Some social media users expressed anger over drag performer and Christian musician Flamy Grant's attendance at a Christian music awards show.
Grant attended Tuesday's Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards, and photos posted on social media sparked backlash.
"I hope someone at the #DoveAwards had the stones and discernment to turn this group away at the door," Stuart Amidon wrote on X, formerly Twitter, responding to a post from Christian musician Derek Webb.
I hope someone at the #DoveAwards had the stones and discernment to turn this group away at the door. https://t.co/XrDrHsFkrh
— Stuart Amidon (@StuartAmidon) October 18, 2023
Joel Berry, the managing editor at satirical news site The Babylon Bee, wrote: "looks like we'll need a Christian alternative to the Dove Awards."
Over the past several months, many conservatives have criticized drag queens throughout the U.S. and many Republican-led states have sought to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, proposed a law that would ban children in the state from attending drag shows. In May, DeSantis signed a bill that sought to stop children from entering adult live performances, which were described as "any show, exhibition, or other presentation that is performed in front of a live audience and in whole or in part, depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, specific sexual activities,...lewd conduct, or the lewd exposure of prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts," the Pensacola News Journal reported.
A judge this month blocked the legislation, saying that "there is a potential for extraordinary harm and a serious chill upon protected speech."
Grant announced plans to attend the Dove Award show on X and invited followers to join.
Several other social media users spoke out against Grant's attendance. Wilfred Reilly wrote: "The "Dove Awards" is only for Christian music, right?"
X user Jon Root wrote: "I hope someone is bold enough to share the gospel with these 3 lost souls tonight at the #DoveAwards."
Pastor Greg Locke also responded to Grant's attendance, saying: "As far as I'm concerned, God can evacuate the building and burn the whole thing to the ground."
While speaking with Baptist News Global, Grant said: "Think of our attendance at the Dove Awards as a sort of banner-wielding, exploratory scouting expedition.
"We're not going to stir up trouble or demand a single thing. We're simply going to be present, to express our queer joy, and to celebrate in our little corner of the room. It will be very interesting to see who comes to talk with us, who doesn't, and what kinds of new relationships and opportunities might develop just from simply being in the room."
Newsweek reached out to the Gospel Music Association via email for comment.
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