Several events coming together have motivated a church in Calgary to unite them in a celebration of 'worth and dignity' as well as a 'sacred protest'.
Rev. Samaya Oakley of the Calgary Unitarians stated that they had considered organizing a 'Drag Me To Church' event, and upon realizing that it coincided with Trans Day of Visibility, decided it was a fitting opportunity. Calgary Unitarians Church said. “And I looked at the calendar and I saw that this particular Sunday is Trans Day of Visibility.
“And I thought, what better way to celebrate Trans Day of Visibility by holding a ‘Drag Me To Church’ service on Easter Sunday? So that’s what we’re doing.”
Oakley mentioned that the service will be a regular Sunday service for the diverse congregation, however, with a twist – there will be drag performers taking part.
One part of the service, suitable for all ages, will involve a story being read by one of the performers.
Oakley explained that the story is about a young child who identifies differently and wishes to wear different clothes at school, and the support they receive for this. Following this, the children will leave, an offering will be made, and the proceeds will go to help Skipping Stone.
“I’m going to tell the Easter story through (the drag performers) dance, so I’ll tell a little bit of the story, a performer will come out, we’ll sing some songs. It will be a fabulous event.”
Benjamin Tanner, also known as Jessica Bunny, is one of the drag performers who will take part in recounting the Easter story.
Tanner stated that when the Unitarians approached them, it was “quite unusual and very exciting.”
“I think as queer people, at least for myself, things like church and faith can be one of the first things that go when we come out as ourselves. Having a space like this be so welcoming is really beautiful,” Tanner said.
“Easter is the time of recognizing transformation.”
Tanner has been involved in drag performances for 15 years and has encountered discrimination and ostracism for even longer.
Oakley expressed that part of the purpose behind the event is to demonstrate to the trans and LGBTQ2 community that the church recognizes their 'inherent worth and dignity'.
Oakley conveyed, “Every time a child is born, it’s a sacred and holy moment. A spark of the divine comes to life in the being of this child. So who are we to say that this spark of life is anything but good and valued, and has inherited wealth and dignity? And that’s what we want to celebrate on this particular Sunday.”
Event ticketing has reached full capacity and the church has been collaborating with Calgary police to ensure the safety of attendees and performers. Oakley mentioned that she anticipates an opposing protest across the street.
“I plan on serving them coffee if we get them and helping them be comfortable doing what they do,” the reverend said.
Tanner stated that “Drag Me To Church” offers a chance for the community's diversity to be acknowledged in more than just name.
“There’s a lot within our community that has come up lately and I think it’s really beautiful to tie in to Easter because, really, what it’s all about is just celebrating our differences and celebrating each other for who we are,” Tanner said.
