LETTER: Logan City should not allow an ‘all ages’ drag show

I am sure that most members of Cache Valley are unaware of the upcoming all ages Divas and Drag show that is being held on April 30th at Elements Restaurant in Logan. I am also sure that most parents in our community would be extremely concerned and displeased by the knowledge that children are invited to attend this adult-themed event.

The reason children are considered minors is that they are not of the age of consent, they lack emotional/intellectual maturity and reasoning capabilities which are crucial in order to make informed decisions. Children are also impressionable and more inclined to stifle their own will and defer to adults precisely because their personal and character development is still underway. For these reasons, minors are not able to enter legal contracts, are not able to consent to engage in any type of sexual activity/relationship, nor are they held to the same standards as adults are in the legal system. These reasons are also grounds used to justify parental controls and protections.

I went to the Logan City police department on Monday to speak with an officer about this event and he admitted that he had no idea it was planned. Under section 76-10-1201 of Definitions of Pornographic and Harmful Materials and Performances outlined in the Utah Criminal Code, performances or material which have a “serious value” to minors are acceptable; the code specifies “serious value” as artistic, literary, or political in nature. A prime example of what would be considered “serious value” would be to view Michaelangelo’s “David” statue, or something along those lines.

The advertisement for the Divas and Drag show specifically promotes this show as being held for entertainment purposes only. I was privy to an email exchange between Mayor Holly Daines and another individual regarding this event. The Mayor offered a flimsy excuse in order to justify her refusal to prohibit children from attending this event. She stated that because a private organization (PRIDE) had rented the restaurant, neither the city nor Elements were sponsors of the event, nor did Logan City have any say in what goes on.

The Utah Criminal Code outlines in section 76-10-1207 the criminal penalties that could arise from the use of real properties for pornographic performances; Mayor Daines and LCPD have jurisdiction and the legal authority to ensure children are not in attendance. There would not be any legal, or moral issue if only adults were to attend this event; they are of legal age and it is solely their choice whether or not to attend the Divas and Drag show.

When the invite is, and has been extended to include children, that is where the issue lies.

I hope all concerned individuals will reach out to Mayor Daines and let her know your thoughts in regards to this all ages Divas and Drag show.

-Esther Calvert


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56 Comments

  • Teri Guy April 19, 2023 at 8:23 pm Reply

    I feel that parents have every right to discuss their concerns about this event with their minor children, and/or restrict their children from attending if they decide that’s what’s best for their family. However you have no right to dictate what other families decide, what they teach in their homes, and the choices they make for their children.
    Maybe this is a good time to teach our children tolerance, that everyone has the right to choose their own path to happiness, and they deserve our respect and understanding.

  • Brandon April 19, 2023 at 8:26 pm Reply

    FDT!
    If you don’t like it then don’t attend. That’s silly you went to the police department and wasted their time. Just absolutely silly.

  • AtmosContagion April 19, 2023 at 9:03 pm Reply

    Define “pornographic”, cite an actual example proving this event to be as such, and then maybe people will take this seriously. Otherwise, this letter to the editor comes across as overly puritan nonsense.

    I do not disagree that it should be age restricted if there are any overtly sexual displays of an “R” rated movie nature, however if they keep it “PG” or even “PG-13” and it’s just a bunch of people dressing up… it’s a non-issue.

    People also have the choice to not attend and not allow their kids to attend, keep their hands to themselves, and mind their own business.

    Maybe the better ask would be to request an outline describing the performance(s) and some general considerations to keep it age appropriate instead of outright outrage and restriction.

  • Ivana April 19, 2023 at 9:29 pm Reply

    If you’re going to claim everything children are exposed to must be of value then barely any kids show on tv would qualify.

    Drag shows are not pornographic or adult content in nature. They are just a style of exaggerated performance and attire and they could do something as little as reading a kids book (ones that are written for kids and published with approval from their party publishers as children’s books). I encourage you to actually attend one before you decide to tell anyone that drag performances are pornographic or adult only. As a matter of fact the Bible has far more harmful content in it than most of these shows. Rape, incest, murder, racism, you name it. You’re throwing rocks in a glass house friend.

