A Utah city violated the First Amendment by denying a drag show permit, federal judge rules, marking an LGBTQ victory

• The Southern Utah Drag Stars hoped to put on an all-ages drag show in St. George, Utah.
• After the city denied their permit, the group and CEO Mitski Avalōx filed a lawsuit.

A federal judge ruled Friday that St. George, Utah violated the first amendment by denying a permit to a group aiming to host an all-ages public drag show, according to court records.

Southern Utah Drag Stars, headed by CEO Mitski Avalōx, had hoped to put on the show in April 2023. After not receiving the permit, Avalōx and the group sued the city in May 2023. St. George has been in the national spotlight since HBO Max's "We're Here" — a reality show that recruits people from towns across the US to participate in one-night-only drag shows — filmed an episode in one of the city's parks, according to the Associated Press.

"Challenging times give us an opportunity to re-examine fundamental principles of our government and, once again, determine to adhere by them," US District Judge David Nuffer wrote in his ruling Friday. "We recognize that just as we enjoy and prize our rights, we must value and respect the rights of others. This case presents an opportunity for our recommitment."

Avalōx initially founded Southern Utah Drag Stars to increase access to drag and LGBTQ+ advocacy for youth.

"I made it my mission to continue to do these events and not just one month out of the year, but to do so people that were like me when I was little ... can see that there are queer adults that get to live a long and fulfilled life," Avalōx told the AP. "My biggest ambition was to provide a public space where people can go to a park and enjoy a show that's meant for everyone."

The victory for St. George's LGBTQ community marks the third major federal ruling striking down anti-LGBTQ legislation in the last month.

In Florida, a federal judge blocked parts of a law that would prohibit transgender youth from receiving puberty blockers, an essential component of gender-affirming care. Meanwhile, in Indiana, a federal judge blocked portions of a similar law that would also make it illegal for transgender minors to receive puberty blockers and hormones.