DRAG SHOW

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.

‘The God I believe in loves all people’ County sta had proposed changes to the county’s fairgrounds facilities policies, including an updated mission statement to state that all events are to be “family friendly.” e commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the fairgrounds policy updates.

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.

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 likely to die by suicide and that it’s important to share the message that there may be people that look di erently than the “mainstream” and that that’s OK.

“It’s no secret that I am a Republican. I’m a Christian. I’m a father, and I’m also a member of the LGBTQ community. I support all of those groups, and those aren’t mutually exclusive. I believe that the God I believe in loves all people, and there’s really an opportunity to educate and inform one another at any age that that love exists,” Laydon continued.

After the Pride event, as videos of what happened circulated, Commissioner Lora omas met with Kerkezian and others, and they understood what went wrong, omas said at the commissioners’ meeting.

“ ey told me that there are parents who believe that drag is an art form and they want their kids to see it. I see people in the audience shaking their heads,” omas said. “We also receive, as commissioners, complaints from people that want us to stop prayer at the fair and the rodeo. And so we have to gure out how we balance the needs of the community.” omas clari ed during the meeting that PrideFest is not part of the county fair. e nonpro t o ers community events and resources including monthly support groups, family meetups, educational opportunities and the annual PrideFest, its website says.

Castle Rock Pride is a nonpro t “building a supportive community in the Castle Rock and greater Douglas County areas for LGBTQ+ residents,” the organization’s website says.

Set for Aug. 26 at the county fairgrounds, the Douglas County PrideFest includes local LGBTQIA+ supporting exhibitors, food and beverage vendors, and live performances, according to the website.

Help keep your community safe and beautiful. Adopt a road!

Gather your friends or neighbors and adopt a road for littler pickup. Douglas County’s road adoption process is now online and easier than ever. For details, visit douglas.co.us and search for Adopt a Road.

Help make your County Fair a success!

Energetic, friendly volunteers age 16 and older are needed during the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo from July 28-Aug. 6. Serve your community, celebrate your County’s history and have fun all at the same time. Visit douglascountyfairandrodeo.com and click on the Get Involved tab, to learn more and sign up.

Visit prehistoric times

More than 11,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, mammoths roamed Douglas County. Learn all about it by taking a free tour of the world-renowned Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve. Limited dates are available. Reserve your spot now at lambspring.org/free-tours

Are you prepared for Wildfire?

It only takes one spark to change your life forever – make sure you are ready for wildfire season. Learn about steps you can take today to reduce the risk to your family and property by visiting douglas.co.us and searching Protect Your Home. And sign up for free emergency notifications at DouglasCountyCodered.com to ensure you are aware if a wildfire or other emergency is happening near you.

Questions about road projects in your area?

Roads are a necessity and they have to be maintained. Here’s where you’ll find everything you need to know about them all. Visit DouglasRoadWork.com to find out what’s going on in your neighborhood.

Douglas County offices will be closed Monday, May 29, 2023. Many services are available at DoItOnlineDouglas.com