Five-year-old boy testifies against drag queen bill wearing sparkly dress and crown

Testimony against a Nebraska bill to prohibit children from attending drag shows was heard last week from fully outfitted drag queens, including a 5-year-old boy.

Asa Ross and his parents, Aaron and Jennifer, drew gasps when the child appeared at the podium to testify, wearing a sparkling, sequined purple dress, makeup, and other feminine accessories. He would later don a crown given to him by his parents as a reward for being “so courageous.”

According to the boy’s father, the child loves drag and goes by the name of “Lou Lou Lovely” when performing for adults. Asa’s testimony was punctuated with repeated glances toward his father, who appeared to be coaching some of his words.

As explained by his mother, the boy was first exposed to the cross-dressing lifestyle at a gay pride event and decided at that moment that “drag” was a perfect fit for him.

With his father’s prompting, the boy spoke about how dressing and performing in women’s clothing makes him feel “happy and powerful.”

Earlier in the day, the child was seen dancing for a crowd, mimicking “stripper-like” moves as he removed some items of clothing, much to the delight of cheering onlookers. His mother has publicly posted the video of a portion of this performance on her Facebook page. This specific incident was mentioned by one of the senators on the committee in opening remarks.

Following her son’s testimony, Jennifer Ross came to the microphone and reiterated her support for her child’s “decision.” Before leaving the podium, Ross asked lawmakers, “Do you have any questions, my son was the one stripping out there.”

The senators declined to question the mother further.

The atmosphere was somewhat tense inside the hearing room, while opponents of LB371 behaved in a mocking and raunchy fashion in the corridors outside. Building security was on hand to prevent any mishaps.

The day featured much controversy as an additional hearing was held on another measure, LB441, which would remove legal exemptions for educators facilitating access to pornography and other obscene materials. Many of those who testified on LB371 also testified on LB441.

One man read a section from a book found in the libraries of Omaha Public Schools which graphically described a father’s incestuous sexual molestation of his daughter. The book presented the encounter as enlightening and affirming for both father and daughter.

Though many in attendance were visibly shocked and disgusted by the material, there were a smattering of cheers coming from bill opponents as the section was read aloud.

Both measures remain in committee for further consideration.