As many of your know I am an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada. I am also a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, a parent, an active participant in civil society, and a big fan of drag.
Drag, for me, is an art form that reminds me I don’t have to be tied down by the gender binary. It is a celebration of human diversity, of joy and playfulness. It gives me the confidence to live more fully as God created me to be–a genderfluid person. Because, if someone is willing to put on a Dolly Parton wig and five-inch heels and get up in front of a crowd, well then I can risk living my life proudly each day in all the small ways I do.
Worryingly, New Brunswick has seen rising hate directed towards drag artists over the past 12 months, a hatred which is rooted in homophobia and transphobia. Drag queens, kings and artists are a highly visible part of our community, and so often used as a target for hatred. Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia I want to say very clearly that 2SLGBTQ+ peoples are lovingly created by God, and that, drag queens, kings and artists are an expression of God’s creative Spirit. In other words, God loves drag queens and so do I!
I want to share part of an email I recently sent to NB Premier Higgs and Education Minister Hogan in reference to Higg’s recent comments:
Drag story time promotes acceptance and understanding. They read books about diverse kids and families. They share messages of self acceptance. It is the exact kind of message our children need right now.
Your recent comments suggested kindergarteners should not be at drag story time shows a basic misunderstanding of what these events do. They promote literacy and diversity. They get kids excited about reading!!!
I fear your comments [will also contribute to] the growing transphobia in our province, and violence experienced by drag artists, trans and nonbinary individuals.
As a nonbinary person myself, I would like an apology. As a parent, I am deeply concerned about the kind of environment your party is creating for my child. As a concerned citizen, the push to reopen Policy 713 has me profoundly worried.
We, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, are your constituents. We deserved to be understood and protected by our government. Unfortunately this does not seem to be the reality in New Brunswick today.
E-mail to Premier Higgs, May 17th, 2023
If you’re concerned about the re-opening of Policy 713, which provides minimal protections for 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth in schools, then please email Premier Higgs (premier@gnb.ca) and Minister Hogan (Bill.Hogan@gnb.ca). Your message doesn’t need to be formal or fancy, you can simply share a bit about who you are and what you’re worried about.
And, let your local 2SLGBTQ+ community know that you hear and support them. This has been a tough two weeks for us–many of us are worried about what this current government’s stance might mean for us, and our children, moving forward.
Last, but certainly not least, friends. Don’t forget to tip your drag queens.
