In a move that has ignited fierce debate across Florida, the Pensacola city-owned Saenger Theatre hosted a sold-out performance of “A Drag Queen Christmas” on Tuesday, despite months of controversy, public outcry, and demands from state officials to cancel the event.
The touring drag show, known for its provocative content, drew protests outside the venue but proceeded without interruption.
The Saenger Theatre, a landmark in downtown Pensacola built in 1925, is fully owned by the city, with taxpayer dollars covering its maintenance and upkeep, though not directly funding the show itself.
Conservatives had argued that allowing such an event in a publicly funded space amounts to an endorsement of obscene and anti-Christian content, especially given its timing just days before Christmas.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier publicly condemned the city for permitting the performance, calling it a “public nuisance” that mocks Christian beliefs and risks exposing children to inappropriate material.
“Two days before Christmas, Pensacola will host a demonic, sexually explicit drag show at the city-owned Saenger Theatre,” Uthmeier wrote in a post on X. “Pensacola shouldn’t platform obscenities that denigrate its residents and expose kids to harmful content. They should cancel the event.”
As a Christian and a Pensacolian, I was grateful for the chance to speak before the Pensacola City Council, advocating for the sacredness of Christmas and asking the council members to reconsider hosting the upcoming Drag Queen Christmas scheduled at the publicly funded Saenger… pic.twitter.com/iKc4ede9BS
— Joshua Burdick (@gadgetpastor) October 12, 2025
The controversy began brewing as early as July, when the show’s booking was announced, prompting backlash from local conservative groups and residents.
By October, hundreds of Pensacola citizens had addressed the city council, urging cancellation. A local Christian group led the charge, describing the show as “profanity-laden” and featuring “barely clothed performers simulating sex acts.”
One resident, Joshua Burdick, a care pastor at Campus Church, spoke at a council meeting, advocating for the “sacredness of Christmas” and calling on officials to reconsider hosting the event at a taxpayer-supported venue.
As a Christian and a Pensacolian, I was grateful for the chance to speak before the Pensacola City Council, advocating for the sacredness of Christmas and asking the council members to reconsider hosting the upcoming Drag Queen Christmas scheduled at the publicly funded Saenger… pic.twitter.com/iKc4ede9BS
— Joshua Burdick (@gadgetpastor) October 12, 2025
Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) also weighed in, noting that the city pays $150,000 annually to a management company that books such events. They pointed out the show’s proximity, just one block away—from the family-oriented Pensacola Winterfest, which includes activities like “Photos with Santa.”
The @CityofPensacola pays $150,000 per year to a management company that brings drag shows to the city’s Saenger Theatre. In December 2025, the Theatre is set to host “A Drag Queen Christmas” just one block away from the child-friendly Pensacola Winterfest event, which includes… pic.twitter.com/SGWc8EKoeF
— Florida DOGE (@DOGEFla) October 20, 2025
Despite the pressure, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves and the city council declined to cancel, citing significant legal and financial risks. City Attorney Adam Cobb warned that breaching the contract could expose the city to “immediate and significant” liability, potentially violating First Amendment protections.
Council President Jared Moore likened preemptively canceling the show to “issuing a speeding ticket before a driver is caught speeding.”
Earlier this month, Bishop William Wack of the Pensacola-Tallahassee Diocese issued a statement against the event, urging Christians to unite in opposition.
I’m grateful that Bishop William Wack has made an official statement against the Drag Queen Christmas show taking place at the Saenger Theater in downtown Pensacola on December 23rd.
May all Christians unite against this sacrilegious event that mocks our Lord’s birth. pic.twitter.com/6BO7psI17w
— John Frankman (@JohnFrankmanFL) December 19, 2025
Mayor Reeves addressed safety concerns amid expected protests, telling ABC 3, “We plan for a secure event and certainly our police department is aware of the optics and the public conversation around it. And we’ll be ready to go.”
On the night of the performance, protesters gathered outside the Saenger Theatre, voicing opposition to the sacrilegious mockery of Christ’s birth.
Local news outlets, including WEAR ABC 3, captured the scene, reporting that the show went on without issues inside.
WATCH:
This isn’t the first time “A Drag Queen Christmas” has faced scrutiny in Florida. Previous venues have been fined for promoting content deemed inappropriate for minors, fueling ongoing culture war battles in the state.
The post WATCH: Taxpayer-Funded Florida Theater Held ‘Drag Queen Christmas’ Show Despite Protests and AG Demands appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.