INTERVIEW: Violet vs. Gottmik: Knockout Tour Hits Alberta

It’s a showdown of the Queens this week as Gottmik and Violet Chachki bring their Knockout Tour to Edmonton October 22, Calgary October 23 and Vancouver October 28th.GayCalgary.com caught up with the two recently in advance of the shows.
Chachki, the winner of Season 7 of Rupaul’s Drag Race, and Gottmik from Season13 first met during the Covid impacted Drive-in Drag tour. They shared a trailer and realized they had a lot in common, and the rest is her-story.
"Mik was on a later season than me, and I think it's about having similar career goals and feeling aligned and having a partner in crime," Violet explained. "That's really what it's about, having a sidekick and having a chosen family and being there for each other. And we both are really detail oriented and are into fashion and aesthetics and so it just felt natural."
The two host the No Gorge podcast and were featured in the Grammy performance of Sam Smith & Kim Petras’ Unholy. Gottmik recalled how special the evening was.
"That was everything getting to be there. Kim was such a trailblazer for the trans community, it was really an important moment for the trans community. That's going to be such an iconic moment. So being able to be there and support both of them. I love Sam so much. Just always been supportive of me. And same with Kim. I used to do her makeup, so it was just such a full circle moment, and we were just so honored to be there for such a historical moment for the community."
"It was just really cool to be on the red carpet and to be there with Kim winning her Grammy and just to be apart of it, it was like it just...

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TRAVEL – A cultural playground for LGBTQ travellers in Thailand

Thailand has long been on the radar for LGBTQ travellers - and for good reason. The country strikes a perfect balance of vibrant city life, breathtaking nature, rich culture and outrageously fun gay nightlife scene. From the temples of Bangkok to the chill beaches of Koh Samet I recently explored some of Thailand’s most iconic spots. Whether you’re planning your honeymoon, a solo adventure or just need a great excuse to eat your body weight in Pad Thai, here’s why Thailand should be on your bucket list.

Bangkok: Temples, Canals and Drag Queens


Most travellers will kick off their Thai adventure in Bangkok and Air Canada offers the only direct flight from North America. It’s a late departure from YVR which makes for an easy connection from any other major Canadian airport.
My first stop in this amazing city was...

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REVIEW – Korn Captivates at Calgary Concert

Despite being one of the most consistently touring bands in the world, it has been along fifteen and a half years since Korn performed in Calgary. Despite 6 studio albums in that time and many worldwide tours, it wasn’t until September 28th, 2025’s Saddledome concert that Korn once again performed for the Calgary faithful. While the wait was arduous, the sold-out crowd showed all was forgiven when they began to roar as the first riffs of Blind echoed through the arena. When singer Jonathan Davis growled "Are you ready?" as a curtain dropped, the answer was absolutely, yes. <br...

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It Gets Better Canada Launches New App in Support of 2SLGBTQI+ Youth

CANADA'S ONLY NATIONAL CHARITY FOCUSED ON 2SLGBTQI+ YOUTH RELEASES GLO, A YOUTH FOCUSED APP IN SUPPORT OF COMBATTING ONLINE BULLYING TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2025 /CNW/ - Youth across Canada can now download and access a brand new resource dedicated to addressing the unique online challenges of 2SLGBTQI+ youth. GLO, presented by It Gets Better Canada (IGBC) and made possible through federal funding by the Department of Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), focuses on enhancing mental health, combating online hate, and improving digital literacy. The app, developed by Montreal firm LG2, launches just as students settle into their back-to-school realities and with that many face...

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Government of Canada reaffirms support for 2SLGBTQI+ communities

Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), announced the achievements of the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, which continues to advance equality and address the challenges faced by these communities. Minister Valdez was joined by the Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, and Wade Chang, Member of Parliament for Burnaby Central. The Government of Canada continues to make progress above and beyond these key initiatives: 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program – $25 million to help 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs overcome barriers to starting and growing their businesses, Over 160 projects and capacity-building 2SLGBTQI+ initiatives – up to $75 million to promote inclusion and benefit everyone in Canada, and Unity_ – a public awareness campaign designed to help Canadians actively break down stigma against 2SLGBTQI+ communities through education, reflection and practical actions. In addition, the federal government has provided $3 million to Fierté Canada Pride – $1.5 million in 2024 and in 2025 – to support the security needs of Pride festivals. This funding from Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate helps offset increasing security and insurance costs for events across the country, amid rising levels of 2SLGBTQI+ hate. Quotes "Protecting the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people is not negotiable. It...

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