Ontario NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam said the provincial government has to stand up for drag performers who are facing violent threats for doing all ages events. .“Mr. Speaker, will this government take on bigots who threaten drag performers and their audiences with hate and threats of violence?” said Wong-Tam in a Tuesday video. .Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey called violence against drag performers “a very serious topic.” .“It’s important that we address hate in all of its forms,” said Downey. .“We are seeing the rise of hate as it relates to religion, gender, all sorts of different ways of describing it, Mr. Speaker.” .He said the Ontario government is spending money on supports for victims of hate and ensuring it goes to the front of all actions. He added he wants people living in safe communities. .Wong-Tam said words “are not enough.” They shared a story from drag queen Crystal Quartz. .Quartz said parents tell them all their children talk about is her for the week after. She said she goes into communities without safe spaces and makes them. .Her next performance is a brunch event on Sunday. .“It has already faced escalating threats,” said Wong-Tam. .“What exactly is the premier doing to protect Ontario’s drag community, their artists, their audience, as well as the businesses that host these events?” .Downey responded by saying it is important Ontario has resources for vulnerable people, whether it is before or after a violent incident. .Downey went on to say there is training at every level for victim service workers, judicial system staff, and police. He noted Wong-Tam could speak to him after Question Period about resources for Quartz. .He said he wants to ensure every one is comfortable in Ontario. .The Ontario New Blue Party criticized the provincial government on Tuesday for funding an all ages drag show in Kitchener, ON. .READ MORE: New Blue Party berates Ontario government for supporting all ages drag event.“When you hear the words ‘drag night,’ do you think of a family friendly production?” said former Ontario New Blue MPP Belinda Karahalios. .“I don’t.”
