BACKLASH

Videos of the performance had circulated on social media, where some commenters expressed frustration with the exposure at an event not designated for adults only. Organizers had sent out an apology, saying it was not a planned part of the performance.

But the backlash continues even months later, ahead of this year’s planned PrideFest event.

“ ere are movies that have an NC-17 rating where no one under the age of 18 is allowed. ese drag queen shows should be treated exactly the same,” one commenter, who said she’s from Parker, told the commissioners.

“ e purpose of an NC-17 over an R rating is because some parents don’t know what is wrong for their children.” e commissioners voted unanimously to approve certain fairgrounds policy updates. It appeared that this year’s scheduled drag queen entertainment would proceed as planned, not limited to an adult audience.

‘Erosion of family values’

One man argued the county shouldn’t allow performers to wear certain tight clothing in front of children, saying it’s “an oversexualization of our kids.”

“I think this is an erosion of families. It’s an erosion of family values,” Michael Campbell, of Castle Rock, told the commissioners. “And I do want to be clear: Nobody’s stating that we should limit people’s rights — rights to assembly, rights of freedom of speech and to be themselves — but I do think that the appropriate measure the county should take is to recognize that this is an adult-themed performance just like any other strip club, and it should not be allowed for children.”

Art Kerkezian, cochair with the Douglas County PrideFest, said the event last summer doesn’t represent the values of the Castle Rock Pride group and the PrideFest.

In contrast with the comments from the public, Kerkezian said he doesn’t believe that drag “in and of itself” is sexually explicit.

“It can be — just like a movie can be X rated or G rated,” Kerkezian said. “We have put in safeguards. As parents who are planning this event for our children, why would we want to put in anything sexual by nature in that regard?” ose in his group “wholeheartedly disagree” with “taking away the right from our parents to be able to choose what is appropriate for their children,” he said.

His group has a clause in its policies that prevents nudity at PrideFest, he added.

“Douglas County was the cry of parents’ rights during the pandemic, and of parental right, whether or not their children should wear masks. ese people are asking you to prohibit our parents from choosing what is appropriate for their children,” Kerkezian told the commissioners. e group’s procedures will eliminate the sexual content of the lyrics and the activities that have been described as “sexual in nature,” he added.

“ ere is such a thing as a G-rated drag show, and we are here to prove that,” Kerkezian said.

‘ e God I believe in loves all people’ County sta had proposed changes policies, including an updated mission statement to state that all events are to be “family friendly.” e commissioners voted 3-0 to ap-

Another proposed change outlined that event holders agree “not to operate anything similar to a sexually oriented business” as de ned in the county’s zoning regulations, according to the document of fairgrounds policies.

Yoga in the Park

prove the fairgrounds policy updates.

Commissioner Abe Laydon appeared to push back on the tone of some comments during the meeting.

“We also recognize that in a community of nearly 400,000, not all families look exactly alike. And there are families that are di erent than your family and my family,” Laydon said. “I will say, you know, if your view is that pride and gay people are not welcome in Douglas County, I’m going to disagree with you, and so will the law. If your view is that all drag queens are evil and out to get children, I’m going to disagree with you, and so will virtually any drag queen.”

He continued: “We support freedom of expression and the Constitution, (and) we are not going to censor or book burn or tell people what they can or cannot say and express because then again we just become fascist dictators if we do that.”

Laydon said LGBTQ youth are more

Join RidgeGate and South Suburban Parks and Recreation for free community yoga classes on the grass at the south end of Belvedere Park, at the corner of RidgeGate Circle and Belvedere Lane. Please bring your own mat, water bottle and towel to all classes. In case of heavy rain or lightning, class will be cancelled.

Tuesday, May 30th, 6:30-7:30pm

Tuesday, June 27th, 6:30-7:30pm

Guided Nature Hikes

Each year, RidgeGate teams up with the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District to provide free, guided nature hikes. These hikes are led by professional naturalists from the district, and offer insight and education into the natural ecosystems within the open space at RidgeGate. Registration is required and available at RidgeGate.com

Sunday, May 21st, 8-9:30am – Nature Bingo

Saturday, June 3rd, 7:30-9pm – Strawberry Moon

Friday, June 16th, 6:30-8pm – Birds at Sunset

Monday, June 19th, 6-7:30pm – Juneteenth Commemorative Evening Walk

Summer Beats Concerts

Enjoy these summertime concerts out on the grass with free live music, food trucks and activities for kids. It’s all happening in Prairie Sky Park, just west of the Lone Tree Recreation Center, courtesy of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District.

Thursday, June 15th, 6-8pm – Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts

Tunes on the Terrace at the Lone Tree Arts Center

RidgeGate is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Lone Tree Arts Center’s ‘Tunes on the Terrace’—an outdoor evening concert series that will bring your summer nights to life. Check out the full schedule and buy tickets at LoneTreeArtsCenter.org

Friday, June 23rd, 8pm – Six One Five Collective

Experience Historic Schweiger Ranch

The restoration of the 38-acre historic Schweiger Ranch, led by the Schweiger Ranch Foundation, gives us a glimpse into settlers’ lives. Today, the ranch is open to the public for self-guided visits and a variety of events throughout the year. Register for or learn more about these events online at SchweigerRanch.org

Saturday, May 20th, 9-11am – Natural Heritage Walking Tours with SSPRD (Spring Wildflowers)

Saturday, June 17th, 10-11am – Guided Public Tour

Saturday, June 17th, 7:30-9am – Natural Heritage Walking Tours with SSPRD (Birds of Schweiger Ranch)

A more natural approach to urbanism.

Saturday, June 17th, 6-8pm – Campfire Storytelling Series (The McDaileys)