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, Arts, Toronto

Keep Reading

Gaudy goddess: Self-described backwoods Barbie, Dolly Parton, chats about boobs, Broadway and battling hate

Revisiting Matt Thomas’s interview with the legend, originally published in fab Magazine in 2009

Dolly Parton was all of our chosen family

The superstar, who passed away at age 80, was always there for her queer fans. We collectively mourn her loss
Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean soundtracked my two earliest—and most devastating—romances

“Blonde” and “channel ORANGE” both came out during pivotal moments in my queer awakening. A decade later, how can I listen to them without breaking my heart? 
The cast of Canada's Drag Race All Stars

‘Canada’s Drag Race All Stars’ finale recap: The first Canadian ‘All Stars’ champion is …

A Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown delivers goops and gags before crowning one queen
Advertisement