The U.S. military faced backlash over a planned drag show at its first diversity and inclusion event at an Air Force base in Virginia which was promoted as children-friendly.
“The event committee purposely advertised the performers to empower individuals and their families to choose which portions of the event they wish to attend,” read the post.
“JBLE leadership is committed to celebrating differences and will continue to cultivate an inclusive environment where every Soldier, Airman and civilian feels valued,” it continued.
The announcement came after a backlash over the drag show on the platform.
Critics of the event questioned why the U.S. military was hosting a drag show, with some Facebook users calling it a “disgrace.”
Many users also expressed anger over the plan of hosting a drag show at the event. The organizers advertised to families that there would be “bouncy houses and face painting for children” at the festival, according to the festival’s website.
“They need to leave kids alone they are grooming them,” read one now-hidden comment.
The Event
The mission of the event was to “provide education, increase collaboration through outreach efforts, and recognize the diverse composition of JBLE,” according to the website.The Breaking Barriers Alliance of JBLE, a committee under the base’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, planned the event. It was approved and authorized to use U.S. military resources by at least one of the base’s top officials, Colonel Gregory Beaulieu, The Daily Wire reported.
“All featured guests will be participating or performing as volunteers. The installation assisted by providing funding for logistical requirements, such as a tent, stage, tables, and chairs, etc., as specifically authorized by DoD [Department of Defense] regulations and policies,” JBLE told The Daily Wire.