Charity drag show aims to reduce stigma around HIV, AIDS

To help raise awareness for those impacted in the community by HIV and AIDS, Haus of Gore’s Lilith Armstrong and Ashley Aikens-McIntosh are excited to present the 4th annual Scarlet Affair charity drag show.

Running at the Moose Lodge next month for the first time since 2020, the benefit show aims to reduce the stigma surrounding the syndrome while raising funds for the Sault’s HIV & AIDS Resource Program (HARP).

The show will feature 12 local drag kings and queens performing a variety of comedy and musical acts to help support the cause in an entertaining and educational setting.

Performing as Luke McAnally-Gore-Shadow, Aikens-McIntosh is thrilled to see the event making a comeback this year.

“This is probably going to be the largest cast we’ve ever had for a drag show in the Sault,” she says. “Throughout COVID, we’ve had a lot of people that got interested in drag, and a lot of new performers locally are popping up, so it’s really exciting.”

“Each performer is very different,” Armstrong adds. “There will be something there for everybody.”

As someone who lives with HIV, Armstrong explains the event has always been a very personal one for her.

“I want to be that voice for people who are too scared to talk about it,” she says. “I feel like I got it so that I could be very open about it and educate people.”

“If it wasn’t for HIV, I wouldn’t do drag, I wouldn’t be back in the Sault, and I’d probably be dead. It’s changed my life and made me really think about what’s going on and how to better the lives of others around me.”

Armstrong, who will be performing at Scarlet Affair as Paris Gore, says the event is open to everyone.

“This show isn’t just for gay people or for trans people, this is a show for everybody,” she says. “Everybody will have a performer that will suit their needs.”

“We have people come out who might be living a little more closeted, and once they’re in our doors, they feel free to be themselves,” Aikens-McIntosh adds. “That’s really why we do what we do – to give everyone a space to feel comfortable and be themselves.”

The organizers want to thank Amore For Your Pleasure, OC Beauty, and 2Spirit Anishnabe Storytelling & Advocacy who have all donated funds and door prizes to the event.

The Scarlet Affair charity drag show is a 19+ event and will take place at the Moose Lodge on Mar. 4.

Doors open at 8 p.m., and the festivities kick off with a meet and greet at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased for $5 in advance at Amore For Your Pleasure or $10 at the door.