Author: Andy Lalwani

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into a local restaurant and bar after it hosted a Pride event featuring drag performances, escalating ongoing tensions between state officials and the LGBTQ+ community.

The venue in question, the Kilted Mermaid, held a Pride-themed tea dance on June 29 to celebrate Florida’s LGBTQ+ history. The event, which organizers promoted as family-friendly, included performances by local drag artists and was open to attendees of all ages. According to organizers and attendees, the celebration was inclusive, positive and suitable for families.

But now, the restaurant is under legal scrutiny. In early July, Uthmeier’s office issued a subpoena demanding a wide range of documents from the Kilted Mermaid, including its guest list, reservation records, performer contracts and even surveillance footage from the event. The sweeping legal request has prompted alarm among LGBTQ+ advocates, civil rights organizations and privacy experts.

In a statement released Tuesday, Uthmeier claimed that the event “exposed children to adult, sexualized performances.” However, the attorney general’s office has not publicly disclosed any concrete evidence supporting those claims, nor has it specified which aspects of the performances were allegedly inappropriate. Critics say the vague language used by the state mirrors prior political attempts to censor queer expression under the guise of child protection.

A Familiar Playbook in Florida

The legal targeting of the Kilted Mermaid is not an isolated incident in Florida. Since 2023, state lawmakers and elected officials have pushed through a slate of bills aimed at restricting LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in the realms of public education, healthcare, and drag performances.

One of the most high-profile laws sought to ban minors from attending drag shows — even when the shows were labeled as family-friendly. Under the proposed legislation, venues found in violation could face fines and the suspension or revocation of their liquor licenses. Performers, too, could face misdemeanor charges and steep penalties.

The law prompted swift backlash from LGBTQ+ organizations and allies across the country. Many saw it as part of a broader political campaign to vilify queer culture — especially drag — by framing it as inherently dangerous to children. Drag artists and LGBTQ+ families pushed back, arguing that family-oriented drag shows are an expression of joy, creativity, and community, not a threat.

In July 2023, a federal judge blocked the enforcement of the law after the popular Orlando LGBTQ+ restaurant Hamburger Mary’s filed a lawsuit. The restaurant, which regularly hosts inclusive drag brunches and family events, argued that the law infringed upon First Amendment rights. The judge agreed, declaring the statute unconstitutional.

Still, state officials have not backed down from pursuing drag events under other legal avenues, often relying on ambiguous moral claims and selective enforcement. The subpoena against the Kilted Mermaid appears to be the latest example.

Community Responds to What It Sees as Intimidation

LGBTQ+ advocates are warning that the attorney general’s investigation into the Pride tea dance is an act of political intimidation, not law enforcement.

“This is a baseless, politically motivated attack on a safe and inclusive space,” said Nadine Ramirez, executive director of the Florida Equality Network. “The attorney general is wasting taxpayer dollars on a witch hunt because queer people dared to gather and celebrate themselves during Pride.”

Ramirez noted that the subpoena’s demand for guest lists and surveillance footage raises serious privacy concerns. “What business does the state have identifying who attended a lawful Pride event? This is a gross overreach and a violation of basic civil liberties.”

Organizers of the Kilted Mermaid event have remained largely silent amid the investigation, likely on legal advice. However, a brief statement posted to the venue’s Instagram account in early July thanked the community for its support and reiterated that the June 29 event complied with all local and state regulations.

“We created a welcoming environment for everyone — including families — and we are proud of that,” the post read.

Drag and the Ongoing Cultural Battle

Drag culture has long played a central role in LGBTQ+ history, from early acts of defiance at Stonewall to the mainstream success of shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race. But in recent years, it has also become a flashpoint in the culture wars, with conservative politicians increasingly using drag performances as a wedge issue.

Advocates argue that this renewed moral panic around drag is a political tactic aimed at energizing a voter base ahead of elections, rather than a legitimate public safety concern. They point out that drag performances — especially those aimed at younger audiences — are overwhelmingly benign and celebratory.

“There’s nothing inherently sexual about a drag queen reading a storybook or lip-syncing to a pop song,” said Professor Charles Whitmore, a legal scholar at the University of Miami who specializes in LGBTQ+ rights. “The idea that every drag performance is inappropriate is rooted in bias, not evidence.”

What Happens Next?

As of now, no charges have been filed against the Kilted Mermaid or the event organizers. The outcome of the investigation remains unclear, but legal experts expect it could be challenged in court, particularly if the attorney general attempts to penalize the venue without proving any violations of law.

In the meantime, LGBTQ+ organizations across Florida are urging residents to remain vigilant and vocal. They are also encouraging local businesses to know their rights in the face of potential legal action.

“This is not just about one restaurant,” said Ramirez. “It’s about whether or not queer people in Florida can live their lives openly, celebrate their culture, and gather without fear of government surveillance or retaliation.”