Celebrating Franklin Pride

Franklin Pride is this weekend. The festival narrowly survived a months-long campaign to have the city deny its permit over backlash against last year’s drag performances.

In today’s episode, we’re talking with Franklin Pride organizers about that controversy and what attendees can expect this year. We’re also joined by two Tennessee drag queens to hear how they’re celebrating Pride this year.

But first, Tennessee passed a first-of-its-kind law restricting drag from public spaces, but a judge blocked it the night before it would’ve taken effect. A ruling in that case is expected as early as Friday, when many Pride festivals will already be in full swing. We’ll hear from WPLN afternoon host Marianna Bacallao about the future of the law.

Guests: 

• Clayton Klutts, president of Franklin Pride

• Robert McNamara, president emeritus and founder of Franklin Pride

• Ginny Bailey, secretary of Franklin Pride

• Micah Winter (AKA Goldie Dee Collins), Memphis-based drag queen and member of the Friends of George’s theater group

• Veronika Electronika, Nashville-based drag queen for 20 years, has conducted local story hours