Two teachers in Baytown, Texas, claim they were fired from their positions at the First Baptist Academy after attending a drag show and posting about it on social media. Kristi Maris, who had worked at the school for approximately 20 years, was terminated for attending a drag performance at Hamburger Mary’s in Houston on July 13. Maris expressed her frustration on Facebook, quoting the reasons given to her for the termination: They told me because I went to this show and posted a picture I wasn’t walking in a godly manner, so, that being said, please remove yourself from my page if this offends you, if you think this is ungodly, makes me a pedaphile [sic], or causes you to feel uncomfortable.
Drag shows have been the subject of threats and criticism across the United States as conservative politicians in various states, including Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Montana, introduce or pass legislation to restrict such performances. In June, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill that regulates sexually oriented performances and restricts them on commercial premises, public property, or in the presence of individuals under the age of 18. Although the final version of the bill removed specific mentions of drag performances, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick clarified that the bill aims to prohibit sexualized performances and drag shows in the presence of minors. The law is set to be implemented in September.
Maris expressed her disappointment, stating, I feel like we were treated like criminals. The second teacher who was fired has not made any public remarks on the matter. ABC News reached out to the First Baptist Academy for comment, but received no response. The school’s senior pastor referred to a line in the school’s operating policies manual that requires employees to act in a godly and moral fashion at work, on Facebook, and in the community.
Hamburger Mary’s, a national chain of independently owned restaurants, regularly hosts drag performances at its Houston location. The restaurant expressed its support for the two fired teachers, emphasizing their role as educators and stating, They are the teachers, not only children, but the whole world deserves! In a Facebook post, the restaurant also announced plans to hold a benefit show and a GoFundMe campaign to support the two women and raise awareness that drag queens and the LGBTQIA+ community are not bad people.
As this story unfolds, it highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding drag performances and the clash between free expression and conservative values. While some argue for the importance of artistic freedom and inclusive communities, others assert the need for adherence to religious and moral principles. The teachers’ dismissal has sparked a conversation on social media, with people expressing varying perspectives and opinions on the matter. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals who navigate the intersection of personal beliefs and public perceptions in today’s society.
In conclusion, the firing of two teachers from the First Baptist Academy in Baytown, Texas, for attending a drag show has triggered a heated debate surrounding the clash of values and the freedom to express oneself. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact discussions surrounding LGBTQIA+ rights, religious beliefs, and the limits of personal expression in educational institutions.
