THE SPIRIT OF ALL NATIONS WEDNESDAY June 22nd, 2022 | www.tworowtimes.com | 519-900-5535 | Grand River Territory | FREE
Celebrating the next Indigenous drag race-er: Chelazon Leroux Time to follow 'Auntie' on her newest journey on Canada's Drag Race
1045 Brant County Hwy 54 Ohsweken 519-770-3628 JACE KOBLUN
jace@tworowtimes.com
TWO ROW TIMES
Come see us for great savings
SALES • SERVICE • PARTS
SNOWMOBILES • SIDE X SIDES • ATVS • MOTORCYCLES • JET SKIS • LAWN MOWERS
1264 COLBORNE ST. EAST, BRANTFORD, ONTARIO PHONE
519.759.8140
Twenty-two-year-old Chelazon Leroux is a Two-Spirit, Dene drag performer living in Saskatoon who will be a contestant on the third season of Canada’s Drag Race. They have been perfecting their unapologetically Indigenous drag since high school and also boasts a massive TikTok following of almost 500,000 where they portray Auntie; a not taking anything seriously, shit-talking, educating with humour personality. The perfect combination of all the aunties they knew growing up. Two Row Times caught up with Chelzaon/Auntie last week to talk about drag, Two-Spirit roles in community, social media and how to stay deadly. Jace: How would you describe your drag aesthetic? Chelazon: My aesthetic is unapologetically Indigenous. Every look I put together I try to incorporate my indigeneity in it somewhere. Whether that’s a pair of beaded earrings in an otherwise draggy look, or full-on regalia, I like to express my heritage in every way. I feel as though I’m honouring my people and my ancestors. Jace: Can you describe
Isn't she lovely? Chelazon Leroux, social media influencer and indigenous superstar also known as 'Auntie' to their followers, is the newest Indigenous drag race participant, and first Saskatchewan Indigenous person, in Canada's Drag Race. CL
what it means to be Two-Spirit and the role drag would have played historically in your community if it had existed at the time? Chelazon: This is a very loaded question — I think it is important to start with Two-Spirit. My own definition of the term is being the bridge between worlds. Whether someone identifies as male, female,
more masc, or more fem, Two-Spirit is always the in-between. Two-Spirit was first mentioned in Winnipeg at the Native American/First Nations Gay and Lesbian conference in the ‘90s and there was ceremony around it because there was not an English word to describe this traditional role in many tribes. Looking at the historical responsibilities of Two-Spirited people,
there were a lot of roles honestly; leaders, community advisors, elders — Two-Spirited people had that ability to be whatever they wanted. I can’t say for sure how our ancestors would have felt about drag because I don’t have a time machine but I believe that my people didn’t have the same perception of gender through the same colonial view most of us have now. I think there would be a lot
Your insurance and community partner
less pushback then, or less stigma and fear around the terminology of what drag represents. I believe Creator created everyone for a reason and we don’t question it. You find your purpose, and we don’t question it. I like to think that historically there would not have been a challenge expressing ourselves through drag. The
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 PM42686517
We hire local, shop local, and support community members and charities through donations and sponsorship We take pride in investing back into the community we share
grandriverinsurance.ca · 2176-B Chiefswood Rd, Ohsweken Call us today for a free quote (519) 445-2795
Home | Auto | Commercial | Pensions | Group | Risk Management