All About That Drag

Tyffanie Morgan

Drag is joyful and creative community-building. Its performance and its connection. For over two decades, I have had the privilege of nurturing and witnessing the growth of drag in Katarokwi/Kingston. Transforming it into the vibrant, supportive, and evolving scene it is today.

When I started, there were few spaces, few opportunities, and far less visibility. So much of what we have now (like regular shows, diverse performers, and welcoming audiences) exists because of drag artists who believed in something bigger than themselves. For me, that meant being the first podcasting drag queen of Canada, creating platforms like DragShow.ca, producing events, mentoring performers, and showing up again and again to make sure drag had a place to thrive. 

What fills me with pride today is the next generation. Kingston drag artists have expanded what drag is and means in ways I could have only dreamed of. They bring new perspectives, new meaning, new styles, and new audiences, proving that drag is limitless. In Kingston, we not only perform together but we support each other, collaborate, and grow together. A sense of kindness and creativity is what makes our scene so special. 

Drag means legacy. It means leaving something behind for those who come next. And I’m proud to be part of that story.

Rowena Whey

I do drag to create a visible and lasting queer community. Drag shows, drag storytimes, and drag in public media provide very clear, unquestionable representation that people in the queer community exist, and that we can live our lives to the fullest, by living out, loud, and proud as our truest selves.

Since joining Kingston’s drag scene in 2017, I’ve made it my mission to expand the scene into new venues, new audiences, and new performers. Look how it’s expanded, and look how it’s grown. From a small scene of 5 drag queens, to a massive 30+ performers of all gender expressions and identities, Kingston’s drag scene showcases the diversity of individuals in the queer community. Together, we all make Kingston a queerer, safer place for the greater community as a whole.

BeeWitched

My drag journey can be defined in two words: spite and audacity. After I helped my best friend and drag mother Simone Says with her makeup for an open stage, I knew this was what I was born to do. Since I set my heel on the open stage in December of 2022, I have committed myself to challenging the status quo and shaking the drag scene up. My very first performance started with, “Hidden deep within the lore of the cards, is a twisted tale… of a witch.” I strived to be different, be bold and make everyone think: “Who the hell does this girl think she is?”

My drag character, BeeWitched, is the amalgamation of hot mysterious women, evil villains, and a touch of whimsy magic. With my friends, I have created over an hour's worth of short films to show off her story and how she rose from the ashes. To keep it short: BeeWitched possessed and took over the life of my out-of-drag self, Bee. The more attention she gets, the stronger she becomes. 

As someone who has been inspired and influenced by various forms of media, you’ll see me perform anything from punk, to rock, to pop, to ballads, to musical theatre and spoken word! My favourite part about performing is how I can connect with people through our mutual love of music, performance and storytelling. Those moments of vulnerability have blossomed into unforgettable memories through my 3.5 years of performing. You’ll usually see me with crazy coloured eyes, black hair, and extremely sparkly makeup! 

Growing up, I never felt I could be my true self or express my queer identity without being scrutinized. I come from a broken, abusive home that treated my presence as if I were nothing but a burden. At the age of 13, I came out as bisexual. My mom told me to never tell my grandmother, which didn’t make sense at the time. Upon reflection, it’s a classic case of “maintaining the peace” and to “not say gay.” Later in my teen years, I discovered my true name, Bee. You’ll notice it’s a part of my drag name as well, as I fought for years for it to be my legal name. My family did not accept me for who I was, as I was a rebel, a queer kid, and had undiagnosed adhd. At 19, I moved out behind my parents' backs, and at only 21… I cut them off forever. 

I want my drag to inspire others to be their true, authentic selves and to connect to their inner child, just as I have. When I first discovered BeeWitched, I vowed to be the artist my inner child always wanted to be. I wanted to be what she needed. As I twirl on stage, I want queer youth to know they are never alone and someone will always be in their corner. I cannot tell you the amount of times I have wiped tears, given massive hugs and reminded queer kids that the world needs them. 

Drag helped me in so many more ways than I can express. It helped me grow my confidence, to create events that bring people together, to express my creativity in the weirdest ways and to inspire others. I found my chosen family and closest friends - including Rowena and Tyffanie! They’ve created a wonderful drag scene for everyone and anyone to enjoy. I am so grateful to be a part of such a diverse scene, and look forward to many more fun shows in the future. 

Credits

Creative Director: Jennifer Zhou 

Creative Assistants: Meghan Zhang & Z W G

Photographer: Caleb Gao

Models: BeeWitched, Rowena Whey, & Tyffanie Morgan