My (Drag) Family

When I started doing drag I didn't give an inkling of thought towards how big it could become to me. It was something I wanted to pursue for the fun of it, for the artistry and for the escape. I still love it for all those reasons, but now it's become something even bigger.

Drag is an art-form, but it's also more than that.  It is not reserved for men parading as women and women parading as men, nor is it reserved for the LGBTQA* community. Drag simply requires an openness and acceptance of all types of people, and acts as a medium for anyone wishing to put their heart and soul into an expression of themselves. It's this acceptance I've come to love and appreciate more than anything else.

I couldn't help but feel from the beginning that what I was pursuing would be shunned or disregarded by many of my peers outside the community. What I was surprised to find, was that over time people are willing to accept drag as what it actually is: art, and move away from what they are led to believe it is by society: an alternative lifestyle. People I thought would be close-minded have fully embraced this community I love, from friends and family, to clients and students.  While this hasn't been universal, it has been more than I ever imagined, and it has led to more than I ever expected.

I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to start my own, ever growing, drag family, The Chalet O' Whey; but introducing my daughters and my sons to drag (you'll meet them soon, I promise) was only possible because of the freedom of expression in the community.

I have to thank people like Kenya Dewitt, Kat Marlowe, and Sucreesha Minorah (Edmonton's Performer of the Year 2017) for opening the doors for other bio-queen drag performers, and drag performers of all types. The acceptance in Edmonton's drag community is more complete than I've seen or heard of anywhere else.  It's a beautiful family in which I'm glad to play a role.

Yes, the community is divided into houses, and cliques, and sub-cultures, because we are all different, and we cannot universally be friends, but that doesn't mean we're not a family. The support among the groups is universal. While there may be skirmishes, people are usually trying to build each other up, instead of tearing each other down. The number of mentors, leaders, and teachers is staggering, and their influence continues to bring the community together.

I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to this community, and will continue to do so in any way I can. It is my hope that other newcomers will have the same support and encouragement as I had, like the support and encouragement I try to give my own children.