US: Drag queen cruise ship bans customers from wearing drag costumes
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Carnival Cruises has banned customers who are due to set sail on one of its ships from going in drag to a private drag show.
The company’s Vice President of Guest Services Vicky Rey issued the request via an email to passengers who are due to holiday on the Carnival Glory on Sunday, 2 December for its “Drag Stars at Sea” cruise.
In the email dated 26 November, Ms Rey wrote: “Carnival attracts a number of families with children and for this reason; we strive to present a family friendly atmosphere. It is important to us that all guests are comfortable with every aspect of the cruise.
“Although we realise this group consists solely of adults, we nonetheless expect all guests to recognise that minors are onboard and, refrain from engaging in inappropriate conduct in public areas”.
She went on to say: “Arrangements have been made for drag performances in the main theatre featuring stars from LOGO TV. These functions will be private and only the performers are permitted to dress in drag while in the theatre.
Guests are not allowed to dress in drag for the performances or in public areas at any time during the cruise”.
According to American Blog, in a Facebook post on Monday, the LGBT organisers of the cruise, AL and Chuck Travel, defended Carnival’s policy. They said:
Carnival’s ‘no costumes rule’ is NOT meant to be an insult to the gay community. As a gay business, we would not have organised this cruise if they were prejudiced against gay people. This rule goes for both GAY and STRAIGHT passengers that travel on all Carnival cruises. It is in response to the post-9/11 world we live in. It is meant to protect passengers and guests – NOT to marginalise a few.
Additionally, we know that transgender members of our community will be aboard with us during this event. Please do not worry, Carnivals rule is not meant towards you. Your right to live your identity is always supported.
