Image: L. Gomes / PML / Shane Stark, also known by the drag name Anida Queen of the Valley, is organizing the drag show at the Abbotsford Agrifair.
Abbotsford Agrifair

‘All I’m doing is creating an inclusive space for everyone to belong’ Agrifair to showcase drag show

Jul 29, 2022 | 6:00 AM

ABBOTSFORD — The Abbotsford Agrifair has been in existence since 1909, but this year will be it’s first for a drag show.

Shane Stark, also known by the drag name Anida Queen of the Valley, is organizing the show, and said he is thrilled that the fair is building more inclusivity.

“Part of the reason I started these shows is because I wanted to build community here in the Fraser Valley,” he said. “It’s usually not as inclusive as say Vancouver; but there’s still queer people, there’s still inclusive people here in Abbotsford that need these events.”

Stark has a physical disability and was born with radial dysplasia and is Metis with Ojibwe heritage—all part of the reasons why building inclusivity is important to him.

“All I’m doing is creating an inclusive space for everyone to belong,” he said. “If you hate that, well I’m sorry.”

Stark said he has seen an uptick in hateful comments on social media, as well as protesters at other events that he’s done.

“Honestly, I have no idea,” he said, when asked what people were protesting. “They call me all sorts of names.”

Part of the proceeds from the drag show at the Agrifair will be going to charity—a commitment Stark made when he first started doing drag.

Image supplied by Shane Stark / Anida Queen of the Valley performing at a drag show.

“Everything that I do, I always donate a portion of the proceeds to charity,” he said. “And the charity I have chosen is the Fraser Valley Youth Society—which is a local organization that supports queer and allied youth here in the Fraser Valley. So, they do drop-in programs in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Mission.”

Stark said he chose the charity because of his own personal story. He remarked that when he came out to his parents, he was kicked out and didn’t have a place to go.

“I don’t want anyone else to feel like they don’t have a supportive community around them,” he said. “For me, that was like an essential part of doing drag, was building up the community.”

The organizer enthusiastically described what was to be expected at the show—from Adele impersonations to Scarlett BoBo from Canada’s Drag Race making an appearance.

“It’s just all around going to be a spectacle,” he said. “At the end of the day, we just want to feel welcomed, and like we belong in society.”

Agrifair runs July 29 to 31 at Abbotsford Exhibition Park and the We are One Drag and Comedy Show takes place July 30 at 9:30 p.m.

Image: L. Gomes / PML / Agrifair runs July 29 to 31 at Abbotsford Exhibition Park.
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