Drag Queen – A journey from the darker side of East Hastings Street in Vancouver, B.C., to the lights of the stage, Drag Queen, Beau Buhler, hopes to inspire others to be their authentic selves, follow their dreams and get educated about LGBTQ+.
Newly appointed Vice-President of the Golden Pride Society and born and raised in Golden, B.C., Buhler will perform his first drag show at the Golden Bowling Alley (GBA) on April 12 starting at 7 pm. It will be his first performance in his hometown. He says he is thankful for the support of the President of the Golden Pride Society and Town of Golden Counsellor Joy Guyot and the Golden Pride Association (GPS) in supporting his journey to the stage.
“This is the first time GPS has organized any events with Drag Art in our organization’s history. We are so proud of Beau bringing this art form under our umbrella and feel this is a very opportune time considering the lack of understanding about Drag, and we are all about education,” Guyot says.
Performing under his stage name, “Psychosis,” Buhler says guests can expect a high-energy performance. “Psychosis” will perform with Calgary Drag Queen, “The Birthday Girl,” during an event that showcases the two Queens “popping it” with bold, wild and funny entertainment.
“People want the Beau experience,” Buhler says with a laugh. He explains that traditional Drag Shows have become popular events, thanks to television shows like Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
Here in Golden, B.C., companies like the Cabaret Company have brought their Drag shows to the Rockwater Bar and Grill.
“This is an event to create community, bring in community. Drag brings people together,” he says. Creating and building a community around Drag is something Buhler says he is proud to do and be a part of.
“Let’s hope it inspires,” he says.
In an honest interview filled with laughter and vulnerability, Buhler, whose kind and compassionate heart has earned him community support in his personal journey, shares his journey to wellness and his progress to the stage.
“Growing up in Golden, I was constantly judged for being too feminine … too gay,” he says, adding, “I hid who I was. I didn’t freely express myself the way I do today.”
He says his drag queen character, “Psychosis”, was found during a time when he says he was “really sick and starting to get better.”
After years of battling addiction, Buhler says he first found acceptance among the LGBTQ+ community in Vancouver, B.C. “In treatment, I found time to heal and rediscover myself,” he says.
“I went to a gay treatment facility. Vancouver opened my eyes. It gave me a taste of a different lifestyle. Vancouver is very LGBTQ+ friendly. You can walk around in your heels if you want to,” he says.
Buhler says he grew up watching RuPaul’s Drag Race. He says the Drag Queens on the show “always inspired him.”
“When I saw Ru, I knew that’s how I wanted to present myself,” he says.
“Drag, to me, is artistically inspiring. Drag saved my life. I was going through a dark time in my life. Drag became a safe space for me to express myself,” Buhler says.
“There were so many years I felt like I couldn’t be who I am. I was forced to feel like I can’t be myself,” Buhler explains of the discomfort he felt growing up gay in a small town.
“People don’t understand the stigma and the hate behind that unacceptance. You’re allowed to hate; you’re allowed to be uncomfortable; you’re allowed to judge; you’re allowed to feel what you want to feel,” he says, explaining the beauty of expression and the right to be yourself, even if it is “hateful.”
“The trans community is a beautiful community. It is the most authentic community you will ever come across,” he says and encourages people to “be open.”
“Educate yourself, show a little more compassion,” he says.
According to Statistics Canada, an estimated 1.3 million people aged 15 and older identify as 2SLGBTQ+, with a “significant portion being young, and a growing number of transgender or non-binary individuals.” Among this population, 52 per cent are women, 44 per cent are men, and three per cent are non-binary. (About 59,460 people in Canada are transgender.)
After years of battling his addiction and living in shame of who he is, Buhler is proud to share his Drag Show for the community members of Golden, B.C. He stands up for those who have walked in his shoes and hopes to inspire and educate others as a member of the GPS.
“Being gay is not a crime. Drag is not a crime. This show is a celebration of my journey to wellness and an opportunity to teach the community more about Drag,” he says, adding, “Everyday I thank God for a second chance; there’s times where I’m serving alcohol in the restaurant at work and I think, man, I would love to indulge, but for me the consequences are jail, institutions or death.
“I’m focused on my art and my family now. I’m clean, I’m sober, and I’m proud.”
