Growth of drag on P.E.I. an inclusive experience for all, say fans and performers

Blake Caissie is the first to say that when it comes to performing in drag, it's go big or go home, and he's always game to put on a powerful show.

Caissie is fairly new to drag, but he's one of the Islanders trying to make the scene more prominent on P.E.I. and giving many a space to perform and show off their alter egos.

"It gives me that confirmation that I'm doing what I've been meant to do growing up," Caissie said. "I'm so empowered by our queer youth, and our youth in general … to see what they have to offer and see how they can encourage us, come to our shows, offer support and really give us that following that we've always dreamt to have on our little Island."

The drag community has struck up what Caissie calls a sort of "residency" at the Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown, a venue they've come to love and where they have room to grow. 

"Pat and the crew at the Trailside are just fantastic. I couldn't have dreamt of a better venue because they're so inclusive and the one thing I've always felt when going there is comfortable," Caissie said.

"The fact that we can have an ongoing residency at the Trailside, if you will, is pretty amazing."

Their latest show was called Bacon and Drag and the crowd ate it up.

Joshua Borges, a.k.a. Demona DeVille, said the level of excitement has gone up at each show.

"This show we sold out all of our original tickets pretty quick, a couple hours, and we opened up more tickets because restrictions were lifted," DeVille said. "It's pretty awesome that everybody is this supportive."

DeVille said it "means everything" to watch the scene grow.

"Being a part of drag is really all there is for me, without the glitter and the costumes and the wigs I would just be so bored."

Dasha, Caissie's drag persona, said they've had four sold-out events, with the crowd changing each time. 

"This is just the beginning," Dasha said after a show. "[The shows] keep getting bigger and better." 

Nadine Haddad was at the Bacon and Drag show and said she would encourage everyone to check it out.