The new owner of the Balmoral Hotel Bistro and Brewpub says she’s grateful for the community’s support of a new dinner and drag show event she’s hosting Sunday and Monday nights.
Liz Woosey says she considers herself an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and isn’t trying to make a bold statement. She said the decision fits with her mission to bring in a variety of entertainment to the downtown establishment.
“Initially, it was just this. ‘Oh, look, I can make X number of dollars if we do this. And, on a Sunday night, which is normally slow, we can get bums in every seat. The kitchen will be busy. My staff can get an extra couple shifts, which will help them.’ It really came down to that.”
“Honestly, if you get right down to it, it was just a business decision,” she says. “There’s no ulterior motives here or anything.”
The shows sold out quickly and received lots of praise on social media, but Woosey says she found that not everyone in Barry’s Bay is supportive of the event.
She said she received a visit from two young people along with some negative letters from residents who opposed a show that displays a transgender lifestyle. She says she reported her concerns to OPP and Madawaska Valley’s Mayor, for the safety of her staff and guests.
Woosey says the negativity was hurtful – but she also feels the number of supportive people in town far outweigh the opposed.
A Killaloe OPP spokesperson says she’s unaware of any investigations taking place, linked to opposition of the show. She added officers are aware that the shows are set for Sunday and Monday