Queer performers exhibit their talent
Drag entertainers, poets, stand-up comedians, and queer performers took part in the amateur drag show held by Guelph Winter Pride at the Red Papaya on Thursday, Feb. 7.
“It’s important to showcase drag as a form of expression — of representing yourself,” said Finn, in an interview with The Ontarion after the show. Finn performed two original poems during the event.
Mel, the event organizer, also performed a lip sync to a medley of Queen songs. “There’s not a lot of drag kings, and I wanted to show that drag is for everybody,” Mel told The Ontarion. Counter to drag queens, drag kings are usually female performers who dress in male drag.
The MC for the night, local drag queen Athena McQueen, introduced the performers to the crowd — many of which were performing for the first time — including her second drag daughter (someone who is mentored by an established drag performer), Kiki Rhinestone.
“It makes me feel confident, knowing that I can pass along my knowledge to others,” McQueen told The Ontarion. “It motivates me to keep doing drag.”
“I thought I was gonna fumble during tonight’s performance,” said Kiki Rhinestone. “I’m 100 per cent going to keep doing drag!”
Guelph Pride hosts several events throughout the year, including Guelph Pride Festival, which will run from Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 30.
You can follow Athena McQueen on Instagram at @athenamcqueen
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Feature photo by Karen K. Tran/The Ontarion
The amateur drag show performers from left to right: Davina Derow, Finn, Amber Dewar, Athena McQueen (host), Mel (event organizer), and Kiki Rhinestone.