Despite backlash over the concept online and in the United States, Pride Timmins is going ahead with its annual drag shows during Pride Week.
President Matthieu Villeneuve says it’s important to the Pride movement. He adds that in the first decade of Pride Week celebrations in the city, there’s been little objection.
“When we do our parade, there may be one or two people that have a sign, but they’re quiet off to the side and we respect them, they respect us and that’s the whole point, right?” Villeneuve states. “Everybody has the right to their own opinion.”
Extra security has been hired for Pride Week June 3rd to 10th, Villeneuve adds, just in case.
One drag show for adults will be at The Surge. The other at the Timmins Museum will be accessible to everyone, including kids accompanied by adults.
And he says contrary to what you might believe, other than lip synching and dancing, there’s no sexuality in a drag performance.
“I would highly recommend anybody who has issue with it, just come by and check it out; experience it first before you gather an opinion from other people.”
For more on Pride, the history behind it and drag shows, our interview with Matthieu Villeneuve is below.