Base Air Show Featuring Scantily Clad Models Raises Questions About Justification for Drag Show Ban

This blog originally appeared at Yahoo News.

The recent ban on drag shows has raised significant questions about its justification and implications. In this blog post, we delve into the controversial decision, exploring the arguments put forth by both supporters and opponents of the ban. Join us as we examine the legal, cultural, and social dimensions surrounding the ban and consider its potential impact on freedom of expression and LGBTQ+ rights. Get ready to challenge assumptions and engage in a thoughtful discussion as we navigate the complex terrain of this contentious issue.

At Joint Base Lewis-McChord‘s air show just outside of Tacoma, Washington, this past weekend, onlookers and families saw tactical military jets, high-performance sports cars and risqué models dancing on stage in skintight red,white and blue bikinis, part of what organizers described as a “way to thank the Puget Sound community.”

Instagram was flooded with pictures and videos of the models alongside sports cars, on the runway posing in front of cargo planes and in front of hot rods parked inside a hangar. Two dancers were also featured wearing revealing flight suits while dancing on stage. It was all featured in the Air Force‘s air show event at the base, which was open to the public, with the dancers representing an entertainment company called Hot Import Nights.

In the midst of ongoing controversy over a Pentagon decision to limit drag shows on bases after some critics complained of alleged adult content, the models and the racy musical performances over the weekend raised questions from LGBTQ+ advocates about what criteria Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is using to stop some performances associated with the gay community while allowing other provocative acts.

Read Next: Army Shift from Brigades Back to Divisions Raises Concerns Among Retired Generals

Austin ordered two drag shows canceled in June during Pride Month, which is typically a time that the military celebrates LGBTQ+ diversity. The decisions were made after Austin was criticized during a congressional hearing in March over the military in rare instances allowing drag shows, which have become the political target of Republicans.

Following the canceled events, the Department of Defense has not yet clarified what entertainment is acceptable, and critics say it adds to the confusion of what shows should be prohibited for service members and their families.

Jennifer Dane, an LGBTQ+ advocate and an Air Force veteran who was one of the last to be investigated under the Pentagon’s old “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, told Military.com that allowing the models at Joint Base Lewis-McChord appears to point to a double standard.

“It just sends a message that that’s OK, assuming that’s heteronormative,” Dane said. “But if it’s homosexual-based or anything else, that’s not OK.”

Some GOP representatives have said that drag isn’t acceptable or appropriate for children or military families. One lawmaker, Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., said during the House Armed Services Committee’s June 21 markup of the National Defense Authorization Act that he didn’t endorse any type of “oversexualized performance” on military bases.

“This is not anti-trans; this is not homophobic,” Alford said. “If this were females in an oversexualized arena performing like this, I would be against it as well. Let’s get the woke, let’s get the sexual nature out, wherever it is. Whether it’s performers in drag shows or women doing burlesque shows, it doesn’t matter. That’s not America.”

Austin Higginbotham, a spokesman for Alford, did not return a request for comment asking whether the Missouri Republican condemned the risqué models present at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord air show.

Footage from the event over the weekend was shared on the popular Air Force amn/nco/snco Facebook page where service members often post insider news.