09/04/2026
Important Message, Please Read:
An entertainer is a person whose job or goal it is to perform for the amusement of others.
In entertainment, drag is a stylized performance of femininity, masculinity, or alternative gender expression using costumes, makeup, and theatrical personas.
Drag Queens are performers who adopt an over-the-top feminine presentation. Drag Kings are performers who adopt a masculine persona. Shows often feature lip-syncing, live singing, dancing, comedy, and social satire in venues such as theaters and clubs.
The practice has a rich history rooted in q***r culture, ballroom scenes, and modern platforms.
Now that our English lesson is over...
It has come to my attention that an AFAB trans male drag entertainer was denied entry into the upcoming Entertainer of the Year competition scheduled to be held here at the Chez on October 8th…
Nowhere on the application does it ask for gender. Nowhere on the application does it state that all contestants must be assigned male at birth. Nowhere on the application does it list or link to the official rules for the competition.
The rejected entertainer received a text message saying it “doesn’t look like they qualify” to compete.
This decision was made solely based on an assumption about their gender.
After an extensive conversation with the hosts, judges, promoter, and EOY, they remain unwilling to change their outdated criteria.
We were told that their year of preliminary competition is almost over and that they would not change their rules this late in the game. They did, however, say they are willing to have a bigger conversation about it after this year and look at what could potentially change moving forward.
In my opinion, that statement should be taken with a grain of salt.
It is clear that the current values of Entertainer of the Year and the Chez do not align, and for that reason, I have chosen to cancel the event altogether.
As the owner of the Chez, my first responsibility is to the community that has supported us for decades. As you know, we have a large trans, nonbinary and AFAB community, and I have a hard time hosting an event where members of that community could be excluded simply because of their s*x assigned at birth.
I am super excited to celebrate our 50th Anniversary month with you and all of the diverse entertainment we already have planned.
With all the love in my heart, ♥️ John
