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Toronto-born drag queen Lemon’s fans (known as “zesties”) were ecstatic when she was announced to compete on the recent highly hyped season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World.” When she was the primary to be eradicated, the outcry was rapid and immense.
“I had satisfied myself that, as a result of I did technically lose, I used to be a loser. However what I discovered is that dropping doesn’t make you a loser,” Lemon says. “I’m ceaselessly grateful to the followers and the individuals who have supported me as a result of they introduced me again to my delusionally assured self, and I had missed her.”
Lemon has been busier than ever since her ouster, touring the U.S. and the U.Ok. and recording an album. Now, she’s heading again into city to perform a little good (and look nice whereas doing it), teaming up with Mill Road Brewery on a limited-edition Tea Time Lemon Wheat beer, with a portion of gross sales going to Rainbow Railroad, a company that helps LGBTQ people escape violence.
Lemon will even be a part of Toronto’s thriving drag-brunch scene with two performances on the Mill Road Brew Pub, within the Distillery District, on Could 21 and June 18. “Drag brunches have a candy spot of frivolous enjoyable as a result of the solar is up and the day looks like it may go on ceaselessly,” Lemon says. “Crowds at drag brunches are simply awake sufficient to have enjoyable, however drained sufficient to know when basic drag mishaps occur.
“The GTA is such an excellent place for drag,” she provides, “as a result of individuals appear to be so accepting of various types of drag, which makes the performers so distinctive and so particular as a result of nobody is attempting to do one thing simply to slot in.” What’s even sweeter is 100 per cent of ticket gross sales to those brunches will go to Rainbow Railroad as nicely.
With Satisfaction almost upon us, Lemon lists her favorite native queer companies.
Glad Day Bookshop, 499 Church St.
“Does it get extra iconic than Canada’s first queer bookstore? I really like how this store is a chunk of historical past within the metropolis, what it represents to the LGBTQ neighborhood, and the way it’s now turn into a bar and place to attach.”
Craig’s Cookies, 483 Church St.
“Craig’s Cookies is certainly one of my favorite locations to cease for a candy deal with. The Church Road store is a Village staple, and annually throughout Satisfaction month they launch a cookie in assist of an area LGBTQ trigger.”
“It is a trans- and BIPOC-owned Canadian lash model that I simply adore. I really like that their merchandise are drag-inspired and cruelty-free.”
“Jean-Luc Cosmetics was impressed by a necessity for extra manufacturers to champion queer illustration. Not solely do I really like their merchandise however I’m excited to assist a model that believes in constructing a neighborhood the place there aren’t any boundaries or guidelines to magnificence.”
“Pop Music is a queer-owned boutique vinyl store that’s curated with the latest and dance-worthy data. Initially a brick-and-mortar retailer on Gerrard East, they’ve expanded to being a web-based retailer as nicely.”
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