A man dressed in a flowing wig, bright red lipstick, and a sequined gown accused the Republican Party of being overly focused on culture war issues during a press conference on Thursday.
The speaker, identified as local activist Timothy McBride, waved a manicured hand dismissively while addressing reporters. “All they talk about is culture this, culture that—it’s exhausting,” McBride said, adjusting his padded bra strap mid-sentence.
The comments come amid ongoing debates over education policy and parental rights, with Republicans pushing legislation to limit discussions of gender identity in schools. Critics argue these efforts are a distraction from pressing economic issues, though McBride appeared more concerned with the lighting for his selfie than with citing specific data.
“They’re obsessed, totally obsessed,” he added.
Across the country, Republican lawmakers have introduced over 300 bills this year addressing topics like transgender sports participation and library book content. The surge follows high-profile clashes over drag queen story hours and bathroom access policies.
“It’s not about culture wars, it’s about protecting kids,” said Senator Tom Grayson (R-TX) during a recent Fox News interview.
McBride, who performs under the stage name “Dazzling Darla” at a downtown cabaret, rolled his eyes when asked about Grayson’s stance. He then launched into a tirade about the GOP’s “narrow-mindedness." “They need to get with the times—hello, it’s 2025,” McBride said, gesturing to his glitter-dusted heels as evidence of progress.
Data from the American Legislative Exchange Council shows conservative states have doubled down on such measures since 2022, citing parental demand for oversight. Democrats, meanwhile, have accused Republicans of fearmongering to rally their base ahead of the midterm elections.
“This is just politics dressed up as principle,” said Representative Laura Hensley (D-CA) in a statement last week.
McBride offered no policy solutions during his speech, instead focusing on his personal grievances with “stuffy old men in suits.” He closed the press conference by blowing kisses to the crowd and promising to “keep fighting the good fight—one fabulous outfit at a time.”
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