The City of Pensacola is shaped by maritime history, military service, and deep community ties. Its values reflect pride in tradition, service to others, love for family and neighbors, and a strong connection to both the Gulf Waters and enduring southern grace. As a Florida resident and Christian, I am grateful for Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s courage in standing for the values of our beautiful state.
Last month, Attorney General James Uthmeier wrote a formal letter to the City of Pensacola Council Members, urging them to reconsider their decision to allow the production of A Drag Queen Christmas at the city’s beloved Saenger Theatre. The show emphasizes a “naughty” holiday vibe with men masquerading as women in elaborate costumes to resemble satanic imagery. This year’s cast includes Demon Queen of Seattle, Demonic Betty Bop, and Crystal Methyd. These characters dress up in provocative and satanic costumes to glamorize the devil. As this is an openly anti-Christian show, the Attorney General made clear that the production’s mockery and “not-so-subtle stabs at the fundamental doctrines of Christianity” would be an affront to Christian residents and expose children to sexually explicit content.
The Drag Queen Christmas show is conveniently scheduled two days before Christmas and will occur simultaneously with Pensacola’s annual Winterfest. Winterfest is a family-friendly holiday celebration in downtown Pensacola. This festival features a child-appropriate magic winter wonderland with live holiday shows, photos with Santa, and an elf parade kickoff with hopes to draw in families from all around the area.
In response to James Uthmeier’s letter, critics have pushed back against Florida’s Attorney General, arguing that he is “using State power to advance a narrow religious ideology mischaracterizing the First Amendment.” Others have labeled him a “Christian Nationalist,” framing their critique around the assumption that Christians are the primary victims of religious discrimination in America. My perspective is this – the First Amendment protects one’s freedom of speech; it does not require others to stand and watch as a city-funded theatre platforms content that is insulting and harmful to its religious residents. The production of satanic imagery, the use of God’s number one enemy, Satan, being the costume theme, is a deliberate attack on Christians. This is especially true during this specific time of year when Christians celebrate our most sacred holiday, the birth of Christ—this imagery takes on added significance. In this specific situation, it is reasonable to conclude that Christians are the primary religious group being targeted and mocked.
James Uthmeier’s letter to the Pensacola City Council members addresses the Council’s policy guidelines and agreement, communicating the City’s authority to cancel the show if “the event will be injurious to the public health, safety, and/or general welfare of the community.” This event certainly does violate this standard, as expressed through public outrage. James mentioned in his letter, “Pensacola residents categorically reject this show’s content as a threat to the moral fabric and general welfare of the community.” Additionally, the Saenger Theatre is owned by the city, which means taxpayer dollars are funding the running of this theatre to produce entertainment on behalf of Pensacola residents. Residents, especially those with Biblical beliefs, have every right to stand up against the mockery of their religion.
James Uthmeier concluded with two very important consequences that could occur from this production: permitting a drag show at a city-owned theatre is an affront to Pensacola’s Christian residents and may invite legal scrutiny or constitute a public nuisance, and if any of the male performers were to expose themselves to a child, the city could share in liability for obscenity charges.
As a Florida resident, I am grateful for leaders like Attorney General James Uthmeier who seek to protect the moral foundations and values of the state of Florida. As a Christian, my heart is filled with sorrow at the waywardness of today’s society from God’s good, true, and original design. I pray for the protection of America’s children from obscured realities and attacks on their innocence. I pray for the hearts of those in the cast and production of a Drag Queen Christmas, that the Lord would pursue them fervently, so that they might see His overwhelming love for them, bringing them to repentance and salvation. Lastly, I pray for the protection of our government leaders for their courage to stand on behalf of their people for what is right and good.
Grace Herold is a YWA Ambassador at Florida State University.