  • Helen Anderson April 19, 2023 at 10:52 pm Reply

    This is well written and I agree with her. I’m curious as to why it seems so important to drag queens to be able to perform in front of children.

    • JDO April 20, 2023 at 2:33 pm Reply

      You are missing the point.

      There is nothing “adult-themed” or “pornographic” about drag shows like this, nothing. Shows like this have been broadcast on television networks. Ms Calvert, who has obviously never attended a drag show, seems to be reacting to the culture wars being raged against LGTBQ+ people.

      Nevertheless, any parent can opt their children out, just like they can decide whether a movie is appropriate for their child to watch? Why should this form of entertainment be different? They shouldn’t. The only reason some people think that they should is because LGTBQ+ people are involved.

      What is important is not allowing uninformed opinions to spread hatred toward anyone in our society. What are you afraid will happen to a child that sees someone perform while dressed in a costume?

      What is important is allowing parents the freedom to raise their children as they see fit. Personally, I want my teens to understand that people are wonderfully diverse and that they do not need to look or act like we do for us to show them love and respect. These events help show this in a way that is also fun.

  • Helen Anderson April 19, 2023 at 10:52 pm Reply

    This is well written and I agree with her. I’m curious as to why it seems so important to drag queens to be able to perform in front of children.

  • NopeNopeAndNOPE April 20, 2023 at 4:44 am Reply

    So, you aren’t for businesses being able to choose whom they do legal business with? You would like them to discriminate? And you are against parents of kids deciding what is harmful or not for them? I am personally against parents’ indoctrination of organized religious beliefs onto minor children before they have the ability for independent thought and decision-making. And I am against them handling guns in any way, supervised or not. And those who don’t vaccinate their kids or use essential oils on them. Or who homeschool poorly. Or who brainwash political parties onto kids before they are adults. But those beliefs are common here and frankly, none of my business.

    You don’t have to take any kids you have control over to this show. The pearl-clutching about this show is insane. Guaranteed no one whining and getting vapors over this has never actually been to a drag show of any kind. Drag isn’t sexual all the time. It can be, but if kids are there? Nah. I’ve been to several in the course of my job (audio) and I highly doubt this is a raunchy night. Also, Brigham Young’s son was a legendary drag performer right here in Utah. The very wholesome show Dumplin on Netflix has some Dolly Parton drag performers and dollars to donuts that will be the type of fare offered here. Or you could actually (gasp) go and decide for yourself if you could get over your preconceptions and moral outrage. People need to untwist their knickers and allow free choice for adults and for parents and what they determine is best for them.

  • Brandon April 20, 2023 at 6:05 am Reply

    That is so silly you wasted the police departments time with this. Absolutely silly! FDT!

  • RJ April 20, 2023 at 6:39 am Reply

    If minors lack emotional and intellectual maturity and reasoning capabilities enough so that you think they are incapable of being able to go to an all ages show (which, mind you, the queens alter their performances so that these shows are less “vulgar or pornographic” than their 21+ shows), then why should a child be able to commit their lives to a religion at the age of eight?? They are far too young to commit themselves to a religion! If you want to protect the innocence of children, I think you need to take a deeper look into the cult that does far more damage to this community than the LGBTQ+ community. One has indoctrination and abuse, the other has love and acceptance.

    • Ashley April 20, 2023 at 7:52 am Reply

      YES! Love this and love you!

    • Kramer April 20, 2023 at 8:40 am Reply

      Ask not why kids should not see drag shows.. ask why do adults in drag shows seek children to be their audience….

      Why do these adults NEED minors to see them like this

      • Mr. Bao April 20, 2023 at 9:47 am Reply

        Because they want every person to feel accepted for who they are and what they want to be. If you’re concerned about child safety you should be more concerned about how much time they spend with church leaders, school teachers, and scout leaders because statistically speaking they are VASTLY more likely to have inappropriate relations with children.

      • Ivana April 20, 2023 at 10:16 am Reply

        They’re not trying to get kids to attend they’re making it an appropriate show so adults can go who have children and enjoy a show as a family. Ask why religions NEED kids to promise at 8 they won’t question anything their church tells them and will only do what they’re told by the church is correct.

