An Open Letter to the Windsor Drag Scene
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Windsor's Drag Scene Deserves Better: A Call for Quality and Respect in the Art of Drag
By: Concerned Queer (anonymous)
Drag is more than just performance—it's culture, artistry, and a crafted experience. In Windsor, many have worked for years to build a scene that reflects the power and potential of drag. But lately, that work is being diluted by a cycle of rushed, low-effort shows that undermine the quality and perception of what drag should be.
There are queens in this city who are constantly planning uncoordinated, poorly-executed events. The market is becoming oversaturated with subpar drag, and it’s hurting everyone—especially those who put in the time, creativity, and effort to create truly immersive, ticket-worthy shows. A good drag show should start the moment a guest walks through the door and carry them through an entire evening of magic, emotion, and entertainment. That takes months of planning, thoughtful casting, and a genuine understanding of the craft.
There's a massive difference between ambition and delusion. Drag takes years to hone. It requires self-awareness, growth, and humility. Unfortunately, some local performers are bypassing these values in favor of ego, scrambling for shows without regard for quality or community impact.
This has gone beyond poor performance—it's about a lack of respect for the venues, the audience, and those who work hard behind the scenes to make these shows possible. The repeated attempts to bypass standard processes shows a disregard for the time and labor of others.
“Drag in Windsor is at a crossroads. We have incredible talent, dedicated artists, and passionate fans—but we’re also seeing a wave of oversaturation, unplanned shows, and underwhelming experiences that are dragging our scene down (pun intended).”
It’s deeply disheartening—and frankly, infuriating—for the performers, producers, and community members who’ve poured years, even decades, into building Windsor’s drag scene into something meaningful. For them, drag isn’t just a gimmick or a night out—it’s a legacy. It's hours of rehearsal, thoughtful storytelling, investment in looks, and deep community engagement.
To see that work overshadowed by slapdash, half-hearted shows that lack preparation or respect for the craft looks like a slap in the face. It cheapens the art form, misrepresents the culture, and risks turning audiences away from drag altogether. Worse still, it can demoralize seasoned artists who’ve fought for visibility and excellence in a world that often sidelines queer expression.
Drag in Windsor is at a crossroads. We have incredible talent, dedicated artists, and passionate fans—but we’re also seeing a wave of oversaturation, unplanned shows, and underwhelming experiences that are dragging our scene down (pun intended).
This isn’t about ego or gatekeeping—it’s about respect for the craft. Drag is an art form that takes years to refine. A true drag show isn’t just a lineup—it’s an experience from start to finish: intentional casting, thoughtful themes, strong visuals, and a vibe that leaves the audience wanting more. That takes planning, time, and care.
Right now, too many low-quality shows are flooding our venues with no real growth or professionalism behind them. It’s making it harder for well-curated events to succeed. It hurts our venues, our audiences, and our community’s reputation.
Here's a calling on our drag artists, our venues, and our supporters to raise the bar. Let’s start building a Windsor drag scene that values:
Quality over quantity
Growth and mentorship over ego
Collaboration
Real experiences over rushed lineups
This isn’t about every show or every performer—Windsor is home to some truly brilliant artists, a house that cures, carnivals, battles, and a yearlong open stage, you all continue to raise the bar and inspire. You know who you are, and your work speaks volumes. This is about the broader trend, the shift in standards, and the growing gap between what drag can be and what it's being reduced to in some corners of the scene
Windsor, you deserve powerful, entertaining, unforgettable drag. Let’s make that the standard.
-Concerned Queer
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