie ratings in the United States, based off of the content it deems may need certain restrictions (G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17).

-The FCC regulates content for tv/radio based off of obscenity, indecency, and profanity. They regulate the content based off of when they know children are likely to be present.

-Last year, Utah created a "Pornographic and Harmful Materials and Performances" law with HB374 to protect children from pornographic/sensitive materials in schools. 

-Utah's HB333 requires a "Blinder Rack," or an opaque cover, that covers the lower 2/3 of harmful materials to protect minors from certain displays (magazines). 

Clearly, Utah and the U.S. have established precedents for protecting children from sexualized/harmful materials, so why does live, interactive entertainment, like an adult drag show, get a pass? It shouldn't. 

Shared, public spaces in Utah’s communities should be safe spaces for children, unencumbered by adult entertainment (from any sex/gender/preference). Where children cannot speak for themselves, I will speak up for them:

I call on Utah’s Legislature to pursue legislation to protect children from sexualization in our shared, public spaces. 

If you agree, please sign and share this to help get the word out!