Fart jokes and fireworks, drag queen Olive Boogits aims to uplift First Nation's youth

ONIGAMING — Let’s get this party tooting. You’ll have a fabulous, fantastic, and fun time, as long as you don’t forget the farts.

Drag queen Olive Boogits along with Mz. Molly Poppinz, Amber Ail, Faux Rocious, Fairy Contagious, Lady Fantasia LaPremiere and drag king Ivan Love travelled to Onigaming First Nation for an all-day affair on Saturday, at the Mikinaak Onigaming School Gym.

The name Boogits, stemming from a childhood nickname, means farts in Anishinaabemowin.

“I kept that into my adult years. The humour is very much a part of my culture and the teasing culture of having a nickname. As I've grown older, I've reclaimed that name, like yeah, I am a little boogity."

It's fun humour and a nice way to laugh with everyone, Boogits said.

“I really wanted a persona that would be classic, but also bring out some silliness. Even with my style, it can be like a little old timey kind of vaudeville looking, but then also with how I perform, it's out there and very silly.”

The day started with a workshop where youth tested their own drag outfits and came up with their own drag persona, then there was meet and greet, dinner and a show.

The queens and king each put on about a five minute performance and came together at the end as a group.

The event also included a talent show for the community, a dance party and ended off with fireworks.

“Thinking back to when I was a kid, I would have loved to see drag queens come into my community and to see that you can do this and that you can be queer and happy and full of joy.”

The plan was to bring lots of theatrics and lots of fun to the community, Boogits said. “A lot of fun and jokes. Just a good time.”

Drag is different way of expressing herself, said Boogits.

“In my day to day, I present as non-binary and so in drag I can put on this persona and just put on a show.”