June 4, 2025

Texas A&M Students Protest Ban on Drag Shows

News Summary

Students at Texas A&M University held a rally to protest a ban on drag shows in campus spaces. The protest, organized by the Queer Empowerment Council, attracted hundreds of students expressing their concerns over the infringement of First Amendment rights. The university’s Board of Regents argues that drag shows are lewd and conflict with their values, while students assert their right to expression. The protest reflects ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community amid recent legislative measures affecting queer rights in Texas.

College Station, Texas – Students at Texas A&M University protested against a recent ban on drag shows in campus event spaces, rallying several hundred strong in the university’s central courtyard. The protest, organized primarily by the Queer Empowerment Council, showcased signs bearing messages like “Drag is art,” “Let drag be,” and “Hate is not an Aggie core value.” The demonstration occurred in response to a federal lawsuit aimed at the university system’s board members, chancellor, and main campus president, claiming the ban infringes upon students’ First Amendment rights.

The Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents issued the prohibition against drag shows at its 11 universities, asserting that such events could potentially conflict with an executive order recognizing only two sexes. The regents categorized drag shows as “lewd” and demeaning to women, contending that permitting them contradicts the mission and core values of the university system.

Amid heavy public outcries, many students expressed anger toward the ban. Senior Caspar Ibarra highlighted a strong determination among students to maintain the drag culture on campus, emphasizing that they would not allow the university administration to restrict their rights to expression and representation. This sentiment was echoed during the protest, where students united in support of LGBTQ+ rights.

Support for on-campus drag shows has been substantial, with nearly 1,700 signatures collected on a petition advocating for their return. A highly anticipated event, called “Draggieland,” is being organized by the Queer Empowerment Council despite the ongoing tensions. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression is representing the showrunners in the lawsuit filed against the university system.

The protest highlighted a growing concern within the LGBTQ+ community regarding diminishing representation and resources for queer students. A scheduled performer for “Draggieland,” known as Dulce Gabanna, voiced apprehensions about the welfare of LGBTQ students in the area, citing a scarcity of resources for queer youth. This concern has been echoed across college campuses, with students expressing feelings of isolation as conservative legislation continues to target LGBTQ+ rights.

This incident is part of a larger narrative regarding recent legislative measures in Texas affecting LGBTQ+ communities. Senate Bill 12, passed by the Texas legislature, prohibits discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms and bans LGBTQ+ student clubs. It also introduces a forced outing policy, which raises concerns for the safety and welfare of LGBTQ youth. Critics, such as representatives from the ACLU of Texas, argue that these laws violate students’ rights to free speech and expose them to harsher realities like abuse or homelessness.

The climate of tension surrounding LGBTQ+ rights is not unique to Texas A&M. Recently, students and staff at Texas State University encountered offensive demonstrations that were met with counter-protests advocating for love and respect. Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse condemned the “homophobic and misogynistic messages” presented by demonstrators, reaffirming a commitment to free speech while denouncing hateful rhetoric that instills confusion and fear.

These dynamics point to heightened sensitivities in Texas regarding LGBTQ+ issues as the 2025 protest at Texas A&M underscores the defiance of students within the context of recent policy changes. The protest serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for rights and representation, and the efforts of students to foster a sense of community amid growing challenges.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Texas A&M’s Mark Welsh Discusses Changes in Policies
Texas A&M Students Debate Government Role in Education
Bryan City Council Unveils New Initiatives for Community Growth
Leadership Changes and Community Improvements in College Station
Drag Shows Return to College Station After Legal Ruling
Texas A&M Students Rally with Prayer During Draggieland Show
Jessy B. Darling Crowned 2022 Queen of Draggieland Amid Controversy
Bryan City Council Considers Changes to Texas Avenue
Bryan City Council Announces Major Developments
Texas A&M Queer Empowerment Council Challenges Drag Show Ban

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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