Van Goth’s Birthday
Van Goth celebrated her birthday with a live viewing party for Canada’s Drag Race Episode 5 at The Barbershop Bar, featuring performances, a powerful runway moment, and an intimate post-show Q&A.
December 18, 2025
At The Barbershop Bar
WINDSOR, Ontario
A Birthday Celebration to Remember
Watching Canada’s Drag Race is always an event, but watching it live with one of the season’s frontrunners on her birthday? That’s something special. On Thursday, December 18, The Barbershop Bar was packed for Van Goth’s Episode 5 viewing party, blending live drag, reality TV realness, and heartfelt celebration into one unforgettable night.
The Event
Before the episode even hit the screens, the energy was already high. Van Goth kicked things off with a pre-show performance alongside Windsor favourites Airress and Angelina Lepore, setting the tone for a night rooted in community and camp. Angelina stunned in all-black looks, while Airress leaned into festive flair with a playful Mrs. Claus moment that had the room fully on her side.
Once Episode 5, “The Shade,” rolled, the bar was locked in. From Dulce’s mini challenge win to Sami Landri taking the maxi challenge, the episode delivered across the board. Van Goth’s team stayed safe, but her runway moment for “A Perp Walk to Remember” was anything but — serving a striking gown paired with one of the episode’s most powerful moments as she opened up nationally about her HIV status.
Following the episode, Van Goth stayed on stage for a candid Q&A, spilling tea, reflecting on the journey so far, and sharing a deeply personal slideshow documenting her life. The night closed on a high note when Aurora Matrix surprised Van with a birthday cake, bringing the entire room together for a celebratory singalong and candle blowout.
Community, Celebration, Crown-Worthy
Sharing space with Van Goth on a night where drag, vulnerability, and joy intersected felt truly full-circle. From live performances to national television moments, this viewing party wasn’t just about watching Canada’s Drag Race — it was about celebrating how far one of our own has come. If this night proved anything, it’s that Van Goth’s reign is only just beginning.
Photos and review by Kevin Blondin
Windsor-Essex PrideFest 2024
Windsor-Essex PrideFest 2024
A Weekend of Unity, Glamour, and Celebration
WINDSOR, Ontario - Windsor-Essex Pride Fest 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a weekend full of vibrant performances, joyful celebrations, and unforgettable moments. From August 9th to August 11th, the festival transformed Lanspeary Park into a haven of pride and unity, showcasing a diverse lineup of drag performances, dance parties, and community events that left attendees buzzing with excitement.
Friday Night: United Dance Party
The weekend kicked off on Friday night with the United Dance Party at Lanspeary Park, a free event that brought out the best in Windsor’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. DJ Kevin Bailey set the tone with infectious beats, while special guests Mercury Retrograde, Angelina Lepore, Hudson Bae, B. Martini, and Epoxy—who stepped in for Lua—kept the energy soaring.
Hudson Bae’s striking leather ensemble set the mood for a night of fierce fashion and dance. B. Martini, living her Pink Pony Club fantasy, delivered a show-stopping performance to Chappell Roan's "HOT TO GO," while Angelina Lepore captivated in an all-black ensemble, exuding elegance and mystery. Mercury Retrograde brought her burlesque roots to the forefront, wowing the crowd with her big Peggy Bundy red wig, leopard print dress, and fire act, which included setting her tongue ablaze. Epoxy, initially there to MC, couldn’t resist the stage and joined in with her signature blue hair and fearless attitude. The United Dance Party was a dynamic start to the weekend, setting the bar high for the events to follow.
Saturday: Queens of Pride
Saturday’s Queens of Pride event at Lanspeary Park was the festival’s crown jewel, featuring an all-star lineup of drag performers. Trinity The Tuck Taylor, from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 9 and All Stars season 4 winner, and Aimee Yonce Shennel from Canada’s Drag Race season 4 headlined the event, delivering show-stopping performances that had the audience on their feet.
The first set opened with Epoxy in striking black and white zebra stripes, followed by Vanity Affair in a hot pink and black vinyl outfit. Benz Menova teased the audience with a pole dance, while Venom Vonsnaps, with backup dancers Hudson Bae and Belle Vyra, delivered a high-energy performance. Lena Di amazed with her silver coat and electric blue dress, while Star, full of life in a skin-toned bodysuit with primary colors, dazzled the audience. Aimee Yonce Shennel brought the crowd to life in a black and lime green vinyl coat, while Trinity The Tuck seduced the audience with a slow and sultry number, leaving everyone wanting more.
The second set saw Venom Vonsnaps returning in a hot pink gown, Benz Menova in a seductive pole dance, and Epoxy in an iridescent ensemble. Star shone in a light blue blazer with shimmering tinsel, Vanity Affair made a bold statement with a black-hands-with-red-nails ensemble, and Lena Di brought high-energy dance moves in red feathers. Aimee Yonce Shennel returned in a sexy genie look, granting every audience’s wish, while Trinity closed the show with a shimmering black and red outfit, showcasing her perfect curves.
Saturday Night: GLITTERBALL
After Queens of Pride, the GLITTERBALL at Waters Edge Event Centre kept the party going. DJ Josh Karmin kept the crowd moving all night, with special performances by Van Goth, Dulce, Liquorice, and Elixia adding to the electric atmosphere.
Sunday: Pride Day and Show Your Colours Parade
Sunday’s events kicked off with the 2024 Parade: Show Your Colours, a vibrant and colorful display of community pride. Following the parade was Pride Day! at Lanspeary Park, a free admission event featuring performances by Detroit's Drag Royalty Sabin, Windsor’s Comedy Queen Mel Lucier, musical acts like Alisabeth Von Presley, Nikki Holland & the Dirty Elizabeths, Carly Thomas, Saints Down, and drag performances by Subrina Kink, Aurora Bore Alice, Daisy, Dawn Key, and Mina Gorgina.
Windsor-Essex Pride Fest 2024 was a testament to the power of community, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate love, diversity, and self-expression. From the United Dance Party to the Show Your Colours Parade, every event was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable performances, making this year’s festival one for the books.
For exclusive interviews with Trinity The Tuck Taylor, and Aimee Yonce Shennel visit the links below.
Photos and review by Kevin Blondin