Police are investigating after a Kelowna drag show drew protesters 91Ƶ and counter-protesters 91Ƶ 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 91Ƶlove is love.91Ƶ
According to witnesses who spoke with the 91Ƶ, the person took off their shirt and was only in a bra. It91Ƶs 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.
91ƵWe like to be inclusive to all people and all the citizens of Kelowna91Ƶ tonight we have the Salvation Army crew accepting donations for children that actually need help,91Ƶ Dunnigan said.
91ƵWe do have some protesters out front talking about a sex show for children. I91Ƶm not really sure what91Ƶs going on with it and why, but we91Ƶre doing nothing except hosting shows and doing our thing out here.91Ƶ
She said that at DunnEnzies they respect a parent91Ƶs right to choose what they expose their children to, as well as people91Ƶs 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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