Drag show for LGBT youth canceled at Roseville High School following online controversy

A drag show scheduled to take place at Roseville High School was canceled after public controversy and threats boiled over on social media.

The show — hosted by the Landing Spot, an LGBT youth support group in Placer County — was intended to be the third iteration of a fundraiser for the group, with proceeds going toward a summer camp program, said Casey Tinnin-Martinez, a pastor and founder of the Landing Spot.

According to Tinnin-Martinez, the group’s drag shows are “wholesome, family-friendly” events where the students lip sync to age-appropriate songs. The group had previously held two prior drag shows to sold-out crowds in 2020 and 2022 without incident.

“There are more clothes put on these kids than most cheerleaders, I’ve seen,” Tinnin-Martinez said.

In search of a larger venue, the Landing Spot applied to use the theater at Roseville High School via the district’s online scheduling service, and was approved.

Unlike prior events, however, the show drew the attention of parents and local political groups.

Pete Constant, president of the board of trustees for the Roseville Joint Union High School District, said the district was unaware the Landing Spot’s event was a drag show at the time it approved it, and it wasn’t until the district learned of the show on social media that staff were prompted to take a second look.

Constant said Roseville High School received over 2,000 emails from parents expressing concern.

After a review of policy, the district’s superintendent decided to not proceed with the show on school grounds out of concern over the threats being circulated, and that adult audience-goers would be offering cash tips to the juvenile performers, Constant said.

The Landing Spot’s drag show was rescinded Feb. 23 “due to threats and violence to staff and faculty,” Tinnin-Martinez said.

“Our district’s response would have been the same if this was a female burlesque show or a Chippendale (or “Magic Mike”) style show featuring heterosexual performers and audience,” Constant said in an interview. “The simple fact is this type of show featuring minor students with an adult, cash-tipping audience is not appropriate on our school grounds.”

In response, the Landing Spot decided to forego its fundraiser drag show this year, asking instead that supporters donate their ticket price to the group.

“I’m still grateful for the relationship the Landing Spot has had with the district,” Tinnin-Martinez said. “The number one priority is the mental health and the well-being of these young people. ... We don’t want to continue to traumatize our young people.”

This story was originally published March 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM.