Since drag queen Barbada was nominated as Star Fairy at the next Santa Claus parade in MontrealComments on social networks abound.
That doesn’t stop the Barbadian woman from shining alongside Santa on November 19, however. On the other hand.
“Talk about it well, talk about it badly, but talk about it,” she replied in an interview with QMI on Thursday afternoon.
“People have the right to speak out on social networks, it’s part of our freedom, but tell yourself this: the more these people speak out against it, the more people will talk about it and the more it will encourage organizers to continue the” “Booking” drags at events like this,” she said.
Initially a drag, but also one of the few black people to wear the Star Fairy costume, Barbada sees her appointment as a great opportunity to continue her work with young people of recent years. For them, the organizers’ decision is also absolutely contemporary and is based on Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, where the character of Ariel is played by an actress of Afrost origin in the humanized version.
“Just because we’ve been doing something for decades doesn’t mean we can’t rethink it and try to do it in a more inclusive and diverse way,” argued the drag queen, who beneath her colorful and flamboyant features hosts the youth program.” Barbada”, on ICI TOU.TV.
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“It’s a great honor and a great validation of what I’m doing and what we’re trying to achieve. It’s in perfect continuity with public broadcasts and readings,” she added.
Note that Sébastien Potvin aka Barbada knows how to handle children. As a primary school music teacher, he offers storytelling lessons as an alter ego in libraries, bookstores and day-care centers. In this regard, Barbada is substituted for the November 19 reading at Frontenac Library.
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In the past, Ima, Marie-Mai, Marie-Ève Janvier, Vanessa Pilon and Joannie Rochette impersonated the Star Fairy. “I think these are big shoes but at the same time I have big feet so it should be fine,” the drag queen continued, laughing.
With a 100% electric approach, the traditional Santa Claus Parade will take place on the streets of downtown Montreal on Saturday, November 19th. It will air the next day at 4pm on TVA. Sébastien Benoit and Isabelle Racicot will provide entertainment, while Pascal Morissette will walk through the crowd to collect testimonies from the curious.