Gasp LGBTQ group breaks barriers with 'historic' drag show

Some 150 people attended the first-ever drag queenshow in the Gasp on Saturday night.

The LGBT+committee of the Cte-de-Gasp wanted to raise awareness about the realities of the livesof sexual minorities in the regionin a festive atmosphere.

"This is done in the celebration of difference," said aspokespersonfor the organizing committee, Sarah Ternoir.

She saiddrag queen shows are a fun part of theLGBT culture whichthe group was keen to show off to the community for the first time.

Ternoirsaid sexual minorities outside of large urban centredon't always have the easiest lives, andmanyLGBTpeople reluctantly exile themselves.

"Some people needto get out of the Gasp to get out of the closet," she said.

Growing up gay in the Gasp

Performer Silver Catalano, originally from Chandler, Que., saidthe show "historic" and an occasion to celebrate.

"Growing up in the Gasp region was difficult for me," he added. "People didn't know what to do with me, how to treat me."

"We often talk about the regions, we say that our mentalities are different and backward," he said. "But we have proof tonight that this is really not the case. There is real progress."

"There's nothing better forthe LGBT community in Gaspsie than a drag queen show."

Ternoir said shehopes the success of Saturday's event will pave the way for other initiatives toraise awareness and break down barriers within the community.