By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On June 12, a Flair Airlines flight from Toronto to Guadalajara, Mexico, will become a historic milestone in the global Pride movement — one where advocacy literally takes flight. Curated by Drag Academy, “Drag in the Air” will be the world’s first transnational drag flight, delivering high-altitude performances and purpose, all while supporting life-saving work.

The idea came from Drag Academy founder and Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable (HEDR) Manager Daven Seebarran, who was inspired by the power of creativity to drive social change. “This is about creating cross-cultural experiences,” Seebarran said. “We’re blending drag performance, advocacy, and international solidarity to raise awareness for global LGBTQ+ issues.”

In partnership with Flair Airlines and Guadalajara Tourism, Drag in the Air isn’t just a party in the sky — it’s a fundraiser for Rainbow Railroad, an organization that helps 2SLGBTQIA+ people escape state-sanctioned violence and persecution worldwide. “While you’re enjoying drag performances at 30,000 feet, you’re also helping someone get to safety,” Seebarran explained. “This is entertainment with purpose.”

The flight will touch down just in time for Guadalajara’s Pride parade, giving passengers an opportunity to celebrate Pride internationally while supporting urgent causes. “We use design thinking and creativity to draw attention to what matters,” said Seebarran. “And at the heart of it all is solidarity — with our community here and around the world.”

The event also highlights the critical need for more inclusive and diverse Pride programming within Halton. While events like Drag in the Air and the HEDR’s upcoming Pride Gala at the Art Gallery of Burlington are steps forward, they remain few and far between. Recent incidents in Burlington underscore why such programming — and broader diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts — are essential. Just this week, a video surfaced of someone performing a Nazi salute outside a Chick-fil-A in Burlington, which Kanye West later shared. It’s 2025, and this kind of hate is still happening right here in our own community. These are not isolated events; they reflect how global tensions and ideologies seep into local realities. Silence is not an option — our region needs a stronger, more visible commitment to DEI.

Halton remains a region where 2SLGBTQIA+ people — and all equity-seeking groups — continue to face barriers, backlash, and erasure. Events like Drag in the Air are a response to that silence. “We’re not just putting on shows,” Seebarran said. “We’re building movements. We want people to leave these experiences inspired and activated. Whether it’s HIV advocacy, refugee support, or workplace inclusion, everyone has a role to play.”

Corporate and community partnerships are key to making events like these possible. “It takes creativity, tenacity, and the willingness to align values,” said Seebarran. “It’s encouraging to see businesses not just sponsor, but listen and engage.”

In a region still struggling with diversity, Drag in the Air is a bold reminder that pride doesn’t end at the parade — and that inclusion, when done right, lifts us all.

For more information or to book a seat, visit: www.dragacademy.ca.