Drag Will Go On or You Can Drag Me To Jail
The GOP supermajority’s ongoing efforts to undermine our First Amendment rights are increasingly targeting the most marginalized groups, all while allowing neo-Nazis to spread hate with impunity.
It’s been a while since my last update, and many of you have eagerly awaited news. 🤣 This summer has been incredibly busy for me, balancing various responsibilities, including securing housing for fixed-income neighbors, combating neo-Nazis, working part-time, campaigning, and fulfilling my legislative duties. I appreciate your patience as I work to provide thoughtful and timely updates.
As many of you know, our First Amendment rights are under attack in Tennessee. The GOP supermajority has been pushing a series of laws and policies that undermine our fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, assembly, and expression.
A prime example is the recent ruling on Tennessee's anti-drag law. This law’s broad and vague language risks criminalizing artistic expression and threatens our rights to free speech and creative freedom.
This is not an isolated issue. Over the past few years, we’ve seen numerous attempts to restrict our freedoms under the pretense of “protecting minors” or maintaining public order. From limiting drag performances to censoring critical social discussions, these measures reflect a pattern of overreach that stifles dissent and our ability to express ourselves and teach the next generation of leaders.
Ironically, those who advocate for small government and personal freedom are often the first to impose restrictions on our speech and expression. This hypocrisy is particularly evident in their approach to LGBTQ+ rights in contrast to their response to the ongoing incidents of white nationalism in Nashville.
Drag performances and neo-Nazi hate speech represent two very different aspects of free expression. Drag is a vibrant artistic and cultural expression that has long been integral to LGBTQ+ communities and broader culture. It includes performance art, theatrical expression, and personal storytelling that challenges societal norms and enriches cultural understanding. Outlawing drag would stifle creativity, undermine artistic freedom, and suppress marginalized voices.
In stark contrast, neo-Nazi hate speech is intended to incite violence, spread fear, and dehumanize individuals based on race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Such hate speech often encourages acts of violence and discrimination, undermining public safety and social cohesion. Therefore, while drag performances should be protected as vital forms of artistic expression, regulating neo-Nazi hate speech is crucial for safeguarding individuals and maintaining a safe and inclusive society.
Our movement against the far-right needs co-conspirators and collaborators willing to leverage their privilege and power in the fight for equality. We need individuals ready to stand alongside us, even if it means facing personal risk or sacrifice. True solidarity involves speaking out and actively participating in actions that challenge oppressive systems.
Drag will go on, or you can drag me to jail!
Aftyn
Announcements
RSVP: This Thursday, August 15th, in East Nashville for a Drag Fundraiser benefitting Senator Heidi Campbell
On July 18, a federal appeals court dismissed a lawsuit challenging the first-in-the-nation law placing strict limits on drag shows. Join me on August 15 at 6 PM for an evening of drag, resistance, and celebration to benefit Sen. Heidi Campbell's re-election campaign. I will announce my campaign to address the drag ban, titled "Drag Me To Jail," for the first time live at this event. Nashville Drag Queen Vivica Steele will perform for us live!
JOIN: Nashville Against Nazis Monthly Call, Thursday, August 29th This summer has been particularly intense with the launch of our Nashville Against Nazis initiative. White nationalists and neo-Nazis have been causing trouble, especially in downtown Nashville. We’re standing strong, organizing, and fighting to ensure Music City remains a welcoming and safe place for all. We’ll stay vigilant and continue to combat hate in our community.
🥳 CELEBRATE: House District 51 SHOWED UP for the August primary! District 51 had the 7th highest turnout for any State House candidate, with 6,137 votes cast. This also made it the highest turnout for all Democratic House Primary candidates. Let’s keep this momentum going as we approach the November elections! #TeamAftyn is supporting several progressive candidates in Tennessee, and your continued support can help shift the state’s GOP Supermajority.
In the Press
Rep. Behn, Activist Attorney Bring Lawsuit Challenging 'Abortion Trafficking' Law
On Election Day, remind the public that GOP Tennessee lawmakers were about profits, not people
Women’s sports bars are on the rise. Nashville’s will be a first for the South.
What can a city do when neo-Nazis start marching down its streets?
Rep Aftyn Behn continues to push grocery tax repeal in Tennessee
Tennessee lawmaker condemns ‘absurd’ ruling dismissing suit over anti-drag show ban
On The Go
July
I was selected as the only Tennessee representative participating in an Emerging Legislative Leaders Program hosted by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. The summit brought together 60 state leaders from both parties and provided valuable insights on continuing public service with dignity and confidence. I’m eager to apply what I've learned when the next session begins!
I attended Tennessee’s Department of Economic and Community Development’s Broadband Summit in Chattanooga. I heard updates about federal broadband funding going to Tennessee and toured Chattanooga’s EPB network!
June
Tennessee Freedom Circle event with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear: I was honored to introduce Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear at a Tennessee Freedom Circle fundraiser for reproductive rights.
Nashville PRIDE Parade: Shout out to my parents for trekking across the state so they could drive our truck in PRIDE. We had the best time, and I’m so grateful for their support. (Papa B looks good in pink!)
Rainbow Right of Way! Nashville got its first Rainbow crosswalk in District 51! I was honored to take part in making the symbol of equality a reality during Pride Weekend outside the historic Lipstick Lounge.
Summertime Celebration: Thanks to everyone who made our first-ever Summer Celebration (with the wonderful people of Team Heidi Campbell) a great success. From the vendors to entertainers to campaign staffers, it was a fun, entertaining experience, and we can’t wait to do things even bigger next year—with the free ice cream and popsicles, of course!
Keep up the good work!