Valentine’s day at Fanshawe College is nothing ordinary.
For three years in a row, Fanshawe has hosted “What a Drag!”. This years drag show was equal parts entertainment, dance, and comedy as the queens took over the Outback Shack.
Ms. Drew performing at What a Drag show at the Outback Shack
Project BE Event Productions is an organization that fosters creativity and individuality within the LGBTQ community across southwestern Ontario.
This year’s production introduced more entertainment than previously seen at Fanshawe College. Musical-comedy numbers, elaborate choreography and some improvisation were all added ensuring that those attended were completely charmed.
Former Fanshawe student, Richard Renaud founded Project BE Event Productions, and is the creative director of the “What a Drag” show. The point of the show is to be entertained, but Renaud says the takeaway is much greater.
“I hope people at the end of the show can think, ‘I can be who I am’. That they can walk out the door and say, ‘I’m going to go for that dream’ or something, or who I want to be.”
The show paused for a moment as Devine Darlin took the stage in a serious light.
A performer from Toronto, Devine has been an inspiration for many queens past and present. She began with a brief history of the AIDS crisis, and how it impacted millions of lives. The disease swept through the gay community. To this day, gay and bisexual men are the most at-risk for contracting the disease.
The Casey House, mentioned by Devine, is a government and community funded hospice centre for those living with HIV/AIDS. As one of the only centres focused solely on treatment for those living with HIV/AIDS, it’s doors have not closed since its opening in 1988.
To this day, gay and bisexual men are the most at-risk for contracting the disease.
With approximately 100 people in attendance, ProjectBE raised over $150.00.
