DoD Pride chair claims drag shows are a part of 'American culture'

Rudy Coots, an operations research analyst at the Department of Defense and chair of DoD Pride, claimed on Wednesday that Drag shows are part of "American culture."

In his opening statement as the host of the DoD LGBTQ+ Pride ceremony, Coots said he hoped that drag performers would be resilient. "Drag isn't dangerous, it's entertainment," he said.  

"If you're a fan, I say tip your local drag queen," he continued. "If you're not a fan don't go, but don't deprive us of the opportunity to enjoy something that is part of LGBTQ culture, and really at this point part of American culture."

The event, sponsored by the DOD's Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, hosted Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks, along with speeches from Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr., Space Force Chief Operations Officer Lt. Gen. DeAnna M. Burt, and other high-ranking officials. 

On the same day, the United States Air Force came under fire for posting an image of an Airman saluting the LGBTQI+ flag with a tweet reading, "June is Pride Month! The Department of the Air Force proudly recognizes and celebrates generations of LGBTQI+ service members and their contributions to our Air Force & Space Force."

Previously, the Department of Defense ordered the Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, to cancel a "family-friendly" drag show scheduled for the first day of June., saying that the event was "not suitable use" of federal funds. 

Before its cancelation, Air Force officials called the event "an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the history and significance of drag performance art within the LGBT+ community.”

It was reported that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley was enraged when he heard about the event earlier in the week and has previously stated that he doesn't "agree with those."