Saturday was home to the 2026 edition of the Smithers Pride Parade on Main Street at Bovill Square.
And part of the festivities included a dance performance from a trio of Drag Queens, two of whom, named Batty Banks and Bibi Sofresh, were quite enthused to get the chance to introduce themselves to a wider audience while they also explained what Pride month means to them;
Batty:
“Pride is the opportunity for us to come together, feel seen, feel represented and feel heard.”
Bibi:
“For me, representation and getting the community together since we’re all not that different.”
Batty and Bibi next got the chance to tell how they ended up on the path that led to them becoming Drag Queens and had some advice for people who might want to walk along that same path;
Batty:
“I didn’t have an example of Drag until I was almost 21, so it took me a long time to find out not only what I wanted to do, but to see it reflected in my community.”
Bibi:
“I feel like going at your own pace and not anyone else’s is important. Take your time, do whatever you’re comfortable with and eventually we all get there.”
The pair ended their interview with a positive message, encouraging others to bounce back no matter who might try to silence them and to spread love and kindness to everyone around them.