In a city as diverse as Houston, it’s surprising to find that it hosts just one lesbian bar. Pearl Bar, cherished by the local community, recently ran into an unexpected hurdle. The establishment’s proprietor, Julie Mabry, announced that an attempt to change insurance brokers was thwarted due to the bar’s drag shows. The underwriter stated, without equivocation, that the insurance firm wouldn’t cover an establishment that hosts such performances.
Subheader: An Impact on Local Economy
Pearl Bar isn’t a negligible entity in Houston’s economy. Last year, according to Mabry, the bar grossed more in sales than many clubs in the city, contributing over $300,000 in TABC & Sales Tax. Despite its significant economic contribution, Pearl Bar, a vibrant hub of drag shows, drag bingo, and other events, has been singled out due to its entertainment choices.
Subheader: Legislative Changes Pose Potential Threats
The situation is further complicated by a bill currently under consideration in the Texas legislature. This proposed law would ban drag shows in public places or in any venue where children might be present. Mabry stressed that her bar is strictly 21+, and children are never present during drag performances. Yet, the insurance company, foreseeing possible legal issues, has preemptively denied coverage.
Subheader: The Future of Drag Performances in Texas
For now, Mabry remains covered under her current insurance plan. However, she fears the insurance denial based on the perceived “risk” of drag shows could lead to unaffordable premiums in the future, potentially leading to the closure of the bar. Her concern extends beyond her business. As she puts it, this is not just about a single show but about places that serve as daily refuges for the LGBT community.
Subheader: The Domino Effect of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
The denial of insurance coverage isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a broader campaign against the LGBTQ+ community, with drag queens in particular being targeted. In Tennessee, for instance, Governor Bill Lee signed a law banning “male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest” from performing in public or adult-cabaret-viewable locations. Similar bills are being considered across the country, suggesting a worrying trend.
In the face of these challenges, Mabry remains defiant, vowing not to cancel the bar’s drag events despite the risk to her insurance. She issued a call to action, urging celebrities and influencers to voice their opposition to these state-level bans on drag. Her plight and resilience underscore the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.