Oneonta festival faces backlash over adult drag performance

During the City of the Hills Festival held on September 19 in Oneonta, New York, a performance titled ‘Draglesque to Downtown’ drew criticism after attendees reported exposure to adult content. The event, organized by the Community Arts Network of Oneonta and held in Muller Plaza, was marketed as a family-friendly festival.

Footage and reports indicate that one performer, identified as Teejae Dee, performed a ‘Sickening Showcase’ that included stripping down to a thong-style costume, floorwork, and collecting cash tips from the audience. While the festival received sponsorship from the City of Oneonta and the New York State Council on the Arts, advertisements did not warn of striptease elements.

Local parents have initiated a petition in response to the event, noting that young children were seated near the stage during the performance. While some reports suggest the artist provided a ‘PG-16’ warning, parents at a City Hall meeting argued the event was advertised as family-oriented. The city's leadership has responded to the objections by citing principles of free speech.