Cool Beans Bar and Grill in Denton, Texas canceled a Disney-themed drag brunch open to all ages. The brunch was scheduled to be on Sunday. Due to “”aggressive phone calls” and “threats” it was canceled for safety reasons. The bar management said, “This is not a ‘win’ for you.”

I had no idea there is such a thing as a Disney-themed drag brunch but given the current popularity of drag shows and the push to normalize them for child audiences, I guess it is to be expected. A Disney theme would attract children, right? My first reaction was, what did the bar expect to be the reaction from the community? There has been story after story of parents raising objections to young children seeing drag shows, like during Drag Queen Story Hour at public libraries. Parents are concerned because it can attract some sketchy people and because it is not age-appropriate entertainment for young children.

Often drag shows are justified because they are in “nice” venues, not seedy dive bars. Cool Beans Bar and Grill may not be seedy but it is described as a dive bar with a full menu and families welcome during daytime hours. It has hosted such events in the past.

“With today’s climate, it’s better to be safe than sorry and unfortunately, this is that exact situation,” Cool Beans said on social media. “To those of you out there who have forced us to make this decision, shame on you! Shame on you for putting fear into us with your threats, your horrible DM’s, your aggressive phone calls, and hateful comments. This is not a ‘win’ for you.”

The bar said it hires college-aged employees and that the threats and aggressive response from those opposed to the drag brunch event have changed Cool Beans from a place where those employees have always felt safe to one where they are fearful.

“Us canceling is not out of agreement, but out of fear for our employees, performers, and customers’ safety,” the bar said.

The cancellation was just two weeks after another drag show in Roanoke, also in Denton County, drew protesters and armed counter-protesters. Cool Beans management blamed “certain political groups”. Denton police officials said they are aware of the situation. Cool Beans’ owner filed a police report over the phone calls and social media messages about the event.

While the bar has hosted such events in the past, they were typically held at nighttime and generally were for those 18 and older. I would imagine the protests were over the fact that this drag show brunch was aimed at children with the Disney connection. Many people think that if an adult wants to watch a drag show, that’s their business, live and let live. But, many people part ways with drag shows aimed at children. It’s inappropriate for young children. They don’t understand it. It is uncommon behavior being sold as normal, everyday behavior.

Two “right-wing” activists have been cited for their involvement in protesting the event. Sarah Gonzales, a host on Blaze TV tweeted, “Who’s coming with me to shut it down?” That tweet was shared by a failed former gubernatorial candidate, Republican Don Huffines. He added, “The devil is coming for your kids. What are you going to do to stop this madness?”

The mayor asked his staff about business rights and any ordinances that might regulate these events. Cool Beans was not specifically named.

Staff responded that it would not “regulate an event such as this” since it doesn’t qualify as a “special event.” The city’s regulations don’t prohibit the event since the business is categorized as restaurant-use, which allows it to have indoor shows and other group events that don’t impact city resources or public safety.

Public safety relates to prevention of crime, fire, and disaster and not opinions about activities protected by the First Amendment, the report notes. “Based on the available information, the proposed event is not a sexually oriented business under the City’s zoning.”

Further, the report says, “the proposed event is not a sexually orientated business under the city’s zoning.”

If they must, do the drag shows for the adults and in the evening hours. Leave the children out of it. There is no reason for young children to be exposed to it.