Christy Heely

“The importance of drag in the community? I think it's such a way to express yourself. It's a way to be political, to be creative, and it's such a safe space to do that most of the time. I can't think of another art form that can bring that to any community. It's such a beautiful queer thing, but so many queer allies also enjoy it. It's a great way to spread important messages, to empower people to support each other, and to laugh together. I mean, some of the funniest things I've ever seen have been at a drag show! ”

“I have done a couple of emotional, vulnerable numbers. One in particular, I was lucky enough to take that to a conference for organizations that work with youth and foster parents with Lady T. I feel very privileged and honoured for that, to do that. I did that at West Edmonton Mall in front of a couple of hundred people and that really opened a lot of minds. We had some incredible conversations out of it. I think just being out there though, being visibly a trans performer makes a difference. There's a lot of trans performers in the city now and I think that's the biggest impact we can have, is just being ourselves and doing our thing. It doesn't always have to be a specifically trans message. Sometimes those are amazing and sometimes they aren't necessary. The message is just, here we are.”

“Well, I think becoming a drag performer brought awkwardness with a few people that don't know how to relate to the queer community. There was a lot of explaining what drag is and why I do it. Again, there's just all those misconceptions about well, then you're gay. Of course, now I'm a different gender. So that takes on a whole different meaning because actually, now I am gay, I’m a lesbian. Drag gave me the confidence to move forward with my transition and understand myself better. I'm very proud that I'm a drag queen. I think it's cool. I think it's great. I think it's powerful. It can be a middle finger to those people who aren't okay with it and I'm never afraid to give that finger when it matters. ”

“Yeah, I was going to make a joke about my trans agenda, conquering one planet at a time, staking my trans flag. And, you know, here we come! I think that's relevant. You know, I was very proud to put that flag on “the moon”. What's on my agenda is as a trans performer and a trans person is just acceptance, inclusion, open mindedness, kindness. It's been a really rough year, especially for trans people and even I have to admit, I am not quick to go counter protest. It takes so much energy. So, what's on my agenda is just to continue to say we're just here. I have a regular job. Literally helping other people is what I do. You know, I have a partner, I have a home. I have family and friends. I'm no different than anyone else. So yeah, that's my agenda, just to continue to get that message out there and push back very thoughtfully when I can.”