MONROE, N.C. — People protested outside the Dowd Center Theatre in Monroe before and during the performance of "Hello Daddy." It's a play performed by a drag performer.
The curtain went up at the Dowd Theatre and for Tristian Smith, this is more than just a performance. They are a teen and were born and raised in Monroe. Tristan is a member of the LGBTQ community and said they never thought they'd see a show like this performed in Monroe.
"Me being part of the community, it's good to see this come to my hometown," Smith said. "Why not embrace it?”
A spotlight shifted outside the theatre and people showed up to protest.
"These types of organizations are sexualizing and abusing our children," Troy Maxwell, Founding Pastor of Freedom House Church, said.
"The show may have been decent here, but there is an agenda here," protestor Michelle Ball said.
WCNC Charlotte notes that only a handful of children were at Friday night's performance. They were all accompanied by an adult.
Among the protestors, Monroe Mayor Robert Burns was there. He is someone who has consistently spoken out against drag shows, specifically those with minors in attendance. On March 16, Burns asked the Monroe City Council to stop the performance of Hello Daddy altogether.
“I support the parent's right to choose, as long as it doesn’t harm children," Burns said.
He said as Mayor, he wants to set children up for success.
"As a father of six, if it’s not your kid why do you care," WCNC Charlotte's Austin Walker asked Burns.
"That’s a good question ... because I’m a protector. I believe our children are our future," Mayor Burns said.
We shared Tristan's story with Mayor Burns. Tristan said this is the first time they have felt seen and represented at home.
“I hate to hear that because I don’t want anyone to feel marginalized. This is not about communities fighting against each other. This is standing for what is right and standing for protection of children," Mayor Burns said.
While dozens filled the street, others filled the seats like Tristan and their mother.
"Change is happening," Smith said. "Ignore them. They need to mature and grow. The world is changing.”
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.