A Vancouver theatre that receives taxpayer funding from provincial, federal and local governments is hosting a drag queen camp for kids as young as seven where adults groom them to become drag performers.
This summer, the Carousel Theatre for Young People is advertising a “Junior Drag Camp” for ages 7 to 11 and a “Teen Drag Camp” for ages 12 to 17 this July.
“Join some of Vancouver’s most amazing drag artists and learn how drag can brighten up your life! You might be wondering, is drag for kids? Drag is for everyone!” claims Carousel Theatre.
“Parents, ask yourself, what’s the difference between what you wear at home versus what you wear at work? You’re doing drag honey, you just don’t know it!”
The event website states all children will be provided with a “drag makeup starter kit.”
According to Government of Canada grant data, Carousel Theatre received federal funding to the tune of $280,849 since 2018.
The theatre also lists the City of Vancouver, the Canada Council of Arts, the British Columbia Arts Council, Granville Island as well as the British Columbia Arts Council as supporters.
Drag queen events featuring children have become a controversial issue in Canada and elsewhere.
Several drag queen story times where drag performers read to children in libraries have attracted both opponents and supporters.
Recently, Calgary’s City Council voted for a bylaw which limited drag queen protests around public spaces.
The bylaw prohibits “specific protests” from taking place within 100 metres of an entrance to a city operated or other designated facility such as a library.
