North Battleford arts centre responds to backlash against drag queen bingo fundraiser
CBC
Staff at an arts centre in North Battleford say they're being overrun with "hateful and discriminatory" calls and emails, after a local church caught wind of an upcoming drag queen bingo fundraiser.
Kali Weber, the general manager of the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts, said the messages started about a month ago.
"They would call it vulgar, sexual, and talk about what having this one event would do to our community, saying, 'Would there be more drag events in the community? And when would it stop?'" Weber explained.
"Our staff was quite upset and angry. Trying to remain professional in that environment is really difficult — especially when your own belief system doesn't align with what they're telling you."
Weber says the messages began about a month ago, following a service at the Territorial Drive Alliance Church.
In a sermon posted on the church's YouTube page on Jan. 22, Rev. Keith Klippenstein tells the congregation that he's received messages from at least two church members wondering how the church plans to respond to the fundraiser.
"If you feel led by God to phone up the Dekker Centre, do that. But make sure your speech is seasoned with salt, and that whoever answers the phone and hears what you say in regards to this event and your concern about it [knows] that they have been talking with a Christ follower," Klippenstein told the congregation, referencing bible verses.
Klippenstein declined CBC's request for comment or an interview, saying in an email that he has "nothing else to add to the matter."
Daniel Wasyliw, the organizer of the bingo, says it's hurtful to watch people put down an event that's raising money for the local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
"It's just so sad to see a community — a really small community — have so much hate towards an event that is bettering their community," Wasyliw said.
Similar feelings were echoed by one of the drag queens set to perform at the event, Ryan Young — also known under the stage name China White.
"I think for one group to sort of come out of the shadows and seem to attack for no reason is very surprising," Young said. "I'm very hurt by it."
Michelle Winterholt, the executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association's Battlefords branch, called the backlash "disheartening" and noted that the group supports inclusivity and diversity in the community.
In a statement, the City of North Battleford pointed to its role in the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities, which mandates that the city champions human rights and promotes social inclusion.
Eight casinos across southwest B.C. have been sold to First Nations in the last two years, with the province's gambling scene set to be reshaped as a result.
Hamilton hosts the Junos Sunday, and the musical awards show is bringing tourists, musicians, concerts and a ton of themed events to the city this week.
The multi-million-dollar deal at the heart of a high-profile fight between the Canadian government and one of the world’s biggest carmakers contains multiple clauses about the company’s footprint in Ontario, according to a copy obtained by CBC Windsor.
In recent months, Calgary police have carried out three day-long safety blitzes, parading out dozens of officers to flood an area with their increased presence — at least, temporarily.
A national organization is seeking people with experience in Canada's forestry sector as they put together a working group that will examine ways to improve forest recovery following wildfires.
Ella Heyder is bracing for a breakup, even though she already moved out decades ago.
Shawne Hopkins never saw it coming.
Politicians return to Queen’s Park Monday for a shortened spring session, as Premier Doug Ford prepares to unveil his eight budget amid heightened global economic uncertainty.
Despite a recent announcement that a water supply pipeline will be build in Oneida Nation of the Thames, some members of the community say that's no excuse for taking water for granted.
As scandal has swirled around former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, questions and curiosity have also focused on his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, and their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Friday may have been the first day of spring, but winter storms are not over yet for Newfoundland.
While we officially welcomed spring last week, an incoming system will be a reminder that snow is still very much part of the new season, especially early on.
The future of a national historic site in Fredericton is up for discussion at meetings across New Brunswick in the next few weeks as the Anglican diocese considers what to do about costly repairs needed at Christ Church Cathedral.