There was a raucous protest with a heavy police presence at an all-ages drag occasion in Calgary on Sunday morning.
Some got here with indicators saying: Save the Kids. Different posters learn: We’re your youngsters.
“I’m trans and I used to be additionally a trans little one,” stated counter-protester Comrade Borscht. “Drag occasions are secure queer areas. Particularly for queer youngsters, it may be very comforting to see individuals like them round—individuals who have gone via some sort of oppression and discrimination and been challenged by it. However in the long run they thrive and have enjoyable and dance to some foolish songs.”
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Police say there have been about 30 protesters on the occasion in comparison with about 100 counter-protesters.
One individual was eliminated and arrested, however not charged.
There have been greater than 20 officers on the scene — some utilizing mountain bikes as a barrier between the 2 teams — however the Calgary Police Service stated the gathering was comparatively peaceable.
Those that supported the drag occasion stated they had been completely happy to see so many individuals come out to help variety and inclusion.
Anna Murphy was on the occasion and stated she wish to see elected members of the neighborhood come to indicate their help.
“I believe we see that when our leaders present up, whether or not it is our municipal leaders, our provincial leaders, our federal leaders rise up and be daring of their alliance. So we want individuals like our prime minister and our ministers to face up and acknowledge that they should fund quality-affirming well being care. They’ve to indicate up, not simply with nice phrases, however they’ve to indicate up they usually must put insurance policies in place. They should come out and help companies just like the Rec Room that function their ally ship,” Murphy stated.
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Some protesters stated there was concern that folks had been attempting to power ideologies on youngsters.
“Dad and mom are involved about youngsters being uncovered to issues which are past their developmental age to deal with,” stated Kim, a protester who gave solely her first title.
She carried an indication that learn: “Cease sexually exploiting youngsters.”
“We’re sort of a blended group. I believe you are going to have extremists on each side. They need to fire up strife. I’m not right here to fire up strife. I am right here to signify a lot of people who find themselves involved about youngsters concerned on this,” Kim stated.
These within the trans neighborhood stated it is not about sexualizing youngsters, however fairly expressing who you’re.
“The individuals who placed on drag occasions suppose that children may be there they usually do their greatest to verify it is simply foolish dancing and foolish songs, rhinestones and large hair – loopy stuff,” Borsjt stated.
The Instagram account YYC All Ages Drag raised considerations in regards to the protest in a submit earlier this week.
“Public motion is urgently wanted! We’d like as many individuals as attainable to indicate up with indicators and flags and drown out the hate with LOVE! Sunday, Jan 15! Their demonstration begins at 10:30am on the Rec Room (901 64 Ave NE) so let’s be there for 10am! Share it together with your tales, and with any social media you’ve!,” reads the submit.
An identical showdown happened in December at an all-ages breakfast occasion in Inglewood.
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