Editor,
I grew up in Meaford and raised my children there for several years; I still consider it my home town. After watching Counselor Uhrig’s Facebook posts of Christmas on the Bay that took place last weekend, I knew I must comment on the drag and dancer event. (Bob Uhrig and I rode the same school bus on the 7th line for years).
The American Heritage Dictionary describes a drag queen as a male who dresses up in women’s clothing, typically for public performance. The man’s clothing and makeup are typically greatly exaggerated, so the end result is typically a parody (intentional mockery) of women in general. Drag queens are mostly associated with gay men and gay culture and until very recently they performed in adult-only clubs. With the rising celebrations of Pride parades, they have become more visible.
As a professional who has widely researched gender ideology and the eradication of womanhood within the transgender movement, I find this hosting of a drag event in the market square absolutely repugnant.
Rising acceptability does not mean such a performance is wholesome or healthy for children to view. We cannot “unsee” what we experience and children are particularly vulnerable. The scantily clad female dancer was also inappropriate for this setting. Children’s brains are soaking in sights that just a few short years ago would not be considered acceptable for the general public.
I know several families that walked away from that event, vowing not to return if this is the “entertainment” being offered. Not only that, but what on earth has drag got to do with celebrating Christmas? This adult-entertainment being presented in a family-oriented Christmas-themed marketplace is not only unnecessary, but also a desecration to the original message of Christmas.
I highly suspect that there were government dollars funneled into this event if they would include such “attractions”, but I know I speak for many when I say that this is not an appropriate representation for the community at large.
Sincerely,
Ann E. Gillies Ph.D, Dundalk
