Drag queens not mainstream downtown

By Sean Previl

The art of performance through female impersonation is declining in Windsor because of the lack of space to accommodate drag shows.

“Windsor does not have the facilities for drag shows,” said Sam Christensen, former owner of The Complex. “It’s not mainstream so it’s not for downtown establishments or restaurant establishment. When we’ve had drag shows in Windsor it’s been via gay pride, it’s been through gay bars solely.”

Christensen said the lack of drag in Windsor is unfortunate because it can benefit any venue due to its entertainment value.

Jason Medd, a former drag queen, said finding business as a drag queen in Windsor is difficult because the city’s drag scene operates differently than other cities like Detroit.

“Something you have to be aware of when it comes to drag is in Windsor it’s very different than the majority of a lot of other places,” said Medd. “In Michigan they have almost what could be considered ‘celebrity personalities.’”

Medd said because of a lack of pageantry used in larger cities, Windsor drag queens don’t achieve celebrity status. Medd said pageantry usually means competing for the chance to represent the bar.

Drag shows are hosted at clubs which primarily cater to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community. Lack of these types of clubs in Windsor leaves fewer places to perform. Windsor has three gay nightclubs compared to 15 clubs in Detroit.

Medd said another issue about performing in Windsor is bars are not always set up for performances.

“At 2012 they don’t have a stage, they don’t have the light system,” said Medd. “If you really wanted to hear and feature a drag performer, you kind of need a spotlight.”

Some drag queens in Windsor say they like the city because the smaller environment means more support.

“I prefer smaller crowds can be more fun because I get to talk to everybody in between and time to see everybody,” said Geena Hayze, who wished to be identified only by her stage name. “I know a lot of people in the crowd too so that makes it even more fun. I find it easier to be more outgoing in a smaller crowd.”

Hayze said the best thing for drag queens is to continue educating people what drag really is, which is art.