A federal judge said late Friday that a law in Tennessee aimed at restricting drag shows was unconstitutional, saying it was overly broad and violated the First Amendment. The ruling is an initial victory for supporters of L.G.B.T.Q. rights after weeks of turmoil and confusion over the law’s language and how it would affect not…
Renae Green-Bean had started taking precautions in public even before the Tennessee legislature approved a law in March limiting where “adult cabaret” can be performed. Ms. Green-Bean had watched the uptick in legislation restricting L.G.B.T.Q. rights and worried that restaurant nights with her wife, children or grandchildren, or her preference for masculine attire and closely…
Mr. Cole had done straight theater before, usually cast in supporting roles as the doctor or the lawyer. As Walter Cole, he often said, he was just a shy man who’d grown up poor in a mill town. Darcelle was something else, however. She was outrageous, bejeweled and brave. Her act was bawdy banter and…
Tennessee on Thursday became the first state to sharply restrict drag performances as the state’s governor, Bill Lee, signed a bill banning the shows on public property and in places where they could be watched by minors. The law, which limits “adult cabaret” performances that feature “topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or…