I Used to Like You Until...: (How Binary Thinking Divides Us)

by Kat Timpf

I agree with this, and I will take it a step further: The fact that this law was struck down is good for everyone, whether you like drag or not. “But Kat, this law is specifically against harming kids! Why aren’t you against harming kids? Are you a pervert?” Well, I’m glad you asked. Whether I am a pervert is irrelevant to my issue here, which is: In this case, and in so many others, what does and does not “harm” children is subjective. It’s up to the individual adult’s views on the matter, which also may potentially change based on the child (which is technically anyone from age zero until eighteen), which also may change based on other contexts. The vagueness of a law leaves it open to abuse, and I’m not comfortable leaving my freedom of expression up to the interpretation of government officials. Of course, some parents are very socially conservative, and those parents might argue that simply seeing a biological man dressed as a woman, regardless of context, would be enough to harm children because drag is evil and immoral. If that’s already their view, they may think they don’t have to worry about the vague language of a law banning gender-bending performances. If drag is an abomination in their minds already, why would they care if the legislation went even further than its alleged intention? But here’s why even those super conservative parents should still be concerned: the realization that there are other parents who might, for example, believe that social conservat...