Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

SMILE SUNDAYS

Organizers aim to foster acceptance with Medicine Hat charity drag gala

Aug 25, 2024 | 9:13 AM

Lawrence Hasiuk says events like the first annual drag charity gala are a way to foster acceptance in the community and provide a space for people to express themselves.

Hasiuk, known in drag as Tiffany, spent months planning Saturday’s event at Whiskey District, selling out the 200-seat gala in what he described as an amazing night.

“It brings awareness to a minority of people that do exist despite the fact that Medicine Hat is a little closed, it just lets them see us in a different light,” said Hasiuk, a Medicine Hat resident.

Tiffany gives a performance Saturday evening. Eli J. Ridder

“For Medicine Hat to take on this and just the support from everybody here, it tells me that there’s a need for it, there’s a want for it,” he added.

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“There’s a community here, at the end of the day, that wants to feel seen, that wants to feel important.”

The Night Under the Stars charity gala was hosted by the Calgary-based Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch Social Association, a non-profit, and will donate proceeds to charity.

Sabrina, one of the other performers from Medicine Hat, said it was good to have it as a family-friendly event.

“I’m so happy that we got a chance to bring down to Medicine Hat shows that do well pretty much across Canada,” Sabrina said.

A member of drag queen royalty performs Saturday evening. Eli J. Ridder

“It’s nice to take it out of the bars and to bring it back to venues where we can actually have our kids,” they added.

“It’s nice to do things that are family-friendly, and to give back to the community, and it’s all for charity.”