At a recent campaign event in Texas, Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico was asked to name his favorite drag performer in the state. Without hesitation, he replied, “Oh, my gosh. Probably Alyssa Edwards.” Edwards, whose legal name is Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, is a prominent drag performer who has publicly said he works with children and has been featured in the 2018 Netflix docuseries “Dancing Queen.”
Background on the controversy
Talarico’s comments come amid a series of attacks on his record regarding gender and sexuality issues. In prior interviews, he suggested that “God is nonbinary” and praised Texas for having “some of the best drag queens in the nation.” Critics have highlighted a 2021 event he headlined called “Taylor PRIDE” in Taylor, Texas, where an 11‑year‑old boy performed in drag under the name Kween Kee Kee.
During the same campaign stop, a man approached Talarico and said, “Mr. Talarico, so nice to meet you… I was there when you defended the drags.” The exchange was captured on video and quickly circulated online.
Response from the Talarico campaign
When pressed about the remarks, a spokesperson for Talarico, JT Ennis, turned the focus toward his Republican opponent, stating, “James’ favorite performer is Ken Paxton — who dresses up as attorney general while giving sweetheart deals to child sex predators.” The comment was intended to highlight perceived hypocrisy in the opposing campaign.
Edwards’ perspective
In an interview with Out magazine, Edwards recounted his experience at World Pride in New York, saying, “I remember being at World Pride a few years back and sharing the stage with my dance students, one of the most powerful moments of my life.” He has defended his involvement in youth drag shows, describing them as opportunities for artistic expression and confidence‑building.
Talarico’s recent statements
Earlier this week, Talarico told Fox News that he “missed the mark on some of my past statements.” He added that he no longer believes there are six sexes and suggested that opponents are raising the issue to avoid discussing “six‑dollar diesel” with Republicans who hold the majority in the state legislature.
Political implications
The incident underscores the cultural flashpoint surrounding drag performances and youth involvement in Texas politics. While Talarico’s remarks have drawn criticism from conservative groups and parents concerned about the influence of drag culture on children, his supporters argue that his comments reflect a broader commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Republican leaders have seized on the moment to question Talarico’s suitability for office, framing his statements as out of step with traditional family values. The debate is likely to intensify as the Senate race moves toward the primary, with both campaigns expected to use the issue to mobilize their bases.
What’s next?
As the campaign season progresses, voters in Texas will continue to weigh the cultural and policy positions of the candidates. The focus on drag performers and youth participation in the arts is expected to remain a contentious topic, reflecting broader national conversations about gender, sexuality, and parental rights.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