  • KA April 20, 2023 at 7:16 am Reply

    Don’t like it? Don’t go. It’s not that difficult. BTW, from what I’ve seen the past 20-30 years the real threat to children can be found in local churches – of all denominations.

  • NotACriminal April 20, 2023 at 7:37 am Reply

    Here here! Would not the mayor, Elements, and any involved parents be legally liable for crimes against minors in this situation? Crimes on private property are still crimes.

    • CJ April 21, 2023 at 3:12 pm Reply

      I should think the perpetrators would be liable for any crimes. But, in the absence of any hint of illegal activity, the better question is why are you worried about it?

  • Ashley April 20, 2023 at 7:50 am Reply

    “Pornographic” materials? Bro have you ever even been to a drag show? Most are pretty PG-13. Maybe go before you criticize something you don’t understand and are therefore afraid of.

    Also, make your own parenting choices and let others make theirs. I’d send my kid to 100 drag shows before I ever left them alone with a religious youth leader, just saying…

  • SC April 20, 2023 at 8:02 am Reply

    Please get off your hate-filled, dusty, old soap box. By your definition of what drag shows are, I can only assume that you have never been to one. I encourage anyone with children to decide for themselves whether to take them or not. Don’t listen to the advice of a stranger who thinks the statue of “David”, is pornographic.
    So much for love your neighbor and kindness. I’m assuming you have been to church at some time in your life and I know they are currently teaching acceptance. It is crazy to me that you would get so worked up you would go to the police. Spewing hateful speech at something new and scary to you is crazy to me.
    Focus on your own world and try to be more positive and accepting and loving and kind. The world could be a better place if we all did.

  • Orcus April 20, 2023 at 8:06 am Reply

    I had no idea that this was occurring outside of Florida. I never eat at elements and really don’t care about this. This is freedom of expression and elements has the right to do this the same as the LDS wards open their doors to the public.
    Talk to your kids and educate them to keep them from becoming a fad tranny. With all the farm porn going on here in the valley, the kids no whats up. Nature is binary, everything else is an abomination. I am binary, you go do you!

  • Randall P Reese April 20, 2023 at 8:14 am Reply

    What a DUMB letter from a DUMB person. Why would Cache Valley Daily publish such nonsense. There is nothing nearing pornography at the upcoming show. Don’t go if you don’t want to. And, others will choose if they would like to attend or not.

  • Esther Calvert April 20, 2023 at 8:25 am Reply

    I have absolutely no desire, nor do I feel compelled to defend the common-sense approach that children’s attendance at drag shows is unethical, of no positive value, and destructive to people who support and defend the sexualization of children. You will twist anyone’s words in order to fit your agenda, on that note, I wish each one of you a most beautiful day!

    • Ivana April 20, 2023 at 10:18 am Reply

      In the past month more religious leaders have been arrested for inappropriate involvement with kids than any other type of people. Have a blessed day!

      • Abe Lincoln April 20, 2023 at 4:43 pm Reply

        Source?

      • Verlo April 20, 2023 at 5:27 pm Reply

        B.S.

    • Randall P Reese April 20, 2023 at 12:04 pm Reply

      Esther, we have a code red in SLC, you had better strap on your tinfoil hat, put your chastity belt on, and head down to stop it:
      https://theunioneventcenter.com/upcomingevents/mollymormon

  • Randall P Reese April 20, 2023 at 9:17 am Reply

    So Esther, you publish a dumbarse letter to the public, then say you don’t have a desire to defend it. I bestow upon you the finest of tinfoil hats my dear.

