After months of back-and-forth, the future of a Pride event that included a drag show in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, is in jeopardy. The Rural Justice Network’s “Small Town Pride Day” on the town common in June was denied a permit by the select board, citing restrictions on “adult entertainment.” However, the board later rescinded its decision, but then immediately held another vote, with two members abstaining and one member approving the event, resulting in the motion failing.
Despite this, the board Chair, Jason Petraitis, revealed that the organizers of the event don’t actually need the town’s permission to hold the event, as it’s a public common, and access can’t be denied. Petraitis has previously expressed opposition to a drag show. The vote has left the event’s future uncertain, as the space would not be reserved or permitted by the town.
The Rural Justice Network, which organized the event, said that they are pleased that the ban on drag performance has been removed, but are seeking clarification from the town about the implications of two board members refusing to approve Small Town Pride. Discussions with the ACLU and the LGBTQ+ community continue.
The select board initially approved the request for the event in March, but then voted to withdraw permission in April, claiming that a drag show was “adult entertainment.” The ACLU sent a letter to the board stating that the town was violating the Rural Justice Network’s constitutional rights and requested the board to restore full permission for the event.
The town’s lawyer recommended allowing the event to avoid potentially costly litigation, and Petraitis said that the event will happen in their own way. The ACLU is also seeking clarification about the latest vote and is working to ensure that the Rural Justice Network is able to host an inclusive and joyous event on nondiscriminatory terms.