(Facebook/The Dekker Centre)

By Angela Brown

CMHA fundraiser

Dekker Centre concerned about criticism of Drag Queen Bingo fundraiser

Feb 16, 2023 | 5:16 PM

The Dekker Centre has been dealing with unprecedented flack from some members of the public opposed to its upcoming Drag Queen Bingo fundraiser for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

A sermon from the Territorial Drive Alliance Church in particular expressed displeasure about the event coming to North Battleford that’s posted on its YouTube channel.

Dekker Centre general manager Kali Weber said it’s been disconcerting for staff to respond to a number of phone calls and emails from some people critical of the event, asking for it to be stopped.

“It’s been ongoing for the past four weeks,” she said. “It’s really disrupted our day-to-day operations. The goal of these callers is to have the event cancelled because it’s not something they agree with. So, we wanted to make sure that everybody understood that it is not being cancelled because it’s something that you don’t like.”

Weber stressed that two of the Dekker Centre’s core values are “Inclusion” and “Community.”

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“We are very dedicated to making sure we rent to all kinds of people and organizations, and also that we are community-minded so that community groups have access to our centre, and that we work with community groups to make sure that they can be in it.”

Weber noted that Drag Queen Bingo is a fundraiser for the CMHA Battlefords Branch, adding that all the money is going to a good cause.

“From the Dekker Centre policy standpoint, this does not go against any of the policies that we have,” she added.

Weber said people objecting to the event didn’t say that they were from a specific organization when they made their complaints to the Dekker Centre.

“From my point of view, from answering some of those phone calls and reading emails, they don’t actually know what the event is,” she said. “What is it? It’s a bingo hosted by two drag queens. That’s what it is.”

The Dekker Centre issued a statement on its Facebook Page, saying: “We will not tolerate hate and discrimination. We are proud to host Drag Queen Bingo in our facility, and there is no action that can be taken against our organization that will result in the cancelling of it.”

Weber added that all the attention might actually be helping sell tickets, which is a good thing since it benefits a non-profit.

The City of North Battleford issued a statement in response to the criticism the Dekker Centre experienced to show its support for an event that promotes diversity and inclusiveness in the community.

“As a member of the coalition of inclusive municipalities, the City of North Battleford is proud to foster a welcoming and inclusive community and to honour this important mandate throughout its numerous facilities,” the City stated. “On behalf of the community, when the City of North Battleford joined the coalition in 2021, the City committed to practice and promote social inclusion, champion human rights and to embrace and celebrate diversity. The City welcomes all community events, programming and initiatives that support and espouse these values in a respectful and inclusive manner.”

The event is a private rental taking place at the Dekker Centre’s atrium at 7 p.m., April 15. It is described as a fun bingo night out, for ages 19 plus, with prizes and entertainment, that’s hosted by two drag queens. Tickets include a bingo package.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow