After increasing citizen pressure, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar says his office is investigating a Dallas gay bar that recently hosted a ‘family-friendly’ drag show.
In June, the Dallas gay bar Mr. Misster was put in the spotlight after hosting a “Drag the Kids to Pride” event, in which scantily clad men dressed as women danced provocatively in front of young children, with the children stuffing dollar bills in the dancers’ underwear while a neon sign reading “It’s not gonna lick itself!” flashed in the background.
Citizens noted that, under Chapter 102 of the Texas Business Code which defines “sexually oriented businesses,” the bar would be required to remit a $5 per patron tax to the comptroller. Additionally, the statute says that individuals under the age of 18 are not allowed in the business.
Now Hegar says his office is looking into the situation.
“Like many Texas parents, I was disturbed by the recent images showing children participating in a drag show in the Dallas area, including one image of a child placing money in a performer’s undergarment,” said Hegar. “I know this is a concerning issue for many Texans, and the images circulating are certainly inconsistent with our Texas values. Though my office does not typically comment on ongoing investigations, the recent public discussion surrounding this specific entity demands a response.”
“My office had already begun the process of investigating this specific event, as well as working to determine if the establishment is liable for the Sexually Oriented Business Fee (SOBF) under Chapter 102 of the Business Code. This process follows an established procedure used when an entity may be subject to the SOBF,” continued Hegar.
“As a father, I take this matter especially seriously and am committed to ensuring my agency does everything in its power to ensure this establishment as well as others are fully compliant with Texas law,” he added.
Texas Family Project President Chris Hopper, who helped lead the charge against the drag bar, said he was encouraged by the announcement.
“I’m grateful that comptroller has taken such swift action on this important issue threatening Texas families,” Hopper told Texas Scorecard. “We look forward to seeing this investigation run its full course.”
