Drag, Democracy and the First Amendment – Naples Pride v. Censorship - The Hostile Zone, June 2, 2025

Drag, Democracy & the First Amendment – Naples Pride v. Censorship - The Hostile Zone

Hosted by Eric A Cinotti and Bianca Sea

Drag queens, public parks, and the First Amendment collide in this fiery episode of The Hostile Zone. Eric Cinotti and Bianca Sea expose the Naples Pride legal battle and what’s really on trial: your right to free expression.

Can cities ban drag shows in public parks by calling them “unsafe”? Naples, Florida says yes—civil rights lawyers say it’s viewpoint discrimination. In this groundbreaking episode, Eric A. Cinotti, MPA, JD and co-host Bianca Sea break down the constitutional crisis brewing in Florida as Naples Pride sues the city, armed with ACLU backing, after being slapped with a $30,000 security fee and forced indoors.

This isn’t just about permits—it’s about who has the right to be seen, heard, and represented in public life.

Topics Covered:

The $30,000 Security Fee – How government pricing can kill free speech
Heckler’s Veto Doctrine – When fear becomes a weapon to silence
Viewpoint Discrimination – The Supreme Court’s red line
LGBTQ+ Rights in Public Spaces – Who owns the park?
The Constitution vs. Comfort – Freedom of expression isn’t optional