Drag Day of Solidarity in Calgary aims to celebrate drag and protest against hate
Global News
Queer Citizens United, an LGBTQ2S+ advocacy group, organized Drag Day of Solidarity in response to recent anti-drag protests across the city.
LGBTQ2S+ Calgarians are banding together to celebrate drag across the city on Saturday.
Queer Citizens United (QCU), an LGBTQ2S+ advocacy group, organized Drag Day of Solidarity in response to recent anti-drag protests across the city.
Around 40 different businesses, ranging from bars and restaurants to tattoo shops and retail stores, will be hosting drag shows and events in Calgary and Okotoks.
“There are all sorts of things going on, and they’ve signed on to show their support and ally themselves with the queer community,” said QCU queer events organizer Kayla Bigras.
“This is incredible. Queer people are here and we’re welcome. It’s exciting to see so many people join in on this.”
But the event isn’t just about celebrating local drag queens: it’s also a time to celebrate and protect the queer and trans community.
This comes as hate crimes against the LGBTQ2+ community have been on the rise. Across Canada, between 2019 and 2021, there was a 64 per cent uptick in hate crimes targeting sexual orientation, according to Statistics Canada.