Gender fair focuses on diversity in Regina

Organizers say it's like a science fair but about gender identity.

As part of Regina's Pride Week, TransSask Support Services hosted an evening event where people could go around to different tables to ask any questions they had about gender andsexuality.

We're occupying some space we've never had before.- Stephanie Cox

Stephanie Cox, co-chair of TransSask, saidthe fair is a way to educate the public on the gender diversity here in our province.

"There's agender, two-spirit, bi-gender, transgender, transexual there's a rainbow of different kinds of identities," Cox said.

Police, drag kings in attendance

The event also served to support people in the community who see themselves as gender-diverse.

Cox saidit's a growing community in Saskatchewan.

"It's like when you go to the pride parade. You're suddenly there with hundreds, if not thousands, of people and they all support you and it's like, 'Wow, I'm actually a part of something,'" said Cox.

The event had representatives from Camp Fyrefly, Pflag (formerly known as Parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays), Regina Police Services and more.

Dexton Bourne came to the fair as his stage persona Ivan Tuplzu a tattooedman who lip-syncsand dances to bands like Maroon 5 and DNCE.

Bourne is a drag king,a person whoperformsin masculine drag. He also puts onDrag King 101 clinics across theprovince where people can learn make-up, wardrobe and performance tips.

He saidhewanted tocome to bring awareness about the drag community, particularly the province'sdrag king scene.

A slow process

Cox saidmore and moretransgender people are in popular culture and the media.

"We're occupying some space we've never had before," she said.

Cox, who came out as a transgender woman three-and-a-half years ago, admits that gainingoverall acceptance is a slow process noting that she still goes through daily harassment from being referred to as a manto being outright insulted.

"But then again, I'm starting to also meet people more who are supportive."

Regina Pride celebrations run until June 26.