During a recent city council meeting, community members voiced strong opinions regarding the impact of drag shows and gender identity issues on public health and safety, particularly concerning children.

Shelly Griffith shared a deeply personal testimony, highlighting her struggles with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) stemming from childhood trauma. She expressed concern that drag performances, which she described as provocative and potentially harmful, could trigger memories of her past abuse. Griffith urged the council to consider the implications of allowing such events on public property, framing it as a violation of her protections from abuse.

Aaron Kirkpatrick followed with a presentation on the rising identification of transgender individuals among youth, citing research by Dr. Lisa Littman. He argued that exposure to gender dysphoria through social media and peer influence could lead to a significant increase in adolescents identifying as transgender without prior signs. Kirkpatrick emphasized the mental health challenges faced by transgender individuals, including high rates of depression and suicidal ideation, and called for the council to regulate drag shows as a public health measure. He likened the situation to restrictions on tobacco advertising to protect minors, advocating for limitations on public displays of gender dysphoria to safeguard children's well-being.

The discussions reflect a growing concern among some community members about the intersection of public performances, mental health, and the protection of minors, prompting calls for regulatory measures to address these issues. The council's response to these testimonies and the potential for future regulations remains to be seen.