Denton bar's Disney-themed drag brunch canceled after threats on social media

A Denton bar has canceled its Disney-themed drag brunch planned for Sunday after receiving threats over social media, the bar announced on social media Thursday. Cool Beans, a dive bar in Denton that has hosted similar events in the past, said in its social media posts that it canceled the event out of fear for the safety of its employees and customers. “With today’s climate, it’s better to be safe than sorry and unfortunately, this is that exact situation,” Cool Beans said on social media. “To those of you out there who have forced us to make this decision, shame on you! Shame on you for putting fear into us with your threats, your horrible DM’s, your aggressive phone calls, and hateful comments. This is not a ‘win’ for you.”

The bar said it hires college-aged employees and that the threats and aggressive response from those opposed to the drag brunch event have changed Cool Beans from a place where those employees have always felt safe to one where they are fearful. “Us canceling is not out of agreement, but out of fear for our employees, performers, and customers’ safety,” the bar said. This isn’t the first time a North Texas drag brunch event has faced threats. On Aug. 29, a drag brunch in Roanoke drew protesters to Anderson Distillery and Grill and, in response to the protesters, armed volunteers went there to protect the event, KDFW-TV reported. The owner of Anderson Distillery and Grill posted on social media that the show would contain no sexual content or erotic behavior. Roanoke police deployed extra officers to the area in anticipation of the protests for that event, KDFW reported. For Cool Beans, the decision to cancel the event was spurred entirely by fear, the bar said in its social media posts. “Having a safe space that day, or any day, takes precedence over all else,” the bar said on social media. The bar could not be reached early Saturday afternoon for additional comment.