Maren Morris Responds to Criticism Over Son's Presence at Inclusive Drag Show

Maren Morris recently spoke up in support of drag queens once again. She explained why she decided to take her young child to a drag show that was suitable for families. During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Morris shared her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and how she introduced her son to the world of drag. She mentioned that the show they attended was all-ages and family-friendly. The event took place at Bridgestone last year during a benefit show while there was a drag ban in Tennessee.

Morris, the singer of "My Church," responded to a homophobic comment on social media. The comment criticized parents who bring their children to events with drag queens, even if the events are suitable for their age.

In her Instagram Story on Friday, Morris addressed the issue, pointing out that focusing on "saving the children" often diverts attention from the real topic at hand.

"If you're talking about the influence on children, think about all the outfits in Catholicism, the makeup and powdered wigs in theatre that were traditionally worn by men, and even Mrs. Doubtfire who captured our hearts when we were young," she explained. "Drag has been a form of performance art for centuries, with some shows intended only for adults. The show I mentioned in the interview was a charity event that was suitable for all ages, organized to protest the ban on drag performances in Tennessee that was recently overturned."

Maren Morris Claps Back Again Over Hate for Supporting Drag Performers

Last year, Maren Morris performed at the Love Rising concert in Bridgestone, a benefit show for the LGBTQ+ community in Tennessee. She took her 3-year-old son, Hayes, to the event and he got to meet some of the drag performers. (Morris shares Hayes with her ex husband, Ryan Hurd.)

During her March 2023 performance, the singer shared with the audience that she had introduced her son to drag queens. In a defiant tone, she challenged the state of Tennessee by saying, "So, Tennessee, f–king arrest me."

At that time, Tennessee had implemented a bill that restricted "adult cabaret performances" in public or in front of children. This bill, which has since been overturned, also banned such performances from taking place within 1,000 feet of schools, public parks, and places of worship. Morris was among the musicians, like Hozier, who participated in the Love Rising benefit concert.

Morris shared with Clarkson on Friday that there were drag queens present, providing entertainment. During the performance of his song 'The Middle,' one of the drag queens even danced with him. Morris expressed that the experience was incredible and enjoyable. He mentioned that his son enjoys watching him get ready in the makeup chair and is fascinated by the vibrant colors. Morris emphasized that the presence of drag queens was harmless and a beautiful display of artistry. He believes that normalizing this form of expression helps to show that these individuals are simply people who love dressing up, just like anyone else.

Editor's P/S:

s advocacy for drag queens and her decision to introduce her young son to the world of drag highlights the importance of educating children about diversity and acceptance. By exposing her son to drag performers in a family-friendly setting, Morris is not only teaching him about different art forms but also fostering a sense of empathy and respect for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. Her actions demonstrate that drag is not inherently sexual or harmful but rather a form of self-expression that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Furthermore, Morris's response to homophobic comments on social media underscores the need to challenge the harmful rhetoric that often surrounds conversations about drag and LGBTQ+ issues. By drawing parallels to other forms of entertainment and performance that involve makeup, costumes, and gender-bending, Morris effectively dismantles the argument that drag is somehow inappropriate or dangerous for children. Her message is clear: all children deserve to be exposed to diverse perspectives and experiences, and it is through these interactions that they can develop into open-minded and inclusive individuals.