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Mass. selectman criticized for proposing background checks on drag performers
A North Reading board member is under fire for remarks viewed as discriminatory ahead of local Pride parade.
A North Reading selectman sparked controversy during a recent board meeting by suggesting that drag performers in the town’s “Pride Ride” undergo criminal background checks and cover the cost of their police detail.
In a video recording of the June 2 hearing, the proposal — which later prompted an apology from the selectman to event organizers — quickly drew ire from the other board members, who said it unfairly targeted the LGBTQ+ community.
The fifth annual North Reading Pride Ride, a vehicle parade, takes place on Sunday, June 22.
The controversy, which led to outbursts and back-and-forths among board members and those in the audience, began when board member Nicholas Masse raised his concerns.
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“This event is in a public space marketed as a family-friendly event,” said Masse.
He continued, “This event is going to have drag queens, which may be inappropriate for public land. These are people who, if they’re going to perform on public property in front of children, then I would ask that they get CORI’d. That’s as simple as that.”
The request for CORI — Criminal Offender Record Information — checks quickly drew ire from the rest of the board and those in attendance.
Vice President Richard Wallner noted that the Select Board read a proclamation at the beginning of the meeting, stating that the town supports the LGBTQ community.
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“This is embraced by the town,” Wallner said.
Chair Stephen O’Leary questioned if Masse was requesting CORIs for anybody else or for any other events in town that deal with children.
“You’re singling this group of people out,” O’Leary said. “You’re stereotyping them.”
Masse said, “You’re trying to make it a hate thing. It’s not.”
“It might not be hate,” said O’Leary in response. “It may be ignorance. But again, it’s unethical to be signaling these people out based on your fears and concerns.”
O’Leary also stated that the parade, which was more of a procession of cars that did not close any streets, did not incur any additional costs for the police department.
Board member Vincenzo Stuto questioned why this event isn’t even bigger.
Board member Catherine Morrin questioned the purpose of having a CORI for a performer. Typically, she said, a person needs a CORI if they have extended, unsupervised contact with minors who they are not related to.
Having a performer get a CORI would be an “overreach,” Morrin said.
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In this case, Morrin said, “Let the parental judgment dictate what their children see.”
Masse argued that people who go into schools have to undergo CORI checks all the time. He questioned why he was getting so much pushback.
A woman off-screen said, “You’re being discriminatory, that’s why. And you know you are.”
Masse held his ground, saying, “My recommendation to the board is to have these performers, drag queens, because they are in front of children and they are half naked…” After being interrupted by audience members at that point, he added. “Let’s grow up. We all know they are.”
The chair asked that the board move on.
Wallner added, “I think your position is an insult to the LGBTQ community and our community at large.”
Masse admitted at one point, “I hurt some feelings tonight.”
O’Leary responded, “Well, you hurt more than feelings, I think.”
Francine Coughlin, who founded the North Reading Pride Ride to promote inclusion, told Boston.com it’s “exhausting” to keep defending the event after similar criticism last year.
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At Monday’s meeting, she called Selectman Masse’s remarks about drag performers disturbing, saying they reflect the ongoing barriers the event faces.
Though Masse later apologized and acknowledged he took the wrong stance on background checks, Coughlin said his continued opposition to drag performers around children remains troubling.
Coughlin said she is prepared to fight to keep the event going, and it will take place as planned for the fifth year on Sunday, June 22.
“Keep on keeping on,” she added.
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