Charity Bows to Public OUTCRY, Cancels Event

Drag Bingo Fundraiser in Rochester Canceled After Community Backlash

Story Highlights

• The Child Advocacy Center canceled an all-ages drag bingo event after community backlash.
• Drag performer Ed Popil accused the charity of “letting hate win” by canceling the event.
• The event was explicitly marketed to include children alongside adults.
• The cancellation has prompted a debate about the appropriateness of drag performances for minors.

Nonprofit Caves to Common Sense Concerns

The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester canceled its planned August 17 all-ages “drag bingo” fundraiser after community members raised concerns about exposing children to drag performances. Interim CEO Mary Whittier informed drag performer Ed Popil that the decision followed community backlash and misunderstanding about the event’s appropriateness. The charity’s reversal has been viewed by some as a win for parents who are advocating for age-appropriate content for their children.

Drag Queen Attacks Parents’ Protective Instincts

Ed Popil, performing under the stage name Mrs. Kasha Davis, publicly condemned the cancellation as capitulating to “hate.” His response has been criticized by some as an attack on concerned parents. Rather than acknowledging concerns about age-appropriate content, Popil positioned himself as a victim while ignoring parental rights to shield their children from what they consider inappropriate material.

Drag Queen Furious After His Event For Children Canceled https://t.co/GSL4rqQ0h8 pic.twitter.com/r6ZDHo104q

— Lieutenant Colonel Reagan (@bobbyr75) August 10, 2025

Event Targeted Children at Adult Venue

The canceled fundraiser was scheduled at “The Penthouse,” raising additional questions about the appropriateness of hosting children at such a venue. The all-ages designation meant organizers specifically intended to mix children and adults in an environment centered around drag performance. This has been a point of contention for parents who oppose the blurring of boundaries between adult and child entertainment.

Cancellation reflects growing pushback against sexualized content targeting kids
This cancellation is not an isolated incident and is part of a broader trend of drag events for children being shut down nationwide as parents advocate for age-appropriate programming. The controversy demonstrates that vocal community opposition can still influence organizations when they stray from their mission. Such victories give hope that common sense and family values can prevail against the relentless push to normalize adult entertainment for minors in the name of inclusivity.

Sources:

Drag bingo fundraiser in Rochester canceled amid community backlash – WHEC
Drag Queen Furious After His Event For Children Canceled – Daily Wire
Drag Bingo: A Benefit for the Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester – Eventbrite