Screenshot of video released to Twitter by @LandonStarbuck on August 20, 2022, depicting a drag performance at Tennessee Tech University.
Newsroom of Washington, D.C., September 10, 2022, 11:22 a.m. (CNA).
The University of Tennessee Tech is examining the circumstances surrounding the recent campus performance of a drag performer dressed as a Franciscan monk.
A video of the performance released on social media garnered strong criticism for making fun of the Catholic faith.
Phil Oldham, the school’s president, said in a statement released Thursday night, “All students, faculty, and staff deserve care and concern, as well as representation and respect.” The objective of the investigation is the inappropriate involvement of minors and a review of our policies and procedures.
The video depicts the drag performer dancing suggestively to Irish singer-songwriter Hozier’s “Take Me to Church” and making the sign of the cross before shedding a brown cloak to expose a corset-like attire underneath.
The drag concert at Tennessee Tech University featured young children offering cash to a drag queen executing a dance plainly intended to ridicule Christians. Every parent who pays to send their children to Tennessee Tech should know that this is permitted on campus. pic.twitter.com/Q4I9uR2tcT
— Landon Starbuck (@LandonStarbuck) September 7, 2022
The performance took place at the campus Backdoor Playhouse on August 20 as part of an event entitled “DRAG at the Backdoor” sponsored by the group Upper Cumberland Pride.
The performance was deemed “indefensible” by Bill Donohue, the president of the Catholic League, a non-profit Catholic civil rights organization. In a letter to Oldham, he stated that the performer should be disinvited from the playhouse’s September 24 drag show.
Through the integration of classes, performances, seminars, and other activities, Backstage Playhouse promotes creativity, critical thinking, excellence, and professionalism, according to its organization statement. Donohue referenced a description of the group on the university’s website in a letter to Oldham. “However, why would it host an anti-Catholic event?”
Oldham concurred that the performance was offensive.
Oldham said in a statement, “I am horrified and appalled by the activities depicted in a video circulating on social media from a recent event at Tennessee Tech.”
“I do not believe that the activities in the video reflect Tech’s principles, and I do not condone explicit behavior in the presence of minors. I am equally angered by satire that disparages any faith group,” he concluded.
“To be clear, this event was not sponsored by the university. There were no university money used. Two registered student organizations helped the event’s planning and promotion. Although registered student clubs can book space on campus, the programming should not involve obscene, lewd, or sexual activities, he said.
Donohue complimented Oldham’s response.
“Kudos to Tennessee Technological University President Philip Oldham for taking a strong place against an anti-Catholic event on his campus,” Donohue stated in a statement posted on the Catholic League’s website.
“President Oldham has done responsibly, so I’m putting on the brakes. “However, Catholics should be aware of what we were going to do,” he added in reference to his appeal to government officials.
The sponsoring group replies.
In his letter to Oldham, Donohue identifies the drag performer at Joshua Lancaster as WitchCrafted.
Lancaster, who hosts the podcast Witch Crafted, denied to acknowledge that he was the performer featured in the video in response to a request for comment. He emailed CNA a statement released by the show’s sponsoring group, Upper Cumberland Pride, on Friday.
“The allegations published on social media are not only inaccurate, but also harmful to all parties involved. The statement continues, “We want to clear up this misunderstanding with the university and continue to educate the community about our organization and the LGBTQIA+ community.”
“The performer in question never claimed to be a member of the clergy and never criticized any faith, including Christianity. Even after the costume change, the performer wore many layers of clothing and was covered from head to toe in fabric,” the statement said.
“At any of our family-friendly events, no child is ever placed in a sexual situation, nor would we ever condone such behavior,” the group added.
“When we host all-ages events, performers must guarantee that their song lyrics are appropriate and that their performances do not contain any sexual references. We want all attendees to feel comfortable, welcome, and to enjoy themselves,” the statement read.
“While TTU President Phil Oldham’s statement is distressing, UCP stands behind the performers and their performances at The Back Door Playhouse,” the statement continued.
On its website, Upper Cumberland Pride states that it “unites the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and related communities in support of the inclusion, dignity, and equality of all individuals.”
Backdoor Playhouse published a statement on its Facebook page on Friday morning, following the publishing of Oldham’s statement.
“#Pride is not something we do only during the month of June. It is one of our fundamental values at the Backdoor Playhouse. It is our identity and culture. It’s us!” The message reads. “We love all our LGBTQ+ pals! We see you! We stand by your side!”
Mark Harry Creter, the artistic director of the group, states on its website that the group seeks to “understand theatre not only as a means of artistic expression and a form of entertainment, but also as a window into history, a way to examine the question of what it means to be human, and a vehicle for social change.”
Saturday, neither Creter, a professor of drama at Tennessee Tech, nor a university representative were available for comment.
Tennessee Tech is located in Cookeville, Tennessee, and has a student body of approximately 10,000.