Drag Queen Storytime at Abilene Pride celebration causes controversy at city council

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – A Drag Queen Storytime scheduled to take place at Abilene’s annual Pride celebration caused controversy in Thursday’s city council meeting.

The storytime will be held at the Abilene Convention Center September 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. as part of full day series of events for 2025’s Pride celebration hosted by the Abilene Pride Alliance.

Several citizens with strong opinions on the event – both those in support of it taking place and those against it – took turns speaking at city council.

Melissa Weaver began the discussion by asking council members if they want Abilene to be inclusive or not, saying “I don’t think its ok for people to be trying to get this cancelled.”

Joe Bings used his time before council to express concern, saying, “I think it would be fine if they were dressed up like a clown, but that’s not true. They are dressed up like a woman and they are men, and again, they are making certain suggestions with their bodies, trying to be sexy.” 

However, citizens like Monic Walker disagreed, claiming that, “what actually happens at these events – an adult in a costume reads children’s books about kindness, friendship, uniqueness and acceptance. There is no sexual content, no secret agenda, and parents are right there the entire time.”

When asked if the Drag Queen Storytime would be allowed to take place at the Abilene Convention Center as scheduled despite the concerns, the City of Abilene said the convention center is managed privately and is not regulated by the City. Read their full statement below:

The City of Abilene does not organize or sponsor this event. The Abilene Convention Center is managed by ASM Global, which handles bookings and operations. Like other facilities, the Convention Center is available for rent by private groups, and the City does not regulate or oversee the programming of private events held there.

Rainbow Revolution, a Pride celebration hosted by Abilene Pride Alliance, will take place at the Abilene Convention Center September 20 beginning with a parade at noon, followed by several special events throughout the day:

• 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Pride Parade
• 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Pride Festival
• 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Live Performances
• 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Drag Queen Story Time
• 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Drag Pre-Show
• 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. WTX All Star Drag Show
• 9:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Rave After Party

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