The OU Queer Student Association confirmed it will still host Crimson and Queens — considered one of the largest collegiate drag shows in the country — despite a recent Oklahoma law banning some drag performances.
“Crimson & Queens is a long-standing student-led event that celebrates performance, inclusion, and artistic expression,” QSA wrote in an email to OU Daily on Sept. 3. “At this time, Crimson & Queens is still expected to take place as planned.”
House Bill 1217, which was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt in May, bans any adult performance that contains “obscene material" on public property or in a public place viewable by a minor. Although the bill does not specifically mention drag performances, Stitt previously mentioned drag when discussing the bill.
“This is a no-brainer,” Stitt said in a video posted on the social platform X. “We’re basically banning drag shows in front of kids. Pretty obvious, in Oklahoma, we’re going to protect our young kids.”
A spokesperson for QSA wrote that the organization is currently reviewing the bill’s language for any potential implications for campus events like Crimson & Queens.
“We will continue to monitor legal guidance and remain committed to fostering a campus environment that values belonging, creativity, and student engagement,” the spokesperson wrote.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond declared drag shows containing obscene material illegal in a Sept. 10 press release, stating the legality depends on the content of the drag performance.
Obscene material is defined as depictions of sexual conduct that are found offensive by the average person and have a dominant theme of sexual interest, according to Oklahoma statutes.
According to the statute, sexual conduct includes sexual intercourse, “oral and anal sodomy,” masturbation and exhibiting genitals or pubic areas.
“For a drag performance to meet the definition of obscene material, it must first contain one of these enumerated acts of sexual conduct,” Drummond wrote. “If it contains such an act, then a drag performance must be reviewed to determine whether it predominantly appeals to a prurient interest in sex, is patently offensive according to contemporary community standards, and lacks serious literary, artistic, educational, political, or scientific value.”
Drummond wrote that he plans to provide guidance to law enforcement throughout the state.
“I will be issuing important guidance to local law enforcement on this topic because I believe it is important they are fully equipped to protect our children from obscene drag performances,” Drummond said in the press release. “My office will prosecute anyone in violation of this law.”
OU Marketing and Communications wrote in an email to OU Daily that QSA has been given Drummond’s ruling.
“The University of Oklahoma follows all applicable state and federal laws,” OU Marketing and Communications wrote. “The student organization has been provided the Attorney General’s opinion regarding House Bill 1217.”
This story was edited by Ana Barboza, Thomas Pablo and Natalie Armour. Ryan Little and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
