Protestors gather outside House Judiciary Committee hearing in opposition to drag ban

Drag queen Public Universal Cuaima speaks to a crowd of protestors after the House Judiciary committee passes House Bill 2186, which would make some performances of drag illegal. They yelled, “Let young queer kids celebrate gender!” (Beth Wallis / StateImpact Oklahoma)

A line of state troopers cuts through a crowd of 2SLGBTQ+ activists gathered outside a House Judiciary committee meeting. The committee passed a ban on some forms of drag performances with a vote of 5-2. (Beth Wallis / StateImpact Oklahoma)

Ahead of a committee meeting that ultimately passed a ban on some drag queen performances, demonstrators gather in the Capitol rotunda. Lawmakers were booed by the crowd following the vote. (Beth Wallis / StateImpact Oklahoma)

An activist demonstrates at the Capitol rotunda in February ahead of a committee hearing that passed a bill banning some forms of drag performances. (Beth Wallis / StateImpact Oklahoma)

A drag queen speaks to a crowd of activists who gathered for a rally after the passage of a partial drag performance ban out of committee. The activist twirled, saying they “look like Barbie to prove a point.” “I am proud of all of you for being here and being known. We are not hiding in the shadows anymore,” they said. “We are being known.” (Beth Wallis / StateImpact Oklahoma)