Kelownasa国际传媒檚 self proclaimed Queen of Controversy has raised funds for queer programs in the Okanagan, and they give the credit to drag protesters.

sa国际传媒淎s the Queen of Controversy I love an ironic situation,sa国际传媒� said Freida Whales, a drag performer and activist.

Whales is a long time 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate but was recently thrust into the spotlight after a drag story-time event at the Okanagan Regional Library became the topic of heated online debate.

The event, where Whales read a childrensa国际传媒檚 book and led songs to a room full of families, was protested and an online petition was circulated to have it cancelled.

Whales continues to receive online harassment and hate from a a small group of people, who have unwillingly kept Whalessa国际传媒� name trending and increased their visibility.

READ MORE: Rainbow flags, motorcycle club and unicorns attend Kelowna Drag Story Time

READ MORE: Drag defenders asked to bring signs, flags and love to downtown Kelowna rally

Whales decided to sa国际传媒渕ake lemonade out of very, very sour lemons,sa国际传媒� and used their newfound online popularity to raise money for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in the Okanagan.

Whales created a sa国际传媒楺ueen of Controversysa国际传媒� pin-on button, and has donated all $600 in proceeds to which provides safe, inclusive and anti-oppressive spaces and resources, including counselling, for youth in the Okanagan.

The Queen herself glued the rhinestones onto each button.

READ MORE: Free counselling available for 2S/LGBTQIA+ and IBPOC youth in Kelowna

sa国际传媒淚 decided to turn their anger and hate into love,sa国际传媒� said Whales.

sa国际传媒淔or me to raise money to support the community that [the protesters] are actively hurting through their protests and online hate, thatsa国际传媒檚 the cherry on top.sa国际传媒�

The exclusive buttons are available by request by messaging Whales aton or on .

Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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