Drag performer's 'All Ages' show canceled after congressman's backlash

CUMMING, Ga. (TND) — An "All Ages Family Fun Show" in Georgia hosted by a local drag performer has been canceled following backlash from a member of Congress who decided to hold his own competing "Family Fun Day" in nearby Suwanee.

The ticketed event was supposed to be hosted on Sunday, April 23 in Cumming, Georgia by a drag performer named Mrs. Ivana, whose Facebook URL reads "mrsivanahumpalot."

Get ready for an exciting Sunday Afternoon full of Dancing, Face Painting, Family & Adult Fun Activities, Performances & More!" the event's description reads. "This is an All Ages event and will be 100% appropriate for children! Limited tables available - Theatre style seating will also be available. Everyone will be sat on a first come first serve basis. Performances by Naja Supreme, Panda Berry & Lynn!"

The event's description also noted a "kids dance off" would take place during the show's intermission.

When U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick, a former physician, caught wind of the event, he decided to hold his own "Family Fun Day" as a "constructive" and "healthy" alternative nearby.

Congressman Rich McCormick is a champion for our families and will not sit idly- at home or in Washington - when radical individuals or organizations attempt to target and indoctrinate our children," an April 15 statement from the McCormick campaign obtained by the Forsyth County News said. "The Congressman is hosting this event as a constructive, healthy alternative to the lewd drag queen performance scheduled that same day. This event will benefit local children as they develop values that will ensure a positive, productive future."

Days later, Mrs. Ivana announced her event had been cancelled, and all those who had purchased a ticket would be getting a refund.

Our intentions were never to start anything political, they were solely just to entertain and have fun with everyone," Mrs. Ivana said in a Facebook post Tuesday. "We have listened and heard your concerns, and we want to apologize for giving off any sort of intentions other then that. Our team is taking this very seriously and we will respond to all emails in a timely manner."

Mrs. Ivana's event was supposed to be held at the Sexton Hall Enrichment Center, a county-owned and operated facility. Amid the criticism the event garnered, county officials released a statement indicating the government was not involved with the event, which was a private function.

Forsyth County, as a matter of policy, offers certain County facilities for rent by private parties and groups," officials said, the Forsyth County News reported. "If a private event is held at a Forsyth County rented facility, however, it does not mean and is not intended to mean that Forsyth County endorses/sanctions the opinions, policies, beliefs, conduct, findings, or experience of those individuals or groups holding the event."Forsyth County merely makes its facilities available for community use," county officials continued. "The applicant for this event has satisfied the requirements to rent the County facility. As such, the County must honor such a rental and otherwise respect the individual/group's freedom of expression that is renting the facility."

The National Desk (TND) reached out to both Forsyth County and Rep. McCormick, who still reportedly plans to hold his "Family Fun Day" event despite the drag show being canceled. TND did not immediately hear back, but if a response is received, this story will be updated.

ncG1vNJzZmihlJa1sLrEsKpnm5%2BifK%2Bx1qxmp5mknryvedaoqaWcX5m%2ForOMqZyrnp%2Bnuqa%2B0maYpaRdlrSmv4ysn6ivXZiur6%2FEpZydZZGbwaa%2BjJymp5%2BimsC0ucCnqmaakZi4ra3SoWScrZ2itq%2BzjKCcqKqXnq5uvsicn2alk5i8s7nInKI%3D