    • Esther Calvert April 20, 2023 at 9:48 am Reply

      Mr Reese, Irrational people cannot be reasoned with. Everything in my letter is clearly stated, clearly factual, and based in the legal definitions and parameters of the law. I have not brought religion into this argument, nor have I projected derogatory comments onto the community that promotes this type of activities. Plain and simple, children’s attendance at drag queen shows is wrong both legally and morally; if adults want to frequent these venues that is their choice. I have not exalted myself as some “pearl-clutching” “puritan” who’s self-righteous as I am far from that picture. People will continue to twist reality into whatever picture they want it to be irrespective of what defense I offer. Those who fight for the opportunity to take children to a venue where grown men dress up in women’s lingerie in order to shake their junk in the faces of our most innocent are clearly not going to see reason. I will not waste my time on trying to convince those who stand up for the sexualization of children as that is precisely what it is: a waste of time. This is wrong and every one knows it regardless of whatever arguments are offered in an attempt to justify it. I have written my piece. I stand by my words.

      • JDO April 20, 2023 at 2:54 pm Reply

        Factual?

        You are the one “twisting reality” there is nothing that goes on at an all age drag performance that would come close to being “shake their junk in the faces of our most innocent”. There is nothing in these performances that “sexualizes children”.

        Men dressing like women and performing on stage is not, in itself, pornographic. Yet, you deem it so and then provide “facts” predicated on this misguided and unsubstantiated assumption. The code that you cite requires would require that the shows include nudity or acts of sexual misconduct, which doesn’t happen at all age shows like this. You are assuming that this show will somehow be different, without any evidence, before the show ever occurs.

        You are obviously trying to convince other people of these ignorant and bigoted beliefs because you wrote a letter expressly for the purposes of convincing all of us to waste our elected officials time.

  • Helen Mar Kimball April 20, 2023 at 9:21 am Reply

    The last time a man was in a dress & was grooming children – Christianity was born….

    …and then the birth of the ACTUAL problem of predatory sexual abuse by clergy men. Straight. Cis. “religious” Men. And you all worship them. And let them in your homes and leave your children in their care without knowing a single thing about them. And you have no problem grooming the ward primary kids into hateful, racist & mysogynistic behaviors that perpetuate households of patriarchal abuse.
    But yeah – a person dressed in costume & singing to Lady Gaga is the problem. FFS.

    • J.S. April 20, 2023 at 10:56 am Reply

      Hellen,

      How is your life going? You embrace of a sexual disorder by continually refer to cis this and cis that. Sex is first and foremost for reproduction, Anything more than that is a luxury. All males are incels until they are not.
      Why don’t you go have a bud light and ask Ester over for a fine decaffeinated beverage have a lovely conversation and work at seeing each others view points. Reproduction is binary for 99% of all living things, the other 1% are anomalies. Lastly, you should honor your husband and not post such vitrol.

  • Kelly Wigington April 20, 2023 at 9:43 am Reply

    This is sad and deplorable.
    Thank you Esther, for your thoughtful comments and your diligent efforts to protect our children.

  • Carol A MacNulty April 20, 2023 at 10:24 am Reply

    Such nonsense over individual privacy rights on private property. Shame on the Cache Valley Daily for leading with such an inflammatory Letter to the Editor.

  • Stephanie Norton-Johnson April 20, 2023 at 10:27 am Reply

    Oh my Dear Esther!
    Your words have inspired me so much. You have inspired me to look into this Event further. You have inspired me to get all the details, date, time and address of said Event. Just so I can make sure my teenage daughter and I DON’T MISS THIS SHOW!! It sounds FABULOUS!! I can wait to share it with my daugher!! Teaching tolerance! Thanks so much Esther!

  • Mary April 20, 2023 at 10:30 am Reply

    Have you considered getting a hobby that doesn’t waste the Mayor and LCPD’s time, Karen? The Simpsons Helen Lovejoy character was satire not someone to aspire to be

    • KA April 20, 2023 at 10:45 am Reply

      Right? Maybe she could fight the good fight by ratting out people she sees eating Woke M&Ms or buying beer with rainbows on the cans. You know, the REAL issues affecting us.

  • GrumpyHiker April 20, 2023 at 11:46 am Reply

    Thank you for promoting this event. I hadn’t yet heard about it.

    I do hope that you exercise similar moral outrage in your pursuit of mandatory child protection practices and reporting measures for lay clergy, church youth leaders, and religious teachers. Public events are far less risky to our youth than the quiet chambers of religious patriarchy.

