Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Greater Napanee Pride’s first major fundraising event promises to be a real drag.
That is of course, in the most fun sense of the word.
Held on April 16 at the Strathcona Paper Centre, Drag Us Out Back promises to be an introduction to drag for those who have never been to one, complete with a power lineup of queer talent. Rated PG-13, the event will include singing, comedy, dancing and lots of laughs.
“For this show we’re going to have a couple of local favourites in Rowena Whey and Tyffanie Morgan, they’re well known in Kingston and area,” said Robert Dorey of Greater Napanee Pride, who is helping to organize the event. “Since we’ve told them that Napanee’s having their first pride they’re gung-ho to help in any way they can.”
Also featured will be Napanee’s own OKTAVIA as well as JD Peridot and Holli Cow.
Dorey said the performances are in the same vein as the mega popular RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“The queens pick their favourite songs, or songs they think the audience will like and they will lip sync to it,” said Dorey. “They’re going to put on a performance. There’s going to be dancing, some of these queens are very athletic and they’ll do some things that will surprise. The idea is you bring money to tip and if you tip they’re going to put on a bigger performance. Tyffanie especially, she’s a comedy queen, she likes to talk with the audience members.”
The show is an inclusive one and everyone is welcome, though Dorey warns some of the comedy will include some mature content and focus on sexuality and challenging gender norms-hence the PG-13 rating. The event will also be licensed.
“I know it can be a bit intimidating,” said Dorey. “Drag itself is a political statement that turns expectations of what gender (is). However I feel like this is the moment and that’s where pride comes in. It’s about taking pride in ourselves and our abilities.”
Tickets for the show are $27.54 to $160.15 and are available on eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/napanee-pride-presents-drag-us-out-back-host-tickets-292189365257?fbclid=IwAR1-FOBbBS6VHzN-VgETaIEy2Cfam9HJ2c1gQYbPGOJEs7zs0MO6D1sM9aQ. A link is also available on the Greater Napanee Pride Facebook page. The event begins at 7:30 p.m.
Money raised from the event will be put towards Pride Month celebrations in Greater Napanee, which will be taking place all June, but particularly during the June 4-5 weekend. Plans for that weekend include a much larger drag show concert on June 4 at the SPC followed by the first ever Napanee Pride March on June 5, complete with a queer artisans show. Those wishing to take part in the art show can reach out to Greater Napanee Pride.
Also planned for June is the painting of rainbow crosswalks in Market Square, banners displayed through out town and flying the pride flag at town hall.