Bill being drafted to classify drag shows as ‘adult business’
State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-8th, said he is finalizing a bill that would classify drag shows as “adult business.”
Pennsylvania code has a statute for “Adult-Oriented Establishments,” which says businesses selling goods or services depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas are to be prohibited to minors.
Bernstine said limits on drag performances would be required to “protect minors, including location of performance and age of the intended audience.”
Bernstine said Thursday he is introducing the bill to “protect children from these situations that are happening.”
“These shows are happening more and more across the country and across the commonwealth,” Bernstine said.
Deb Krelow, the owner of the Beacon Hotel, said the business has hosted two drag brunch fundraising events since 2022. She said the events were restricted to people over the age of 21, and they both had positive reception.
“It was come if you want to, don’t come if you don’t want to,” Krelow said. “It did sell out. We had one of the best times; everyone had so much fun. It was just a great time.”
Sarah Brennflack, a manager at the Beacon, said the restaurant worked with S&S Productions, a drag production company based in Pittsburgh, to organize the show and bring drag performers to the brunch. According to Brennflack, the process was a good experience from beginning to end.
“It’s a really positive event and everyone was really respectful of the situation,” she said. “They were a great group of guys and a great bunch of queens.”
