Louisville’s Kentuckiana Pride announced late Tuesday night that it would no longer have gay celebrity DJ Eliad Cohen of Miami Beach perform during its annual event on June 20 as part of its entertainment lineup that also included Drag Race superstar Alaska and other acts.

Cohen served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the country’s military. Military service is mandatory in Israel for citizens, with men required to serve at least 32 months of military service, while women must serve at least 24 months. 

Kentuckiana Pride posted on social media that it would no longer feature Cohen. 

“We recognize our recent statement profoundly upset the Kentuckiana community and after discussions with Eliad Cohen, it was agreed to remove Eliad from our lineup. Recent developments surrounding this booking had become a distraction from the core purpose of Pride,” the organization said. 

Louisville’s Party for Socialism and Liberation on social media had called for a boycott of Kentuckiana Pride due to Cohen’s military past in light of the current violence in Gaza. Instagram posts from the group criticizing the pride organizers have garnered thousands of reactions.

“With the booking of Former IDF [soldier] Eliad Cohen, Kentuckiana Pride has made it clear that they don’t believe in the original meaning of Pride as a protest for queer rights, and instead stand for oppression and occupation. Boycott @kentuckianapride and DEMAND that they REMOVE Eliad Cohen from the lineup!” the account wrote. 

The current war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, after the militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza, launched an attack on Israel that killed more than 1,200. Israel then retaliated by invading Gaza. Over 72,000 people in Gaza have been killed since Israeli military forces began attacking the enclave. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was agreed to in October 2025, but both sides have accused the other of violating it. Human rights groups have condemned Israel and its military for what it has said have been systematic abuses against Palestinian citizens in Gaza — abuses a U.N. inquiry found constitute a genocide.  

PSL’s post has more than 4,000 likes and hundreds of comments. The group also released a letter against Cohen’s selection. 

“By inviting Eliad Cohen to perform at Kentuckiana Pride, we are normalizing this violence and perpetuating the false idea that Israel is a safe place for queer people,” the letter said. 

Almost 850 people have signed the letter out of a goal of 1600 from the organizers. 

In response to the calls for a boycott, Kentuckiana Pride initially released a statement online refusing to change its lineup. 

“Pride has always been rooted in the belief that LGBTQIA+ people from all backgrounds, identities, nationalities, and lived experiences deserve visibility, dignity, and a sense of belonging and our lineup reflects this broad community. The lineup aligns with our mission to create a diverse and inclusive celebration that reflects the LGBTQIA+ community’s broad spectrum,” the organization said in a statement posted earlier on Tuesday. “At its core, Pride is about creating space for connection, celebration, and humanity, especially during times when division and pain may feel overwhelming. Kentuckiana Pride Foundation remains committed to fostering a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all.”

Louisville PSL blasted Kentuckiana Pride over that initial statement. 

“After receiving backlash from the Louisville and surrounding area communities, Kentucky Pride doubled down on their decision to platform former IDF soldier Eliad Cohen…As long as Zionism is on the lineup, we’re boycotting Kentuckiana Pride!”

Others had already canceled Cohen’s appearance at their pride-related events, including local drag bar Play Louisville, which had previously invited Cohen to perform. 

“WE heard YOUR feedback on the event organized by Kentuckiana Pride, and we’ve removed the DJ from the event,” Play Louisville wrote on Facebook on Monday.

Louisville indie rock band Sydney Sleadd and The Swarm canceled its appearance at the event. 

“We were so excited to play the Kentuckiana Pride Festival, however we cannot in good conscience move forward with this performance,” the band announced online Tuesday. “The community spoke up and there was an opportunity to listen and amend, but that opportunity was not taken so we have decided to withdraw from this festival.”

In its announcement about Kentuckiana Pride’s lineup change, the group acknowledged the backlash over its previous statement.

 “For more than two decades, Kentuckiana Pride Foundation has remained committed to celebrating, uplifting, and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community across Kentuckiana. We recognize this situation prompted strong emotions and differing perspectives within our community. We also understand many wanted more immediate communication from our organization. As an all-volunteer non-profit serving a broad and diverse community, thoughtful dialogue is an important part of our decision-making process,” it said. “Personal threats, harassment, and safety concerns directed toward volunteers, organizers, performers, and community organizations are unacceptable. Pride should be rooted in celebration, respect, and community.”