Calgary all-age drag events continue to be target of anti drag protestors

Venues hosting all-age drag events continue to be a target for protestors against the shows, impacting a Calgary venue and performer.

The Attic Bar and Stage in Calgary hosts a drag performance every week.

An all-age drag event the venue hosted in December 2022 was the target of a protest.

“We’re not going to stop creating this space of safety and love,” said Lane Fedrau, owner of the Attic Bar and Stage.

“Everyone was a little bit on edge, you could tell because of the events going on outside, so that was a little scary.”

Noble Oney is a Calgary drag king who has been directly impacted by protests at drag events both at the Attic and the public library.

“We know that it is life saving. Denying access for queer and trans youth to affirming events like this is very dangerous. So, we will continue to do what it takes,” Oney said.

Some venues have cancelled all-age drag events because of safety concerns.

Chinook Blast winter festival postponed plans to host a drag on ice event in February. But now, event planners have announced that the show has been rescheduled for April 1.

An executive from the festival’s committee says the Calgary-based event aims to celebrate diversity and inclusion.

“We work with our partners at the City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service, community organizations, the performers… to create those conditions, where everybody feels like they can take part, and enjoy whatever the event is, and feel safe and feel welcome,” said Patti Pon, chair of Chinook Blast executive committee.

Support From Community

Fedrau says there has been a lot of support from the community.

“We don’t want to hide or cower in fear of this minority of people. I think the queer community has always struggled with finding inclusive and safe spaces,” Fedrau added.

Earlier this month, a large group of 2SLGBTQ+ counter protestors gathered at Calgary City Hall in response to ongoing protests around all age drag events in the city.

Initially, small groups of protestors voiced homophobic, and transphobic sentiments, but they were out numbered by the larger group of supporters.

“To see such hatred in our city, a city that I’m very proud to live in. I mean, I wont lie, it hurts, its hateful, literally,” said Alyssa, who works at the library and participated in the protest.

One of the reasons prompting the counter protest was when a public library’s Reading With Royalty event was supposed to take place, but it was cancelled after the story time event was disrupted.

A hate-motivated charge was laid against Calgary pastor Derek Scott Reimer after the incident.

“Queer people exist so openly and safely today, because of, essentially because of BIPOC and trans activism and for that reason queerness has been built upon a sturdy and unwavering foundation. And I don’t think we’re going anywhere, and neither are our events,” added Oney.