Six Flags Arlington Now Requiring Attendees of Explicit Drag Show to be 18+

Six Flags Arlington planned to host several drag shows targeting children in June for their LGBT “Pride” celebration. However, after facing backlash, the amusement park has age-restricted its drag shows to 18-plus.

Initially, Six Flags Over Texas labeled their drag shows as “PG,” saying they consider the content to be “family friendly.” The amusement park did mention attendees under 17 “should consult with a parent if there is concern.”

The drag show was not family friendly. One performer’s costume was a nude in color and form fitting with white designs meant to highlight his buttocks and faux breasts.

Carlos Turcios, University of Texas at Arlington’s Turning Point USA chapter president, told Texas Scorecard, “What was shown was content that was only meant for adults.”

An unnamed individual sent an email to Six Flags explaining that he would not return to the park because they chose to host what they claimed were “PG” drag shows. He posted the back-and-forth online.

The amusement park responded saying, “Six Flags is a place For Thrills for everyone. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully Embraces the diversity of our employees and guests, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, disability, cultural background, sexual orientation or religious belief.”

The upset individual questioned how men dressing in inappropriate women’s clothing falls into any of those categories. “You run a theme park for children, not a night club,” he pointed out.

“I guess you’re so committed to ‘diversity’ that you’re willing to give up a safe and inviting environment for children and families,” wrote the individual to Six Parks. “Maybe when park attendance and sales drop enough, Six Flags management will realize they’ve alienated a substantial number of their customers.”

He then demanded this be put to an end: “This… has to stop. So they’re going to do drag shows, at a children’s theme park, every Fri and Sat for the entire month of June when kids are obviously out of school. They know this is the time of year when… most children will be going to their parks.”

Protect Texas Kids posted on social media that Six Flags changing their drag show age requirement to 18-plus was not enough saying, “A theme park for FAMILIES AND CHILDREN should NOT be hosting drag shows at all.”

PTK will continue peacefully protesting the drag shows until Six Flags stops hosting them at their family amusement park.

The Texas legislature passed legislation last month to ban sexually charged drag shows targeting minors. The legislation, Senate Bill 12, was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott two weeks ago and now awaits his signature before it becomes law.

Once signed into law, SB 12 will take effect on September 1, 2023.

As of publication, Six Flags Over Texas Arlington did not respond to Texas Scorecard’s request for comment.

Soli Rice

A journalist for Texas Scorecard, Soli is a new Texan with a passion for politics. She's excited to hone her writing skills and help spread truth to Texans.