Drag queens descend on Toronto City Hall

Invitations distributed to city councillors for Proud of Toronto event

Some of the gaybourhood’s most fabulous performers brought some sparkle and glamour to city hall on April 12.

Drag artists Amber Ellert, Stephanie Stephens (Tina Turner) and Michelle DuBarry, who will soon celebrate her 80th birthday, spent the afternoon inviting councillors to an event in the rotunda on May 16 at 5 pm. Mayor Rob Ford was tied up “in a meeting” and could not receive his invitation in person. Hundreds are expected to attend. The event marks International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

“Tell the mayor Tina Turner is here,” Stephens says cheekily. He may have been a no-show, but one witness says the group missed Ford “by minutes.”

Most councillors graciously accepted the invitations, posed for photos and promised to attend. Councillor James Pasternak, on the other hand, called security.

Photo by Andrea Houston

 

Link to gallery

Keep Reading

Black & white photos of JoJo Siwa and Fletcher on a two-toned pink background

Where did Fletcher and JoJo Siwa go wrong?

The Sapphic stars “came out” as dating men—and rebranded accordingly
Shea Coulee

Shea Couleé’s superhero moment

Since winning "Drag Race," Chicago's brightest export has been on an historic run. With her starring role on Marvel's "Ironheart," she's going home–and bringing the world with her

Is Labubu a gay icon?

The Pop Mart blind box doll fits into a long history of the gay obsession
Edmund White

Edmund White’s libertine legacy

When the legendary gay author died, the world lost, above all else, a beautiful writer