Children's drag show sparks controversy at Boise Pride Festival

BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — An Idaho pride festival is responding to criticism of a scheduled children's drag show.

On Wednesday, KBOI reports Zions Bank announced it is withdrawing its participation from the Boise Pride Fest, saying it was unaware of the event's activities involving children.

"When we committed to our sponsorship of this year's Boise Pride event, we were unaware of the event's activities involving children/minors. Since learning of these specific activities, we have made the decision to withdraw our participation in this year's Boise Pride event and have communicated this with event organizers," Zions said.

Earlier in the day, Dorothy Moon, chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party, released a statement on Boise Pride and blasted Boise Mayor Lauren McLean and state Democrats.

"What is surprising is to see who is financing this attack on Idaho’s children," she wrote. "Out-of-state companies promise to bring investment and jobs to Idaho. Instead, they are financing the sexualization of our children and the perverse idea that children should engage in sexual performances with adult entertainers."

Boise Pride said Moon has it all wrong.

"The drag kids performance is a celebration of self-expression and confidence," Boise Pride wrote on social media. "The only perversion and sexualization of this performance are coming from extremists and people like Dorothy Moon, who are twisting it into something it is not."

After learning of Zion's decision to withdraw, Boise Pride said it was saddened by the bank's decision.

"Minors have participated in the Boise Pride Festival both on and off stage for many years," Boise Pride told KBOI in a statement. "Pride and inclusivity do not begin at age 18."

McLean has long been a supporter of the festival, which is celebrating 33 years.

"Boise is proud to be a welcoming community, striving to ensure a safe, equitable and inclusive city that celebrates the diversity of the people who live, work and play in our community. We embrace, and will fiercely protect, the fundamental dignity of all," McLean said on social media.

The Idaho Democratic Party also released a statement, condemning what it calls was "hateful' rhetoric from the IDGOP.

In the face of hateful rhetoric, bullying and extremism, Idaho Democrats are not intimidated, we are resolute."

“We support the Boise Pride Festival and its celebration of diversity and inclusion. Idaho Democrats will continue to fight for the right of every Idahoan to be proud, love openly and live authentically."

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