Councillors' concerns about drag queens rooted in fear and ignorance, says performer

Town councillors' recent comments about drag queens at Amherstburg's upcoming True Festival show there's still a lot of "fear and ignorance" when it comes to drag artistry, says a local performer.

"We are under attack," declared Disco Jesus Windsor — the on-stage alter ego of Adam Bergamin.

"I feel like these councillors have just not experienced enough diverse drag, nor have they ever seen me — as Windsor's premiere drag performance artist."

Drawing inspiration from Lady Gaga, Disco Jesus Windsor has performed at such venues as the Capitol Theatre, Cosmos Lounge inside Caesars Windsor, and the debut event of the True Festival in February 2020.

For Disco Jesus Windsor, drag can be many things. "From fun and heartwarming and uplifting, to beautifully painful and emotional — for both the entertainer and the (audience)."

The name of the True Festival comes from its slogan: "Be true to you." The event was conceived as a nighttime outdoor disco party on Dalhousie Street.

Drag entertainment has been a part of the festival from the start, along with DJs, stage acts, costumed performers, light displays, warming stations, and more.

The municipally-funded event is meant to celebrate Amherstburg's spirit of inclusion, while giving the town a unique tourism attraction during the coldest time of the year.

The next edition of the True Festival is set to happen on Jan. 27, 2024.

But at the town's Nov. 27 council meeting, two councillors voted against approving the road closures and noise bylaw exemption needed for the event to take place.

Coun. Peter Courtney pointed to "what some people see as a problem... I'm talking about drag queens."

"There are some members of the community that do take offence to it and don't think it's family-friendly and inclusive."

"The bottom line is, it seems somewhat on the risque side of entertainment.," Courtney continued.

Courtney said he has spoken to residents who won't attend the True Festival "because they have young children, and they feel that it's not proper."

Coun. Diane Pouget gave Courtney "a lot of credit" for bringing up such concerns. 

"I've received numerous, numerous phone calls and emails," Pouget said. "(People) were very, very angry and very upset about it."

"Council never once agreed to spend taxpayer money on drag queens, and to advertise it as a family affair. People found it very offensive... I am opposed to it."

Valerie Critchley, the Town of Amherstburg's CAO, pointed out that tourism staff have vetted all the acts participating in the True Festival to be suitable entertainment.

"I know you've referenced provocative clothing and that type of thing," Critchley told Courtney. "I was there myself, and I didn't find it to be that way, and I found it to all be in very good taste."

Two other councillors, as well as Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, voted in favour — passing the motion by 3-2.

"I believe in an open, inclusive, loving Amherstburg," Gibb said. "If you're going to talk the talk, you've got to walk the walk."

Coun. Linden Crain said the True Festival has had "an overwhelming amount of support" from the public.

"I think there's always going to be people against these types of events that we host... I'll be blunt — they don't have to attend these events."

Coun. Courtney noted that he was fully in support of Amherstburg's rainbow-painted crosswalk, which was funded by donations.

"This (drag entertainment) is just a controversial topic, whether we like it or not," Courtney said. "I, personally, don't think it's any help."

But Disco Jesus Windsor feels such concerns are rooted in lack of understanding.

For her, thinking that all drag is inherently risque is as foolish as thinking that all dance is inherently risque.

"When it comes to my style of drag performance art, I can share that from the debut year of the True Festival... I delivered something that was absolutely family friendly, worthy, and driven," Disco Jesus Windsor said.

"Something that would be no different from something you would see at a surprise performance at Disney World or Disney Land."