Among the numerous Pride events set for August is a celebration encompassing the diverse interests of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, including drag performances.
Thirstie Ally and Maddy Warbucks will present their performance at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre on the evening of Aug. 9, commemorating Pride in Whitehorse.
Ally has been involved in drag performances intermittently for the past two years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she engaged in local lip-sync challenges, which ignited her passion for performing live.
“I feel like it’s like for anybody that when you put on drag for the first time, it’s almost like something comes out of you, or like something is born and it is kind of unexpected,” Ally told The Yukon Star this week.
“I did it for fun, then performed live and got hooked.”
Warbucks, conversely, had always harboured a desire to perform drag. However, she grappled with the validity of her queerness as a pansexual person for an extended period. Last summer, she finally embraced her true self and embarked on her drag journey.
“(I) started hosting and participating in lip-sync competitions in the Yukon and have since produced a few events myself,” she said.
Assessing the atmosphere in the territory, Warbucks said the queer community is strong and supportive for the most part.
“As someone who grew up here, it’s wonderful to see. I feel like it’s getting up there now, but the queer performing community up here is really supportive, and the Whitehorse queer scene in general is growing,” said Warbucks.
Ally relocated to the Yukon from New Brunswick five years ago. She was initially taken aback by the territory’s inclusivity and acceptance.
“How I’m accepted in the queer community, and it was like a culture shock, almost, because like New Brunswick, even though it’s bigger, I feel it is a lot more backwards,” said Ally.
Looking ahead, Ally and Warbucks aspire to continue their performances, elevating their craft and showcasing their unique talents.
Meanwhile, Juwanna deWitt, a 77-year-old drag queen and currently one of the oldest active gender performers, is coming to Whitehorse for a variety of events this month.
DeWitt will be attending Drag Bingo at Winterlong Brewing Co., as well as Saturday’s Pride parade in downtown Whitehorse.
On the same day, deWitt will be the MC and performer at the Elks Lodge 306 for the 19+ Drag Show & Dance Party.
