It's Pride Month. Here's what drag performers in St. John's are thinking about
Rising anti-trans hate in the U.S., elsewhere top of mind
On the first day of Pride Month, Quidi Vidi Brewery in St. John's was filled with rainbow flags, loud pop music and dancing drag performers during its brunch hour.
June is usually a time of celebration for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, but the feeling isn't all positive this year.
"One of the things I'm thinking about the most is the rise in hatred towards specifically trans people, but also the greater 2SLGBTQIA+ community," said Dill March, creative producer with Dream Haus productions.
U.S. President Donald Trump campaigned on false claims about trans people in 2024, which has encouraged a rise in hatred towards the community — and that's led to a different Pride this year, says March.
"There's more people watching and listening because they've seen the pain and struggle that many trans people have gone through, as well as the pain and struggles that other marginalized communities have faced because of the Trump administration," said March.
March, alongside his partner Dakota Blake, started Dream Haus productions a year ago to create more opportunities for drag artists in St. John's.
Blake said they are thinking about love, acceptance and fun heading into Pride Month, but also the rising hate.
"I get more prideful every single year because I just survived a year," said Blake.
For the drag performers at Sunday's event, the political climate is also top of mind heading into Pride Month.
"Especially with what's happening in the States, which we know happens to echo into our culture here in Canada," said drag performer Alexander Sproul, who performed for his first time ever as Cora Lation.
Gender-bending drag artist Mal Parrott, or Madame Daddy, says they also have mixed feelings heading into Pride Month.
"I'm feeling very excited, but I also know the urgency of showing up and being unapologetically queer," said Parrott.
They said marginalized communities are at risk right now, making Pride celebrations more important.
"Pride is more than just a party. It began as a protest," said Parrott.
For Natalie Byrne, who performs as Trish Bish, June is an important time to spread awareness.
"We need our allies more than ever," she said.
'No going back'
Eddy St. Coeur, external co-chair of St. John's Pride, says the theme this year is "no going back."
St. Coeur said he wanted to consider what the community needed to hear when choosing the theme.
"It's a rally cry for the community," said St. Coeur.
"In light of all of these regressive policies that are attempting to be passed across the country, in light of all this increased hate and animosity, this community isn't going backwards because we still have so much further to go," he said.
St. Coeur pointed to a recent poll released by N.L.'s Justice Department, which found 38 per cent of respondents who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ say police don't engage respectfully with their community.
"That's something we've been saying for a long time and it's something we've seen no action on," said St. Coeur.
During June, St. Coeur says there will be Pride festivals happening across the province, and starting July 9, St. John's Pride will host 11 days of events.
Otherwise, St. Coeur says to "just put up a Pride flag."
"Send that symbol around your neighbourhood, even if you're not in the community. Seeing that flag up tells everybody around you that you are a safe space."
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