Councillors' concerns about drag queens rooted in fear and ignorance, says performer
CBC
Town councillors' recent comments about drag queens at Amherstburg's upcoming True Festival show there's still a lot of "fear and ignorance" when it comes to drag artistry, says a local performer.
"We are under attack," declared Disco Jesus Windsor — the on-stage alter ego of Adam Bergamin.
"I feel like these councillors have just not experienced enough diverse drag, nor have they ever seen me — as Windsor's premiere drag performance artist."
Drawing inspiration from Lady Gaga, Disco Jesus Windsor has performed at such venues as the Capitol Theatre, Cosmos Lounge inside Caesars Windsor, and the debut event of the True Festival in February 2020.
For Disco Jesus Windsor, drag can be many things. "From fun and heartwarming and uplifting, to beautifully painful and emotional — for both the entertainer and the (audience)."
The name of the True Festival comes from its slogan: "Be true to you." The event was conceived as a nighttime outdoor disco party on Dalhousie Street.
Drag entertainment has been a part of the festival from the start, along with DJs, stage acts, costumed performers, light displays, warming stations, and more.
The municipally-funded event is meant to celebrate Amherstburg's spirit of inclusion, while giving the town a unique tourism attraction during the coldest time of the year.
The next edition of the True Festival is set to happen on Jan. 27, 2024.
But at the town's Nov. 27 council meeting, two councillors voted against approving the road closures and noise bylaw exemption needed for the event to take place.
Coun. Peter Courtney pointed to "what some people see as a problem... I'm talking about drag queens."
"There are some members of the community that do take offence to it and don't think it's family-friendly and inclusive."
"The bottom line is, it seems somewhat on the risque side of entertainment.," Courtney continued.
Courtney said he has spoken to residents who won't attend the True Festival "because they have young children, and they feel that it's not proper."
The province and district social services administration boards say plans are in place to ensure people on social assistance do not miss out on benefits as a result of the strike by Canada Post employees.
Near the exit to Truro, N.S., a cluster of colorful tents and a lone RV can be seen alongside Highway 102, some tucked under the overpass for shelter from the elements.
Police and Public Trust, a project of the CBC News Atlantic investigative unit, scrutinizes the largely off-limits police complaint and discipline systems across the region. Journalists are using access to information laws and, in some cases, court challenges to obtain discipline records and data.
Toronto police have arrested a GTA woman who they allege scammed dozens of Taylor Swift fans out of more than $70,000 by promising them tickets that never materialized.
Montreal was, in years past, considered a haven for renters. But those days are long gone.
WARNING: This story details violent events surrounding a fatal police shooting.
It took Gordon Frentz over 14 hours to drive through the snow from Grande Prairie, Alta., this past weekend to compete at this year's Canadian Western Agribition in Regina.
The coroner's inquest into the drug-related deaths of six men in custody at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre will revisit 2018 recommendations relating to eight other inmate deaths to determine what's been done to implement them, the inquest's lawyer said Monday on the first day of hearings.
Emily Walstrom was expecting to lay her father to rest this month, but instead, she says his cremated remains are stuck in a Canada Post facility in B.C., delayed by the ongoing national postal strike.
A Friday night fire hasn't caused any impact to operations at the Dryden mill, the company said.
With around 55,000 Canada Post workers on strike since Nov.15 and no deal in sight, Toronto businesses say they're gearing up for a tough holiday season.