In 2019, a little gay lounge appeared on Johnson Street. Friends of Dorothy, known for its Kelowna location, had appeared in the heart of Victoria. Celebrating the inclusivity of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and allies, it offers another stage to enjoy our local talents and those from out of town.
Friends of Dorothy event manager Derek Brougham says the lounge is different from other places in Victoria.
“It’s a unique space where anyone can come and appreciate and experience queer culture in a welcoming environment,” says Brougham.
With Pride on the horizon, venues like Friends of Dorothy offer a comfortable space to celebrate with one another.
“There is lots of allies,” says Brougham. “Its queer specific, but important to have and invite allies and friends and to share community.”
Some performers who have hit the stage at Friends of Dorothy include Vancouver’s Mina Mercury and local king Sylvester Stalletto.
“Burlesque and stripping is brand new to FOD and not something you see in this city,” says Stalletto.
Stalletto says that one of the best parts of having a space in town like Friends of Dorothy is the ability to curate a show specific to sharing sex-worker rights and art.
“I’m grateful to get to hear how bringing queer pole dancers and burlesque performers has such a profound impact,” says Stalletto.
Brougham, who also performs as Decathlon Queen, says it’s important to be open to new events and says that what may be lacking in the city are competitions. He’s on the heels of hosting the most recent competition for clothing design, and he says that the future has more in store.
“The next event will be the Lip Sync Assassin of Dorothy, a drag- and queer-specific competition featuring six contestants,” he says, adding that the judges lined up for the event include local queen Ket Bush and Virgin Radio morning show hosts Bailey Parker and Johnny Novak.
While Friends of Dorothy has offered the space to explore, the experiences that come from having a stage and voice continue to have lasting impressions. Stalletto says that their experience with venues hasn’t always been positive.
“I struggle[d] as a trans Latinx drag king to feel I was valued when [a] cisgender hetero white audience didn’t respect me,” says Stalletto. “I was able to take my skills and power into my own hands to create my dream experience for myself, my performers, and my audiences.”
You can keep up with Friends of Dorothy at @fodvictoria on Instagram.