  • Ohdearydear April 20, 2023 at 11:49 am Reply

    Esther, what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this (chat)room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

    • MP April 20, 2023 at 1:17 pm Reply

      A simple “wrong” would’ve done just fine.

    • AppalledByHystericalIdiots April 20, 2023 at 1:25 pm Reply

      Maybe you’re just not bright enough to understand what she wrote, ohdearydear. You’re seriously a complete moron, same with the rest of your idiot buddies.

      • SickBurnBro April 20, 2023 at 4:37 pm Reply

        That is a quote from a movie LOL. We are all sincerely embarrassed for all of the hateful bigots (like you) that don’t understand what they are talking about. We hope you are well and worry about things that actually matter and hurt people, not made up problems.

  • Laurne April 20, 2023 at 12:57 pm Reply

    God, imagine having the time go to the police station over something like this. If you don’t like it don’t go. If you don’t want YOUR kids to go, don’t let them. But don’t decide what is fit for other peoples families. Also, you are grossly misinformed on what a drag show is. There are real problems that need to be addressed – and this is not one of them.

  • AppalledByTheseHysyericalIdiots April 20, 2023 at 1:03 pm Reply

    Wow…these comments are seriously ridiculous, and coming from a community that prides themselves on tolerance?!? I have heard only hate being spewed upon a woman who merely pointed out that children probably ought not be exposed to drag queen shows. You people act like fools! She has not advocated for the show to be cancelled, she advocates for the same distinction that’s imposed for dance clubs and bars that all who go are of legal age. That’s it. She didn’t bring up anything about religion, she didn’t bring up anything about intolerance for gays, you all are inserting your own words onto what she wrote. I can hardly believe how hateful you are. She didn’t attack anyone and here you all go spouting off at the neck like total idiots.

    • WOW April 20, 2023 at 4:40 pm Reply

      She attacked an entire community for “sexualizing children” which is a very harsh accusation based on nothing but her (and your) hate for people you don’t agree with. She is also saying she knows better than the parents of the kids that could be in attendance, who would be bringing their kids to the event. If we want parents to make the best decisions for their kids, let’s let them.

  • Steve April 20, 2023 at 1:58 pm Reply

    I didn’t know this was happening and I’m sad it’s sold out! I would’ve loved to attend with my kids.

  • JH April 20, 2023 at 2:55 pm Reply

    Esther, you have a great point: minors cannot enter into things like contracts or sexual relationships as they cannot give consent. So parents: if you don’t want your children to participate in an event like this, by all means, leave them at home.

    I think that’s the jist of it, right? No need to spoil it for everyone else.

  • Esther Calvert April 20, 2023 at 3:22 pm Reply

    Thanks so much everyone!! Wow, I literally had no idea of the immense power I obviously wield over every single one of you! I’m seriously impressed. My article received more comments than the article that reported on the financial improprieties perpetrated by the County Attorney’s Office. That’s quite an accomplishment! I controlled each one of you and your emotions all day long, I had you grappling for new ways to ridicule and demean me, even without any response from me. Thank you, for showing me how much of your personal control you are willing to give away over the suggestion that children ought not be attending drag shows. It’s epic!! Have a fantastic rest of your day!!

  • Enough April 20, 2023 at 3:26 pm Reply

    Well well well…. I’m so glad that you think everyone is going to jump on your crazy wagon lady. You want to try to make everyone follow your cult views then you should just move to a communist country. Unless you own this business, its really NONE of your business what they do. Or what anyone one person does for that matter…. people like you are ruining the world.

  • RHKA April 20, 2023 at 4:48 pm Reply

    This is the dumbest article EVER! Get a hobby! Don’t like something, then don’t participate and let others live their lives! To compare this event to pornography is insane!

  • Fishnguy April 20, 2023 at 7:44 pm Reply

    Yikes lady – maybe dial back on the Alex Jones a bit. It’s obvious you’ve never been to a drag show. Maybe give it a go. Can’t be this one though since it’s sold out. I really cannot believe you wasted police time on this topic. Oh and thanks for reminding me to drop Holly a line to thank her for standing up to intolerance.

