Cabaret Dragcessible welcomes diverse performers to the stage

On October 17 and 18, the House of Gahd and the MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels) joined forces to present Dragcessible, a cabaret-style event that showcased the dazzling talent of local drag queens and kings of all abilities.  

The MAI offers programming, audience development and community exchange activities that foster inclusion and offer a different perspective on “we.” Over the years, Inspirations has covered several of their shows, to great and memorable review.  

Dragcessible was conceptualized by Claudia Parent, MAI’s director of Accessibility and Innovative Practices, and hosted and curated by Selma and Uma Gahd of the House of Gahd – pillars of the Montreal drag scene for over 10 years. Billed as “two nights to celebrate diversity with audacity,” it shined the spotlight on deaf, autistic and mobility-impaired drag queens and kings, some experienced and others, emerging artists.  

A team of American Sign Language and Langue des signes québécoise interpreters interpreted each act, except those performed by deaf artists who signed their own lyrics. Sensory items such as fidget toys, weighted items, sunglasses and headphones were available, and cabaret-style seating made the room accessible. Tickets were sold on a sliding scale. The sisters applauded the MAI for its easy access, noting the many venues in Montreal that are on the third floor of walk-ups.  

Uma explained that “drag is all about breaking the rules.” The sisters invited mobility-impaired performers to participate in the show knowing that the accessibility backstage was not perfect. They worked with the talent to meet their needs, which included installing grab rails and specialty stairs to facilitate entrance onto the stage and having someone backstage to help. “We have to get them here now with everything we can do and then listen to what we can do next time to make it even better,” said Uma.