GUELPH – It’s more than a beauty pageant. ‘Kween’, the former executive director of the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS), will be representing Guelph in the Canadian National Miss Pageant in August. Kween said she has been amazed by the volume of love and support between Queens in the world of pageantry. “There is a real sisterhood bond,” she said, that “includes the queer and trans community here in Canada.” So after ten years since her last pageant, Kween said she “selfishly” signed up for the Canadian National Miss Pageant because she felt like she “needed a little bit of love and support,” after a suffering a serious concussion in recent years that led to struggles with her mental health. She wants her participation in the pageant to increase awareness about anti-Black racism and Black joy, promote self-love and compassion, and open up conversations around health topics like concussions, anxiety, depression and body love. There will be a fundraiser gala at 10C Shared Space in Guelph on Aug. 10, in support of the pageant, the GBHS, and 10C. “It’s going to be a great night of music, networking [and] mocktails,” Kween said. She announced her participation in the pageant at Heritage Hall on June 29, with Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner, above, as well as Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie and Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield. To connect with Kween, email thekweencompany@gmail.com.
