The Power of Drag: Queens and kings giving it all as their art is under attack
Meet the people behind the makeup, from communities big and small
Drag is everywhere — and it has never been more popular.
Across the country, performers are bringing their art to events like drag brunches, drag story time at libraries, and shows at local gay bars. But with this increased visibility and popularity has come backlash, in the form of hate.
In just the past few months alone, drag events in Windsor, PEI, Nelson, Calgary, Guelph — and more — have been cancelled or rescheduled due to threats of violence. And in Tennessee, a law just passed that bans drag shows in public spaces.
Drag is happening in communities big and small, and it's not going anywhere.
On this Now or Never, you'll meet the people behind the makeup. Find out why these drag artists do what they do, despite the controversy and the hate, and hear the surprising ways that drag has changed their lives.
When 16-year-old Ra'Jah heard a drag show and anti-bullying event was coming to his Sudbury high school, he was thrilled. So when it was cancelled by the school board, he wasn't going to let it happen — and threw his own drag show.
Benz Menova is a flirty, fierce and adults-only performer. But she's more than just a bombshell: she's a way for Liam Ingram, the man under the makeup, to find the strength to stay sober.
Being drag king Buster Highman has helped Marisa Rosa Grant challenge the strict expectations of gender they were taught growing up. Being Buster led them to finally find peace in their body, lessons they hope to share with their 8-year-old son.
Four months ago, Nimrat the Drag performed on stage for the very first time in traditional Punjabi clothing— and loved it. While they're finding belonging with other queer South Asians in their community, Nimrat is still hoping for acceptance from their family.
Flo Mingo hid who they were for 37 years: from their parents, their wife and their kids. When they finally came out and stepped into their 7-foot-tall drag persona, not only did Flo open up their world: she also saved their life.
From Lac La Ronge to Los Angeles! Cheryl Trade is originally from the largest first nation in Saskatchewan, and made a name for herself in Vancouver's vibrant drag scene, but right now she's packing up her wigs and chasing her dreams to make it big in the city of angels.
If you are a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and are in need of support, you can turn to resources like the LGBT Youthline or find a local organization from this list compiled by It Gets Better Canada.
This episode originally broadcast in March, 2023.