PALMERSTON – Minto Pride hosted a soldout drag bingo event at the Palmerston Legion on March 29.
Gemini and Luke from The Haus of Gore traveled from Sault Ste. Marie to entertain.
Minto Pride officials are expressing thanks to the Crown Harriston for its donation towards the drag performance and Palmerston Legion for providing a safe space for Minto Pride to host events.
People who came to the event included a mix of young adults, parents and grandparents. Some identified as 2SLGBTQIA+ but most who attended were straight allies wanting to show support to the community, officials say.
The Haus of Gore Drag Royalty, Gemini and Luke, were entertaining and kept the night fun for all, officials state.
At one point in the night, Luke shared with the crowd that they grew up in Minto.
They moved away because they did not feel safe or encouraged to be their true self in the community they grew up in.
Luke said they could feel the love and the safe space that Minto Pride had created in hosting pride events and having a presence in Minto.
At the end of the evening, the pride committee went on to thank the drag queen and king.
In the closing thoughts to the evening, they pointed to the crowd, and thanked everyone for showing up.
Attendees were asked to look around the room, and remember these were only a few of the people in the community who are there for them, as a safe space.
“Luke felt like they needed to leave Minto to find a safe and accepting space,” Minto Pride committee member Robin Sharpe said to attendees.
“I am so happy you were able to find your chosen family in the Soo, but I am sorry you had to move away to find that, Luke,” she said.
“I don’t want anyone to leave this community because they feel unsafe, unwanted or discouraged in being their true self. Minto Pride is here and please reach out if you need support.
“Minto is where your family and your pride belongs and all are welcome here.”
Pride officials also encourage everyone to attend Pride in the Park, a free family event in Palmerston on June 8 from 11am to 4pm.
The event will include an artisan vendors market, live music, busker-style entertainment and the return of Fay and Fluffy for drag story time.
