Anti-drag group rallies outside all ages Calgary show

Things got heated when an anti-drag group gathered in Calgary on Sunday to protest an all-ages drag show.

Counter protestors, who greatly outnumbered the anti-drag group, also showed up at the Deerfoot City location of the Rec Room to express their support for drag performers.

Those rallying against the drag show shouted accusations of grooming and pedophilia, while counter protestors held up signs with messages such as “love is love” and “no hate zone.”

Comrade Borscht, a drag show supporter, told CityNews it’s unimaginable that people are still against drag shows in 2023.

“If they visited any drag show, they would know that’s not what happens at drag shows,” Borscht said. “Drag is a form of art, and like any other form of art, it can be appropriate for children or not appropriate for children, but we’re not saying that children should not be allowed in the Louvre or any other museum.”

The large group of drag supporters, organized by Calgary’s 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies, spread messages of love and acceptance.

Adam McLeod, who was at the rally in support of drag performers, says the anti-drag group is preaching hate and intolerance.

“As an openly gay person, it felt like it was my duty, right, and responsibility to come to counter protest the hate,” McLeod said. “So, we gathered some of our friends, and we’re here to show them that Calgary supports love, and we support diversity, and we support drag for all ages.”

Calgary police set up a barrier between the opposing groups, and some exchanges appeared heated.

Protestors against the drag show displayed signs with messages including “god save the children from sexual exploitation” and “all ages drag shows are child abuse.” They also held signs with messages disparaging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal government.

Anna Murphy, an advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Calgary and drag supporter, says she sees the importance of counter protesting so businesses see the importance of hosting events such as drag brunches.

“In some ways we are regressing, especially when it comes to transgender, two-spirit, non-binary, and gender diverse folks, they are kind of the new target of these alt-right hate groups,” Murphy said.