THUNDER BAY – While online tools have allowed some pride celebrations to continue virtually, there’s no substitute for the real thing, says Oliver Attitude.
The drag king was one performer in Thunder Pride’s “drive-by drag” event Saturday, which allowed small groups of people to celebrate pride in person.
While larger events like the pride parade won’t be possible, participants said the initiative was refreshing after months of social isolation.
“With COVID-19, the community was really struggling because we didn’t get to come out and do our regular shows,” said Attitude. “Only so many livestreams can happen before you just want some real action.”
Attitude and other performers spent much of Saturday driving around the city to put on mini drag shows on local driveways and front lawns. Families and businesses paid $50 each for the drop-in performances, with proceeds going to Roots to Harvest.
The idea was a hit with those who joined in. Tasmin Doran signed up for a performance at her residence to surprise her girlfriend, jumping at the chance to do something special for pride.
“My girlfriend loves pride,” she said. “With COVID-19 going on, obviously we can’t go down and celebrate with everybody we know, so it was awesome they were willing to bring a piece of it right here to our driveway.”
At another residence off John Street Road, family members sipped mimosas and shouted encouragement as Attitude and drag queens Fantastia LaPremiere and Tharona Shade performed, with music blaring from portable speakers. Several cars honked as they passed.
It’s an unusual milieu for drag that was both challenging and rewarding, said Attitude.
“I think it’s a little bit more nerve-wracking [performing] to a small group – you can kind of see everybody’s eyes on you,” he said. “When you’re at the club, the lights are so bright you can just zone out.”
“But it’s been a really fun experience. It’s nice to get out in public, not always just at the bar late at night. We had a few people driving by honking at us, showing their support. They’re probably thinking, ‘what the heck is going on?’ But it’s good to show the community we’re out here having a good time.”
Tharona Shade, who performed to Kylie Minogue’s “Get out of my way,” said reactions from the public ran the gamut.
“It’s a little unnerving at first,” she said. “You don’t know what the reactions are going to be, especially people driving by. I’m very observant of my surroundings, so I’m always looking to see who’s watching, who’s stopping to say hi and honk, or who’s giving that nasty look – you always get both spectrums.”
Attitude was particularly grateful for the swan song – he delayed a move to Victoria, B.C. to take part in one last Thunder Bay performance. He praised the local drag scene as a vibrant and welcoming community.
“I started drag in Thunder Bay, and it’s been just the most positive experience for me,” he said. “I really got to immerse myself in the LGBTQI community. That’s been really important to my development as a queer person, being in a really inclusive, family-like environment. Thunder Bay has a really unique drag scene compared to other bigger cities, and it just really feels like home here.”
More drive-by drag performances are planned for June 27. More information can be found at the Thunder Pride Facebook page.
