Even after 14 years of covering news and events in Greater Napanee, every so often an assignment comes up that is completely uncharted territory for this reporter.
Such was the case Saturday when your humble scribe was invited to Greater Napanee Pride’s Drag the Halls. This wasn’t just the first time covering a drag show for the newspaper-it was a first time attending a drag show at all.
Naturally there was some uncertainty of what to expect. All previous exposure to drag was limited to one skit a year during the Newburgh Community Christmas Concert. Any fears of feeling out of place were quickly put to rest by the friendliness of organizers who greeted at the door. As the night wore on it became clear that the audience was made up of all walks of life-straight, gay, young or young at heart. Everyone was welcome and simply there to share some laughs and have a good time.
Sure there were some jokes that were a little risqué, but nothing that isn’t heard in the average TV show or radio morning show. Drag the Halls carried a PG-13 label and it adhered to it. A handful of kids were in the audience about that age-the night’s host JD Merciii went so far as to call them up on stage and make them feel extra welcome.
Unfortunately not everyone supported the idea of an all ages drag show-or even holding a drag show in general. Organizers for the event reported receiving several messages of hate, some even threatening to turn up to disrupt the show. In this case it turned out to be nothing more than some people acting tough behind a keyboard. Tragically that’s not always the case and the fear of violence being carried out against members of the LGBTQ community is a very valid concern. Just last month there was a mass shooting at an LGBTQ in Colorado Springs, Co., resulting in five deaths and 25 injuries. An extreme case, but a very recent example as to why threats simply can’t be tolerated.
Drag shows aren’t for everyone. For some it’s merely just not something that interests them-which is fine. For others the very thought makes them uncomfortable-which is also perfectly all right. When those feelings of discomfort turn into actively trying to prevent them from happening, that’s a problem.
No straight person entered the SPC banquet hall on Saturday night and then suddenly became gay simply by watching the performance. That’s just not how biology works. What very likely did happen though was someone who maybe struggled to find acceptance finally found a crowd that was willing to accept them for who they are.
Sadly the naysayers will always exist. But the bright side is there is an overwhelming network of support that continues to grow in Greater Napanee-something that isn’t always readily available in smaller, rural communities.
That is why events like Saturday’s Drag the Halls are so important. As an added bonus, they’re a lot of fun too. Highly recommended to anyone with an open mind just looking for some laughs.
-Adam Prudhomme