Drag queen-hosted fashion show sparks debate among Rocklin residents during council meeting

A culture-war showdown over an upcoming drag queen fashion show played out Tuesday evening at a Rocklin City Council meeting.

A local clothing boutique was at the center of the controversy. According to a Facebook post promoting the event, Wildflower Daydreams, a women’s clothing store located on Pacific Street, is organizing the event at the Rocklin Event Center on March 2 to celebrate three years in business.

The fashion show is slated to feature local models, and the main attraction is a drag performer who uses the stage name A La Mode. The Facebook post says A La Mode will be hosting and performing at the event.

The event description promises “incredible looks, local vendors ... henna artist, tarot card reader, hair tinsel and permanent jewelry” and is open to “all ages.”

Residents at the council meeting Tuesday night brought signs saying “Say No! to Kids at Drag Shows,” and some spoke against children being permitted to attend the event.

Pastor, restaurant owner and 2022 Rocklin City Council candidate Matthew Oliver was among those protesting the event.

“This is about being pro-our children. This is about loving our children, protecting our children,” he said. “This is not OK. This is not about a public space being used by many, this is inappropriate for kids,” he said while holding an enlarged photo of the drag performer wearing pink underwear and a jacket.

Michelle Honath, owner of Wildflower Daydreams, told the city council that the event is open to all ages so that parents may bring their children if they want to.

Honath said the performer will not be stripping or giving a sexualized performance at the fashion show.

“My goal for this fashion show is to bring inclusivity to Rocklin,” she said in a social media post.

The debate happened during a public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting and was not on the council’s agenda. The council members took no action.