The Calgary Unitarians Church has planned a unique event called “Drag Me To Church” as a celebration of worth and dignity, as well as a sacred protest. The idea came about when Rev. Samaya Oakley saw that the particular Sunday they were considering for the event was also Trans Day of Visibility. The service will be a typical Sunday service for the pluralistic congregation but with a twist – drag performers will be part of the service. The event will include an all-ages portion with a story read by one of the performers about a young child who identifies differently and wants to wear different clothes at school. The church’s offering will go to help Skipping Stone, an organization that supports transgender and gender diverse youth.
One of the drag performers who will be part of the retelling of the Easter story is Benjamin Tanner, also known as Jessica Bunny. Tanner expressed excitement about the opportunity to participate in the event and highlighted the importance of having a welcoming space for the LGBTQ2 community within a church setting. Tanner, who has been performing in drag for 15 years, emphasized the significance of Easter as a time of recognizing transformation. Despite facing discrimination and ostracization, Tanner sees events like “Drag Me To Church” as a positive step towards inclusivity and acceptance.
Rev. Samaya Oakley explained that the intention behind the event is to show the trans and LGBTQ2 community that the church recognizes their inherent worth and dignity. Oakley believes that every child is born with a spark of the divine and should be valued and celebrated as such. The church has been working with Calgary police to ensure the safety of attendees and performers, as they anticipate an opposing protest across the street. Oakley expressed a desire to support and make the opposing protesters comfortable if they choose to attend the event. Tanner sees “Drag Me To Church” as an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the community and embrace differences.
The event “Drag Me To Church” has garnered significant interest, with event ticketing reaching capacity. The church’s collaboration with drag performers to retell the Easter story through performance is a unique way to showcase acceptance and celebration of individuality. Oakley and Tanner both believe that events like this can help bridge the gap between the LGBTQ2 community and traditional religious institutions. By recognizing and celebrating the worth and dignity of all individuals, the church aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming community. Overall, “Drag Me To Church” serves as a powerful demonstration of acceptance, celebration, and solidarity within the Calgary community.
