The Double Standard of Censorship - Drag, LGBTQ+ Representation, and Female Over-sexualization in Media and Sports

Introduction: The Hypocrisy of What’s “Appropriate” for Youth

Over the past few years, there has been a wave of censorship targeting LGBTQ+ representation, including the banning of drag performances, same-sex relationships in films, and LGBTQ+ education in schools. The justification? “Protecting children.”

Yet, at the same time, society continues to normalize hyper-sexualized portrayals of women—from movies to sports like cheerleading, gymnastics, and dance—while promoting heterosexual romance as the default in children’s media.

If drag and LGBTQ+ culture are deemed “inappropriate” for young audiences, why is the over-sexualization of women and the normalization of heterosexual relationships widely accepted? This blog explores the historical and cultural hypocrisy behind censorship, exposing the bias against LGBTQ+ representation while allowing explicit heterosexual content to remain mainstream.

The Hypocrisy of Banning Drag While Embracing Gender Performance in Film

1. Drag in Film and Pop Culture

Despite the recent push to ban drag performances, Hollywood has long celebrated gender-bending roles in films aimed at family audiences:

• Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) – A beloved family comedy where Robin Williams plays a divorced father who disguises himself as an elderly female housekeeper to see his children. The movie was praised for its humor and heart, yet today, some of the same audiences who adored it claim that drag is harmful to children.

• To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) – A mainstream Hollywood film featuring Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo as drag queens traveling across America, bringing positivity and acceptance to a small town.

• The Birdcage (1996) – A hit comedy featuring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as a gay couple, with Lane’s character frequently performing in drag.

• Hairspray (2007) – John Travolta plays Edna Turnblad, a role traditionally performed by men in drag, and the film is widely celebrated as family-friendly.

These films were not seen as threats to children at the time—so why is drag suddenly being villainized today?

2. Drag and Gender Performance: A Double Standard

• Drag is an artistic expression—not inherently sexual.

• Historically, men playing female roles (from Shakespearean theater to modern films) has been accepted in mainstream media.

• Meanwhile, young girls in revealing costumes for dance competitions, pageants, and cheerleading are widely accepted in mainstream culture, raising the question: Why is drag being criminalized while real hyper-sexualization of minors is ignored?

Gay Scenes in Movies vs. Heterosexual Romance in Children’s Media

One of the most glaring double standards in media censorship is the outrage over LGBTQ+ representation in films, while heterosexual romance is expected and celebrated in children’s media.

1. LGBTQ+ Representation: Still a Battle for Visibility

• Lightyear (2022) – A brief same-sex kiss was censored in multiple countries, despite similar heterosexual kisses being the norm in children’s films.

• Eternals (2021) – Marvel’s first openly gay superhero couple faced backlash, and the movie was banned in certain countries.

• Beauty and the Beast (2017) – A blink-and-you-miss-it gay moment was enough to spark controversy and international bans.

2. Heterosexual Love Stories: A Constant in Family Films

While LGBTQ+ relationships are still heavily censored, heterosexual relationships are everywhere in children’s films:

• The Little Mermaid (1989, 2023) – The entire plot revolves around a young girl changing herself to be with a man.

• Aladdin (1992, 2019) – Features romance as a central theme, with Jasmine being portrayed as an object of desire.

• Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty – Almost all classic Disney films involve a prince saving a princess through romantic love.

If heterosexual love stories are considered “wholesome family entertainment,” why are same-sex relationships seen as inappropriate?

Female Hyper-sexualization in Sports and Entertainment

If the concern is truly about protecting children from inappropriate influences, why does society ignore the sexualization of young girls in entertainment and sports?

1. Cheerleading, Gymnastics, and Dance

• Young female athletes are often required to wear revealing outfits, perform seductive dance routines, and smile constantly to please an audience.

• Cheerleading, especially in professional sports, places women in sexualized roles—performing in skimpy outfits, often for male entertainment.

• Gymnastics leotards have been criticized for being unnecessarily revealing, with some female athletes choosing to wear full-body suits as a protest.

2. Beauty Pageants and Entertainment Industry

• Toddlers & Tiaras (2011-2016) – A reality TV show normalizing heavy makeup, fake tans, and suggestive poses for young girls.

• Music Industry – Female pop stars are pressured to be hypersexualized to succeed, while male artists rarely face the same standards.

• Film and TV – Teenage girls are routinely cast in sexualized roles, reinforcing damaging beauty standards.

The irony? Drag performances—which are often campy, comedic, and theatrical—are being criminalized, while actual hypersexualization of young girls is ignored.

The Root of the Issue: Control and Suppression

1. Why Ban LGBTQ+ Representation?

• It’s not about protecting children. It’s about maintaining heteronormative control and erasing LGBTQ+ visibility.

• Drag is a form of self-expression—which threatens traditional gender norms.

• LGBTQ+ representation in media empowers marginalized groups, making them harder to oppress.

2. Why Is Female Sexualization Ignored?

• Because it benefits the entertainment industry, male-dominated sports, and consumer culture.

• Women being sexualized from a young age is seen as normal, reinforcing outdated gender roles.

• It’s profitable—entire industries are built on marketing young girls’ appearances.

Conclusion: The Real Threat to Youth Isn’t LGBTQ+ Culture—It’s the Double Standard

If society truly wanted to protect children, it would:

✔ Address the sexualization of young girls in entertainment and sports

✔ Call out the normalization of heterosexual romance in children’s media

✔ Allow LGBTQ+ representation to exist without censorship

Instead, we see drag being banned, gay characters being erased, and LGBTQ+ education being restricted—all while the real dangers remain untouched.

The message is clear: It was never about protecting kids. It was always about suppressing LGBTQ+ culture while upholding a system that sexualizes and objectifies women from an early age.

Representation matters. Equality matters. It’s time to stop the double standard and allow ALL identities to exist freely.