It’s no secret that momentum has shifted backwards on issues surrounding queer identity.
Between the transphobic and homophobic legislation put forward both in Canada and abroad, there’s a sense of desperation in the minds of many 2SLGTBQIA+ communities as they continue to fight for their right to exist.
It’s the kind of desperation that Fae Johnstone, executive director of Queer Momentum and a trans woman herself, has experienced firsthand. It’s the kind of desperation that Johnstone hopes to push back on her cross-country Trans Canada Tour.
“I think a lot of folks in our community are scared,” says Johnstone in a phone interview with The Coast. “They see what’s happening in America, and they’re worried about the same attacks coming and hitting us here at home.
“That’s why we’re hitting the road. We’re hitting the road to rebuild our movement.”
Johnstone is joined by Queer Momentum’s Victoria Bucholtz, also known by her drag persona, Karla Marx. Together, the two are taking off across Canada to reinvigorate a queer movement—one that’s become tired due to the regression of previous progress made; and yet, it is also about the fun of being who you are within a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.
“To find some joy again,” says Johnstone when asked about the reason for the tour. “I think in this climate, it’s easy to feel a sense of despair, but we need to come together as a community. That’s actually what the tour’s all about.”
On May 25, Johnstone and Bucholtz kicked off their tour with their Politics with a Drag Queen event at Stardust in Halifax, featuring Elle Noir, Beef Pattie, Randi E. Rogenous, and Smokey Waters. They’ll be back in Halifax this Saturday, May 30, with two more events: the Queer Movement Town Hall from 10am to 1pm, and Ask a Trans Person Anything from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. Both events take place at St. Matthew’s United Church.
These events wouldn’t be possible without local input, says Johnstone. In Halifax, they’ve partnered with Halifax Pride and the Youth Project, local drag artists, and special guest speakers.
“There’s a lot of different cultures and communities across this country,” says Johnstone. “We know our community, but every tour stop, we’re platforming kick-ass local drag performers. We’re reaching out and partnering with local queer organizations.
She says the Queer Movement Town Hall will feature several speakers: some talking on issues central to the local queer community, such as building spaces for Black queer and trans youth, and others speaking on issues adjacent to the community that require attention, most notably Palestine and Lebanon.
“We’re doing this to show the mosaic of our community, and to lift up different voices because they know their scene best, and they’re the ones doing the work on the ground here,” Johnstone says. “We are showing up to connect their local bad-ass organizing back into a bad-ass national movement.”
As for the Ask a Trans Person event, Johnstone says she expects questions of all kinds from both members of the queer community and allies. Questions around the trans sports debate, pronouns, or puberty blockers.
“We’re taking allies and levelling them up,” says Johnstone about the event. “We’re getting them information, more information, new information. Having a space where you can feel comfortable asking a question and say, look, I’m supportive, but I don’t understand. Sometimes I think that’s kind of a scary thing for people to do.
“We would invite anybody who’s got questions, who’s curious, who wants to have a conversation and to join us to ask a trans person something. I think it’s going to be different. No one’s going to get lectured, and everyone’s going to laugh at least a few times.”
For more information on Queer Momentum and the work they do nationwide, check out their website.
