ST. JOHN'S, N.L.

The electric atmosphere inside the Majestic Theatre in downtown St. John's recently attested to the rising star power of local drag queen Tara Nova, who is on a mission to change the narrative around drag performance pay in Newfoundland. After calling out a local LGBTQ2S+ venue for underpaying its performers, Tara Nova delivered a powerhouse performance that solidified her place in the hearts of many fans.

A Rising Star

At just 23 years old, Tara Nova has already made waves as the second Newfoundlander to compete on the widely acclaimed reality show Canada's Drag Race, setting the stage for conversations about the value of queer art. During a recent episode, she revealed that drag performers in St. John's were being offered a shockingly low amount of $37.50 for six performances—equating to a mere $6.25 per song. Her revelation left her fellow queens in disbelief, with seasoned performer Helena Poison quipping about the absurdity of receiving such a paltry sum.

The Response

Following the airing of the episode, the Velvet Club and Lounge—the only dedicated LGBTQ2S+ bar in St. John's—took to social media in an attempt to address the backlash. Owner Luc Viau announced plans to implement cover charges to increase the show budgets for performers, though he did not respond to media inquiries for further comment. Despite this, the damage had been done, and Tara Nova’s words resonated widely, sparking discussions across various platforms about the treatment of drag artists.

Fair Pay Advocacy

In earning her moment in the spotlight, Tara Nova emphasized the importance of fair compensation for the hard work and artistry that drag queens put into their performances. "When we go to the one queer space, it feels as if they think they can hold payment over our heads," she lamented.

Community Support

In a striking show of support, fellow drag artists and fans flooded social media with messages praising her courage. Season one queen Kiara and Deja Skye from RuPaul's Drag Race joined the chorus of voices standing up for Tara's cause, highlighting that performers deserve better.

The Reality of Pay

The dialogue opened by Tara Nova has been long overdue, according to fellow St. John's queen Irma Gerd, who noted that many drag artists accepted less pay out of necessity, as the Velvet Club was their only performance option. In a vivid description of the financial realities, she recounted how performers sometimes left the bar with their pay in coins, which echoed the sentiment that "you should not be jingling" as you leave a performance.

Empowering Change

Tara Nova's decision to vocalize this issue has not only highlighted the struggles of local drag queens but also called attention to the broader need for equality in the industry. As more fans and fellow performers rally behind her, the hope is that the movement will empower young drag artists to seek out fairer pay and better venues—even those outside traditional queer spaces.

Lasting Legacy

Despite being eliminated from Canada's Drag Race in a recent episode, Tara Nova has already secured her legacy as a champion for change. "You have a voice, regardless of who you are. Use your platform to make a positive difference," she declared passionately.

The Future of Drag in Newfoundland

The vibrant solidarity within the drag community and beyond proves that Tara Nova's impact will resonate well beyond the stage in St. John's. Expect to see more conversations, performances, and possibly new venues popping up as Newfoundland’s drag scene continues to evolve.

Could this be the much-needed spark for a shift in how LGBTQ2S+ performers are valued in the industry? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Tara Nova is not backing down.