Sumter Drag Show Sparks Divide | Columbia News

A drag show set for October 17th in Sumter, South Carolina, is sparking fierce debate as part of the annual Pride Festival. Organizers face backlash from religious groups citing moral objections, while supporters—including ACLU sponsors—stand firm. City leaders, including Mayor David Merchant, emphasize they won’t cancel the event, which is privately organized and operating under a permit. Tensions are high, with petitions on both sides and the community deeply divided over whether the show belongs in Sumter’s public space. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.wistv.com/2026/09/16/sumter-residents-clash-over-planned-drag-show/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6efc75bcddd8aff9 Report issues to [email protected].