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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — REAL News Michiana has discovered video of a sexual drag show at an Indianapolis business in which children are sitting in the front row giving dollar bill tips to the performer as he twerks and does the splits while wearing women’s underwear. It turns out, the business that puts on these shows has partnered with “PopCon” to put on another show at the Indiana Convention Center this spring.
The business, Hampton and Co., frequently puts on drag shows where children are welcome to attend. The video discovered by RNM was posted by Hampton and Co. on Facebook a little more than a year ago. Hampton and Co. appears to have removed the video after RNM reposted the it. However, RNM made a recording prior to the video’s removal. In it, you will see at least two young children. One child appears to be a 6-8 year old girl who is sitting on an adult’s lap as she holds out a dollar bill to give to the drag queen. The video can be viewed below.
On top of plans to put on a drag show at the Indiana Convention Center later this spring, Hampton and Co. has another drag show scheduled for this Saturday at its business located on East Washington Street in Indianapolis. A flyer for the event posted on the Hampton and Co. Facebook page can be viewed below.
HAMPTON AND CO.
According to the Hampton and Co. website, the business was originally started in 2014 as a design boutique. The owner, Adam Hampton, expanded the business in 2018.
“As a proud queer owned business, we bring unique community focused events that highlight the fierce drag, LGBTQIA+, and arts community.” The Hampton and Co. website states. “Hampton and Company guests are always the forefront of the experience with great rewards, free events and authentic customer service.”
PARTNERING WITH POPCON
REAL News Michiana has learned the popular “comic con” event known as “PopCon” is partnering with Hampton and Co. to put on a drag show for kids this year at the Indiana Convention Center in Downtown Indianapolis. PopCon organizers have been hesitant to release details about the drag show portion of the event, or if it will allow children to attend. However, an email inquiry by an undercover RNM reporter who posed as a parent wanting to bring his daughter shows children are invited to attend.
“Absolutely bring your daughter (and your partner of course). Most of our activities are family friendly unless otherwise stated. We really try hard to make PopCon a place that everyone is welcome and every fan can find their place with us. This is our 3rd year with a drag show and every year has been a blast.” PopCon Owner Kris Keys wrote to RNM’s reporter in an email.
“Show up, have fun, support diversity! Exact scheduling TBD (to be determined), but is in the evenings.” The PopCon website states in the drag show section of the events schedule.
PopCon organizers also put out an announcement of the drag show on its Facebook page where it announced its partnership with Hampton and Co.
The convention as a whole is billed as “family friendly”, with the PopCon website depicting several pictures of children enjoying the programs offered.
According to the PopCon website, “PopCon is Indy’s Premiere Comic Con locally owned and built with the fan experience a part of every decision… PopCon was founded to celebrate all aspects of pop culture, rather than just hyper focusing on a specific genre. We have a wide variety of interests – just like our fans – so we created a con to celebrate them all in one awesome weekend.”
The website also describes how some of the founders of the event are infatuated with children’s toys, adding to the inspiration of the program.
“PopCon was created by a group of friends who love geeky things. We have a few gamers, a couple comic book fans, a Doctor Who obsessor, a YouTube enthusiast, and even a couple of My Little Pony fanatics. While our passions are varied, we were brought together by our shared geeky-ness.” The website states.
Despite announcing the addition of a drag show this year, PopCon boasts a “dress-code policy” on its website as well, stating — “Costumes should not contain explicit or overly revealing content, including nudity, sexualized or offensive imagery, or excessive violence.”
And, even though a man in drag is considered appropriating and making fun of womanhood, PopCon has a strict policy against cultural appropriation and stereotyping. According to the website, “Cosplayers should be mindful of other attendees’ comfort and cultural sensitivities when selecting their cosplay. Cosplay should not be disrespectful or offensive towards any race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability… Avoid using makeup, face paint, or props that imitate real-world cultural or ethnic features in a manner that may perpetuate stereotypes or cultural appropriation.”
The PopCon event is scheduled for April 26th – April 28th.
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Clueless parents/employees. The employer is odd, so are the parents