  • Nate Hess April 20, 2023 at 8:53 pm Reply

    Friends of the valley, not trying to take advantage of the situation here but misguided understanding, such as what Ms Calvert has written, is a huge reason why we need safe space for our LGBTQIA youth like the Logan Pride House. I would highly encourage you to consider a donation if you are looking for something to support locally!! They could greatly benefit from anything you want to share.

  • SJ April 21, 2023 at 6:56 am Reply

    Wow. Let me be the first to say congratulations to Esther for how many comments this opinion has garnered. It’s got to e a record. Also let me be one of the first to thank her for giving a different perspective. It is needed despite what others may feel. Let me offer a little bit of my perspective.

    Years ago as a young parent my spouse and I took our young children to a parade in SLC. We were going to sleep on the street with other families and groups and just enjoy each others company and have fun. One of our other family members lived in SLC and saved us s good spot early on. We got there, set up for the evening and started enjoying the night.

    As the evening wore on, a group of individuals put up camp about 20 feet from us. Our oldest child was 7. Youngest was 2. As the night wore on, I noticed something going on with this group of individuals.

    Two were men dressed as women. I was like, ok that’s different. But what really started the problem was that they began exposing themselves to others in the group and to people on a laptop that someone had brought. There were about 10 people in that group.

    Some of those reading this would say, wow why didn’t you call the cops. Clearly this was against the law and still is. Well I didn’t because of the comments made on Esther’s opinion. How do you suppose I would have been treated if I walked over and said hey, I have little kids over here. Do you mind not doing that in front of them? When clearly they knew they were there and didn’t care. We were outnumbered. So I sat in uncomfortable silence, trying to shield my young children from something they shouldn’t be seeing and quite frankly nothing I wanted to see. Despite what some people think, not everybody wants to see that much of someone’s anatomy.

    The next morning when the parade started, I noticed something that really set me off. A float came by, carrying an individual that these people felt was a horrible individual only because this individual had expressed a difference in opinion on the way they lived their life. They all stood up and in an act of defiance turned their backs on them and started yelling horrible things. This individual had never mistreated any of these people. Just expressed a different opinion. I stood up and turned to them and asked, what has that individual done to you that is worse than me having to sit by you all night and deal with what you were doing in front of my children?

    They just looked at me. Nothing to say. I am adult enough to know that these types of actions don’t reflect upon a group as a whole. Because I believe there are some in the gay community that would agree with me on this. My issue is the absolute lack of Intolerance of other’s opinions and complete and utter hatred that is expressed to someone because they see something in a different way. This is why this country is a mess. We don’t respect others and if someone expresses an opinion that varies from our own, then we feel it is our right to respond in the most hateful and ignorant ways. If you don’t agree with me, then perhaps you are part of the problem. Drop the hate.

  • AKH April 21, 2023 at 9:05 am Reply

    Ms. Calvert is a true narcissist indeed. It’s obvious she thrives on making waves. She clearly is quite proud of herself. Cache Valley Daily should be ashamed for giving her a platform to ridicule and torment an entire community.

  • Esther Calvert April 21, 2023 at 3:41 pm Reply

    Do you know what’s really sad? That I erroneously believed that this could have been a respectful forum where perspectives and facts could have been discussed and exchanged like rational adults. Wow…I couldn’t have been further from the truth looking at the reality of what tripe has been posted about me, little to none of which has anything to do with my letter. Your words have not hurt me in the least as frankly, I couldn’t care less what any of you think about me; my value as a human being is independent of your judgments, and your horrible lies and demeaning insults that you have throw upon me. Your words, most of which are cowardly hidden behind your pseudonyms, describe yourselves, not me. I will stand up for what is right irrespective of your malicious ridicule, and even despite your attacks, I have treated each and every one of you with decency. I have not called anyone names, nor have I attacked your character in any way. It’s a real shame when adults cannot even discuss an issue which effects the whole community to some degree or another. So, hopefully you all have something better to do with your time than to continue demonizing me for having the courage to stand up against this onslaught. Your attacks have only solidified my resolve, so thank you. Have a wonderful weekend!

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