Glasgow’s Free Pride group apologise and retract decision to ban drag queens

EARLIER this week it was reported that an organisation linked with Glasgow Pride had announced a blanket ban on drag queens performing at their pride event, citing drag queens were offensive to tran* people as their reason.

After instant backlash on social media and then initially altering the blanket ban to allow only trans* drag performers, organisers on Thursday revoked the ban all together and apologised.

They admitted that they had “made a mistake” and that drag queens will now be allowed to perform at the event on August 22nd.

“Free Pride now welcomes drag performers,” Free Pride said in a public statement.

“There was never a ban on drag queens and kings attending Free Pride.

“There was a decision to not book any drag acts, which has been overturned. Free Pride now welcomes drag performers of all genders and gender identities.”

The apology continued: “The original decision was made because many trans* members of Free Pride have had negative experiences with drag acts veering towards racism, misogyny and transphobia; the lack of contact with the drag community contributed.

“We made a mistake, and we apologise.”