By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Daven Seebarran, who is the founder of Drag Academy and manager of the Halton Equity Diversity Roundtable, has big plans for the future of drag as a respected art form, and for the future of embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry.
Seebarran was born in Guyana but moved to Mississauga at a young age and growing up there in the late 80s and early 90s came with adversities. Ethnic diversity was scarce, and many communities, including 2SLGBTQ+ people, faced discrimination and very limited resources. Reflecting on that time, Seebarran recalls, “There was a lot of racism and homophobia and not many opportunities for people to express their true, authentic selves.”
For Seebarran, being at the intersection of multiple identities — a person of colour and queer — meant that self-preservation took prominence over authenticity. He says, “Most people with multiple intersections are never truly their authentic selves early on. We lose that in an effort to protect ourselves.” The struggle to balance identity and survival in a closed-minded world shaped Seebarran and his advocacy work, where he aims to help others find their authentic selves.
When asked what keeps him going after decades of activism, Seebarran reflects on the impact of perseverance. “In your 20s, you don’t get to see what the long-term effects of tenacity are. Now, 25 years later, I’ve seen the impact of my work, and that’s what keeps me inspired.”
For him, advocacy is more than a job — it’s a mindset and a way of life. “It’s integrated into everything I do. I see that change is possible, and I’ve witnessed incredible transformations, like the fight for marriage equality and other monumental wins for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”
Seebarran believes that optimism and faith are crucial to the way we create change. He says, “I really believe people are capable of incredible things if they have the right resources and support.” His faith in the potential of others is a driving force behind his continued work.
With Drag Academy, Daven’s vision is deeply rooted in community. Initially, the goal was to provide drag artists with consistent employment, but it has since expanded to DEI programming, education, and advocating for drag artists to have space to thrive as their authentic selves.
“Now, we focus on ensuring drag artists have access to fair wages, benefits, and protections. The art world doesn’t often provide these, and we want to change that.” Seebarran’s hope for the future is to continue to create a world where drag performers can thrive not just as artists but as individuals.
The Drag Academy faculty is a star-studded list to those in the know; from local stars to drag artists known more widely from appearances on TV shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, Canada’s Drag Race and Call Me Mother, including Priyanka, Miss Fiercalicious, Detox, and Ra’Jah O’Hara. And while drag queens tend to be a relatively familiar category of drag artist, Drag Academy also includes drag kings, like Hercusleaze and Cyril Cinder; Yovska, who calls themself a “drag plushie”; bearded drag queens; and trans drag artists among its faculty.
Looking back at the journey so far, Seebarran is grateful for the progress made, but he knows the work is far from over. “We’re just at the beginning. The change we’ve seen is only the start, and I hope it keeps building from here.”
Drag Academy is hosting “Drag Cares Opulent Menagerie: A Night of Exotic Elegance” at Toronto’s Lula Lounge on Oct. 31, 2024, from 7 p.m. to midnight. Attendees can expect a glamorous night of costumes, drag performances, prizes, and more. Proceeds from the event will go directly to community programs supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community. To purchase tickets, click here. For more information on Drag Academy, its faculty, workshops for individuals and groups, and programs, or to book a drag performance through Drag Academy, go to www.dragacademy.ca.
