Parents and children got more than a show at the 10th Annual Pride in the Park Festival at Montebello Park in St. Catharines Ontario..On June 3, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6 breakout star Laganja Estranja took the stage to wow the crowd, but had an apparent wardrobe malfunction as her testicle became exposed as she was getting tipped during the performance by children..“PITP2023 is an outdoor festival with 2SLGBTQ+ entertainment presented by Niagara Casinos,” said organizers of Pride Niagara..In recent weeks, St. Catharine's politicians have been vocal about fighting the hate-filled anti-Pride sentiment..“When we raise the Pride flag, we are recognizing our shared values of inclusion, tolerance, and acceptance," said Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley in a Niagara Region interview.."We are saying that everyone has a place in our society and everyone’s contribution is valued.”.In an Entertainment Weekly interview, Estranja spoke her truth and opened up about her gender identity. The drag entertainer, cannabis activist, and singer came out as a proud transgender woman after a 10-year journey exploring her identity.."There are so many other women around me who've inspired me to come forward today, and it's because of their fight and their struggle that I'm able to really do this and say that I'm nervous, but I'm not scared," she said in the interview.."I'm not going to live my life in fear anymore.".She continued: "I do want to be able to express this at all times. I just got my haircut — a very feminine cut — and in one week already, my life has changed. I'm able to come off stage and take my makeup off and still see a beautiful woman in the mirror. It's powerful.".The video of Estranja's wardrobe malfunction was posted to Twitter.."Why are parents pushing this type of 'entertainment' on children," one user commented.."I remember when you’d get called a loathsome bigot for suggesting that LGBT was in the same zip code as anything to do with children ... looks like your Republican grandparents were right about this sh*t after all," another person commented..During the event, St. Catharines Mayor Matt Siscoe, let Pride Niagara chair Enzo De Divitiis take over his Instagram during Pride in the Park.."Members of the LGBTQI2SA+ community — especially people of colour and trans people — continue to face discrimination and persistent efforts to undermine their human rights," Siscoe said..“Call out homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia wherever you see it. Support businesses or other initiatives owned or operated by LGBTQI2SA+ people. Seek out books, articles, films, etc. about the history and current issues facing the LGBTQI2SA+ community.”.Siscoe noted that Pride Month brings "St. Catharinites together" to celebrate the history, courage and diversity of our LGBTQI2SA+ communities.."St. Catharinites are encouraged to reach out, connect to support each other and celebrate together.”
