Police are investigating after a Kelowna drag show drew protesters ѻý and counter-protesters ѻý ending in an altercation with an attendee Wednesday night (Dec. 7).
A small group of protesters, led by Graeme Flannigan, gathered outside the show held at DunnEnzies on Lakeshore Road. The group stated on social media that they were upset that the restaurant allows people of all ages to attend the drag shows.
Joelle Wolf attended the event alongside her three children, all of whom had signs expressing love and freedom, in a counter expression to the earlier protesters.
While protesters stood on the sidewalk in front of DunnEnzies, a person who self-identified with the LGBTQ2S+ community walked over to the protesters while saying ѻýlove is love.ѻý
According to witnesses who spoke with the ѻý, the person took off their shirt and was only in a bra. Itѻýs alleged one of the protesters got physical with the person.
Police arrived shortly after. Two RCMP officers could be seen taking statements from those involved.
Deb Dunnigan, co-owner of DunnEnzies, said that they have hosted all-ages drag shows a number of times.
ѻýWe like to be inclusive to all people and all the citizens of Kelownaѻý tonight we have the Salvation Army crew accepting donations for children that actually need help,ѻý Dunnigan said.
ѻýWe do have some protesters out front talking about a sex show for children. Iѻým not really sure whatѻýs going on with it and why, but weѻýre doing nothing except hosting shows and doing our thing out here.ѻý
She said that at DunnEnzies they respect a parentѻýs right to choose what they expose their children to, as well as peopleѻýs right to protest.
Capital News has reached out to RCMP for more information.
READ MORE: Protesters expected at DunnEnzies Kelowna drag show
Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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