Heels, heart and hope: Drag fundraiser supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Regina

It starts with a pair of heels.

For some, the clothes are a costume. For others, they’re an art form. But for Jada Yee, stepping into drag became something much more personal.

Read more:

“I am a straight male that’s married, and I do have two queer children,” Yee said. “I wanted to do Walk the Walk and become a drag queen to better connect with my queer children and to see the world through their eyes.”

Yee – who’s drag persona is Chyna B. Deadly – said his journey into drag wasn’t something he had ever planned, but his first performance paid off in more ways than one.

After winning the previous Walk the Walk competition in 2022, Yee has since become co-chair of the committee, which is bringing the event back to the city next month on Aug. 28 at Casino Regina.

While the performances are filled with laughter, music and larger-than-life personalities, the purpose behind the event goes further than entertainment.

“Walk the Walk is really a celebrity drag show,” Yee explained. “We bring people that are well known in the community and in the city of Regina to really put on a pair of heels and do a drag show.”

“They are mentored by local drag artists, and it’s a way to really fund-raise and support 2SLGBTQ+ youth who really face rejection and homelessness and discrimination at Lulu’s Lodge.”

Since its beginning, Walk the Walk has partnered with Lulu’s Lodge, which is a five-bedroom transitional home, operated through the John Howard Society. It provides housing and specialized supports for 2SLGBTQ+ youth from 16-21 years old.

“Lulu’s Lodge is really more than a house,” he said. “I think it’s a lifeline for these 2SLGBTQ+ youth that are facing rejection and homelessness because of when they come out to their family.”

The lodge offers supports, ranging from mental health services (including medical appointments and medication for those transitioning) and education, to employment readiness and life skills.

“I think the staff that work there are really that caring mentor, that guidance that (these) youth need at such a crucial time in their life,” Yee said.

Because Lulu’s Lodge does not receive government funding, Yee said events like Walk the Walk play an important role in keeping those services available.

“Every dollar raised goes towards Lulu’s Lodge, and that gives better support to the youth and the services they provide,” he explained.

For those purchasing a ticket, Yee believes the impact extends beyond financial support.

“When they’re buying a ticket, they are supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth,” he said. “But they’re also showing up. They’re kind of being that bridge when it comes to being an ally and the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”

He also hopes people recognize drag as something more than a way to express yourself.

“It’s an art form. It’s a performance, but it’s a great way to just bring together two worlds,” Yee said.

Yee felt Walk the Walk creates spaces where young people know they belong.

“A safe home, to me, looks like a child can go in a home and actually be loved and feel valued for who they truly are.”

That message is why he continues to volunteer with the event – and why he hopes others will join him.

“I invite them to come buy a ticket,” Yee said. “If you’re curious about drag, it’s a fun event. It’s loud. Come cheer loud and have a lot of laughs in a safe place.”