The Manchester School District in New Hampshire has recently come under fire for using $4,000 of federal COVID relief funds to pay for a youth pride event which includes a drag show. This decision has been met with criticism from conservative parents and taxpayers who are outraged that their tax dollars are being used to fund such an event.

The Manchester School District is receiving the money through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that was given during the pandemic for matters related to remaining operational. The money is intended to help schools recover from the effects of the pandemic, but some people, who apparently are the only ones with common sense, feel that it should not be used to fund events like this.

The school district has defended their decision by saying that they are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their schools. They also argue that the drag show will provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ students to express themselves and celebrate their identities. I don’t know what on earth makes them think that drag shows are and kind of safe space. I could give you story after story about inappropriate behavior involving drags and other LGBTQ+ people involving children. They are predatory in nature. There are more important ways for the school district to use its limited resources than on something as controversial as a drag show.

In addition, some have questioned why the school district needs $500 specifically for a drag show at all when there are other activities available at Pride Day. It seems like an unnecessary waste of taxpayer money when there are so many other needs in the community right now due to the pandemic. Assuming for a moment that this event was okay to begin with, the event would function just fine without these people.