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

The cover of Work to Do by Jules Wernersbach; Jules Wernersbach

‘Work to Do’ shows just how dramatic a grocery store can get

Jules Wernersbach’s energetic novel delves into the intricacies of queer entrepreneurship, climate change—and class revolt
Side-by-side images of author Sara Ahmed holding her dog, wearing pink sparkles with dark hair, and the cover of her book "No! The Art and Activism of Complaining." The book cover is light pink with black text on a white background.

Sara Ahmed says we need more complainers, not less

Whether it’s queer community, academic or government institutions, the feminist scholar says there's value in complaints
Nini Coco with an up arrow behind her; Juicy Love Dion with a down arrow behind her

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 14 power ranking: The final three

Who can win? Who will win?
Zane Phillips

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 14 recap: Top of the morning to Ru

We’ve finally reached the end of in-season play, with just a LaLaPaRuZa and finale to go
Advertisement