At least 14 state legislatures have proposed bills targeting drag performances, part of the record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills filed this year. Tennessee and Arkansas have both enacted laws placing strict limits on drag shows. They share similar language, restricting “adult-oriented” performances — sometimes explicitly including “male or female impersonators” in the definition. The bulk […]

Author Archives: Ileana Garnand
Ileana Garnand (they/them) is CPI's 2022-2023 American University Fellow. They are currently pursuing a master's degree in journalism & public affairs with a concentration in investigative journalism. Ileana earned undergraduate degrees in journalism and media arts at the University of North Texas, where they served as the news editor for the North Texas Daily. Ileana is passionate about reporting on inequality and has previously written about the formerly incarcerated's search for affordable housing in Texas, sexuality-based discrimination in college sports, the Starbucks unionization movement and more. They also enjoy multimedia projects and create documentary films.