People’s Gala highlights grassroots activism, doesn’t cost $350 a plate

"Fake Tracey" gets stares, laughter, applause

On June 30, about 100 queer activists and Church St passersby gathered in the Church-Wellesley village for one of the week’s stranger spectacles. Outrageous outfits, a tiny red carpet and CUPE-loaned truck with sound equipment was tucked on residential Maitland St for three hours, while gays partied and talked politics.

They even took over the intersection for a 5-minute synchronized dance.

A woman dressed as Tracey Sandilands did a striptease to Come To My Window, which left some on the O’Grady’s patio literally slack-jawed.


Marcus McCann

Marcus McCann is an employment and human rights lawyer, member of Queers Crash the Beat, and a part owner of Glad Day Bookshop. Before becoming a lawyer, he was the managing editor of Xtra in Toronto and Ottawa.

Read More About:
Activism, Culture, Power, News, Toronto, Arts

Keep Reading

Mia Starr with an up arrow behind her; Vita Vontesse Star with a down arrow behind her

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 5 power ranking: The first heat

We’re at the intermission of the talent show—how did the first six queens fare?
Juicy Love Dion lying down with her mouth open

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 5 recap: Survival of the draggiest

Rate-a-Queen returns, and brings with it some strong attempts at strategic gameplay
Several roller derby players cheering while seated

‘Rising Through the Fray’ shows roller derby has no borders

Courtney Montour’s documentary follows a revolutionary Indigenous derby team—in all its beauty and power
Ciara Myst with an up arrow behind her; Briar Blush with a down arrow behind her

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 4 power ranking: In fashion, you’re either in or you’re out

The show basically hands us a power ranking this week, but there’s still much to discuss