A spokesperson noted that the events were deemed “inconsistent with regulations regarding the use of Department of Defense resources,” with particular concern about the use of “taxpayer funds.” (So far, the DoD has not identified where, when, or how these funds were used for drag.) And while it’s unclear exactly how many events were affected, the Pentagon’s decree reached every finger of America’s imperialist force, requiring the cancellation of drag shows from Nevada to Germany to Japan.ĭrag wasn’t popularly accepted in American society during the 1930s and ’40s, but the military promoted these soldier shows as a positive force for camaraderie and strength, even offering guide books on dress-making and choreography. According to Paul, some even asked the captain if he’d like a lap dance.īut on June 1, 2023-the first day of Pride-the Pentagon announced a sweeping policy change: Drag shows were officially banned from military grounds. Other pollywogs reportedly went with more risqué acts, including lip-syncing to Vengaboys in a bikini top and gallivanting as Britney Spears, coy and cute in improvised schoolgirl costumes. destroyer crooning “God Bless America” while draped in a makeshift dress of blue-green cloth.

That’s how Paul ended up strutting onto the helicopter deck of a U.S.