Ohio Valley MMA owner Johnny Haught has offered to attend drag events with his MMA fighters to oppose right-wing attacks.
Haught tells PinkNews he had offered to act as security because he supports “any kind of expression and freedom”.
“Plus, drag shows are some of the most fun shows ever,” he says.
The overall reaction to the his offer had been “extremely positive”, including having scheduled performer Luna Skye reach out to say thanks.
“It’s shown me a side of my community that I wasn’t sure was there.
“There is way more love than hate in the world.”
Haught felt “ignorance was the only motivator” for hate against drag shows and how it has become a political target among Republicans across the United States.
“The people fighting against drag shows have never been to a drag show. They have no frame of reference for what it is,” he says.
“They do not get that it is just a performance of an artform.”
With ongoing attacks and attempts to pass anti-drag bills in the US, he says people “really need to step up” — particularly LGBTQ+ allies.
“Let these hateful loud mouths know that they are not the majority and we won’t be silent about the hate anymore.”
