Political Ad Sparks Reactions Over Drag Event

A new political ad targeting Jamie Ager, a Democratic candidate for Congress in North Carolina, has sparked criticism from LGBTQ activists. The ad criticizes Ager for hosting a family-friendly festival with drag performers at his family’s farm, leading to demands for its removal, including a cease-and-desist from one performer.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has started airing this ad, which references an October 16 report from Breitbart News. The report states that Ager’s family business, Hickory Nut Gap Farms, organized a May 2019 festival that featured activities for children and included the Beer City Sisters—a drag performance group that promotes joy and challenges stigma.

In the advertisement, the group’s members are identified by playful names like “Sister Anita Felching” and “Sister Helen Bedd.” Additionally, the ad points out Ager’s $5,000 donation to Blue Ridge Pride, an organization aiming to support LGBTQIA2S+ individuals in the region.

The North Carolina Republican Party shared the ad on social media while Ager competes against Republican state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom in the 11th Congressional District.

This 30-second ad opens with a disclaimer stating it is “not suitable for children,” followed by an artificial depiction of Ager proclaiming, “Do you know what we need more of in Washington D.C.? Barn dances!” The narrator continues, revealing that Ager hosted a drag queen barn dance featuring the Beer City Sisters and mentions his donation to Blue Ridge Pride.

“Jamie Ager talks like you and me on TV, but he’s dancing with they/them,” concludes the narrator.

Hickory Nut Gap Farms had previously celebrated the Beer City Sisters in a Facebook post leading up to the event, describing them as “altruistic nuns” dedicated to promoting diversity and joy.

After the ad aired, responses emerged from the drag community. Sister Domina Trix, identified as Tara Schlayer, sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Republican Party, claiming unauthorized use of her likeness and asserting that the ad features AI-generated content.

In her notice, Schlayer demanded the immediate withdrawal of the content, highlighting its misleading nature and the unauthorized representation of her identity.

Another performer, Nova Jynah, criticized the ad in a video, mocking its AI production and questioning the resources used to create it. Divinity Holeburn humorously suggested a party if Ager wins, while Will Pounder encouraged community unity against misinformation spread by Balkcom.

Blue Ridge Pride also requested the ad’s removal, stating that it misrepresents their organization and its funding. Madison Root, president of the board, emphasized their commitment to maintaining a non-partisan stance and pointed out that Ager’s sponsorship application had been denied.

They further criticized the use of AI to fabricate events that did not occur, contrasting it with their dedication to hosting real, impactful community events. They urged support for another year of Pride celebrations and reminded voters of the upcoming election dates.

Since the ad has been released, Hickory Nut Gap’s social media post promoting the Beer City Sisters has been locked, preventing further engagement.