‘Drag Queen’ Performance on House Floor Sparks Backlash

A morning meant for serious lawmaking in Oregon’s House of Representatives devolved into a spectacle on Wednesday as two drag queens took center stage — and Republicans are calling foul.

The surprise performance came as House Democrats pushed through a resolution celebrating “the artistry of black drag performers.” It was supposed to be a moment of recognition. Instead, it turned into nearly five minutes of wild dancing and flamboyant lip-syncing to Aretha Franklin’s “A Deeper Love,” right in the heart of the legislative chamber.

“Watching this unfold, you really have to ask yourself if our Founding Fathers would recognize what’s happening in government today,” said Rep. Dwayne Yunker, a Republican who blasted the event as “political theater” and posted footage to social media. “The House floor is supposed to be for making laws — not pushing cultural agendas,” he wrote on X, echoing frustrations from conservative voters across the state.

One performer donned a sparkling yellow jumpsuit, while the other sported a rainbow ensemble and blue wig — both jumping and dancing in front of stunned lawmakers. The show, which some described as “awkward” and “over-the-top,” sparked an immediate backlash online.

“I demand a full accounting of every taxpayer dollar spent on this circus,” wrote one furious commenter. “Legislators aren’t paid to gawk at drag shows. Let them do that on their own time.”

Another user posted, “Parents are doing everything they can to clean up schools, and meanwhile, our elected officials are throwing drag shows in the people’s house. No words.”

Even supporters seemed surprised by the scene. “Slayyy,” one person posted with pride flags, while another insisted, “Drag shows aren’t just for kids.” Still, the overwhelming sentiment was outrage.

President Trump, who has consistently condemned drag performances in government and especially those targeting children, has made headlines this year for cleaning house at the Kennedy Center. The president ousted the former board after what he called “targeted drag shows at the expense of American families,” and appointed his own hand-picked leadership to stop similar events.

The Oregon House, meanwhile, remains under Democrat control. Republican officials say this latest episode proves just how out-of-touch the supermajority has become.

Neither Rep. Yunker nor the Oregon Democratic Caucus responded to requests for comment. But many Oregon families are already making their voices heard — and demanding lawmakers get back to business.