John Herbert was sentenced to prison for wearing women's clothing after being robbed, while his attackers went free.
As heard by us
A plainspoken history of drag in Canada, from legal risk to wider recognition.
The episode follows Canada's drag history through danger, visibility, and performance. It starts with John Herbert, who in the 1940s wore women's clothing and performed in drag shows while facing legal risk, taunts, threats, and even assaults.
Why you'd press play
You want a clear, human history of drag in Canada, from secrecy to stage lights.
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