Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is facing criticism after a yearbook photo surfaced of him dressed in women’s clothing in high school, as he prepares to sign a bill that would limit where drag performances can take place. The bill seeks to ban “adult cabaret entertainment” that is “harmful to minors” from public property or locations where children might see the performance. While the bill doesn’t explicitly mention drag shows, it expands the definition of adult cabaret to include male or female impersonators, as well as topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, and strippers.
During a press conference discussing the legislation, an activist asked Governor Lee if he remembered dressing up in drag in 1977. Lee was presented with a photo from the Franklin High School 1977 yearbook showing him in women’s clothing. The Governor dismissed the question, saying it was “ridiculous” to conflate a yearbook photo with sexualized entertainment in front of children. Lee pointed to the school building where he was speaking, saying that children could potentially be exposed to obscenity and sexualized entertainment.
The anti-drag show bill has caused controversy in Tennessee, with critics arguing that it unfairly targets the LGBTQ community. Drag performances do not typically involve nudity or stripping, but can contain adult language and themes. The bill is expected to pass the legislature this week and be signed into law by Governor Lee. This is the second time a yearbook photo of Lee has sparked controversy; in 2018, he apologized for wearing a Confederate uniform during an “Old South” party.