The Southwest Nova Pride Association board has been made aware of the anti-drag protest taking place on June 3rd in Kentville, and we feel it is important that we issue this statement in condemnation of all hate against our community, be it homophobia, transphobia, biphobia or otherwise. Drag is not a crime, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is not interested in ‘grooming’ children or ‘turning’ straight kids gay. We are, however, highly invested in seeing 2SLGBTQIA+ kids flourish as they grow into emotionally healthy adults, supported by their community. To that end, we fully support family events such as this and hope to host our own in the future.
We are concerned and dismayed by the militant, violent language used by those organizing the protest against the ‘Drag Me To Dinner’ event. We strongly urge that anyone attending this event behave in a non-violent manner towards law enforcement and any other attendees.
Some of the members of our board and society will be attending the ‘Come Together‘ counter-protest in support of the family drag event, but we will not be attending on behalf of SWNPA. Those of us who attend will be doing so in an unofficial capacity as private citizens and proud members of our community, and in solidarity with all 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Nova Scotia and beyond.
— Southwest Nova Pride Association Board of Directors.
