Nonbinary musician’s performance is on again at Sedgwick County Fair. Here’s what happened

Wichita musician Hunter Gromala will be allowed to play a set at the Sedgwick County Fair next month after the fair board decided in a closed-door meeting not to cancel the performance over their nonbinary identity.

The Facebook event for Gromala’s July 12 set at the Cheney fairgrounds was previously marked as canceled after backlash on social media. But on Wednesday, the fair reversed course.

“There has been significant conversation concerning the circumstances surrounding Hunter’s engagement, and the Board wants to restate that Hunter and Hunter’s band are welcome performers at the Fair,” the fair posted to Facebook late Wednesday evening.

“The Board maintains its longstanding practice and procedure not to discriminate against anyone, whether they are a guest, volunteer or performer at the Fair’s events.”

Gromala, who performs covers of rock and pop songs with their band, was required by the board to turn over a set list before the meeting so board members could determine whether or not they were appropriate for fairgoers.

“I’m just excited to move forward and put all of this behind us,” Gromala told The Eagle after the meeting, which they were allowed to attend. “We were all pushed into a whirlwind that we didn’t know what to do about or how to handle it best, and I’m glad we can all focus on it being a great show now.”

The fair’s post reassured fairgoers that the performance would be “safe,” “family-friendly,” and “welcoming to all, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity.”

An earlier board meeting to determine the fate of Gromala’s performance was canceled last week after board President Bret Albers said legal counsel was unable to attend.

Gromala and their band will be paid $800 for the performance.

The Sedgwick County Fair Association, which puts on the fair and owns the fairgrounds, is a nonprofit corporation that receives more than $29,000 annually from the county.

“I’m disappointed some folks seem so intent on pandering to the imagined concerns of hysterical weirdos on the internet,” Chris Pumpelly, founder of Wichita’s LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, told The Eagle before the meeting.

This story was originally published June 21, 2023 at 10:05 PM.