Uma Gahd’s new show, “Are You There, Margaret? It’s Me, Gahd,” delivers a message of joy, justice and belonging. ContributedArticle contentIn the summer of 2023, something unexpected happened in Victoria-by-the-Sea. A drag queen took the stage at the Victoria Playhouse — and earned a standing ovation. Her name? Uma Gahd.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentNow, she’s back. Spoiler alert: the play is divine.Article contentArticle contentOn July 25 and 27, Canada’s Drag Race star and activist Uma Gahd returns to the Island with her acclaimed one-woman performance of Are You There, Margaret? It’s Me, Gahd — a heartfelt and hilarious reflection on family, identity and finding your voice, even when the world tells you to stay quiet.Article contentArticle contentIt’s a homecoming of sorts, at a critical time. After her 2023 performance, Uma left a lasting impression — not just on stage, but in the community — challenging assumptions and opening hearts. Many audience members came to see that drag isn’t just about brashness, feathers, or lip-syncs — it’s about storytelling, courage and community.Article contentArticle contentWho, pray tell, is Uma Gahd?Article contentBorn Ryan Sauvé, Uma Gahd is a 37‑year‑old Montreal-based performer whose theatrical drag blends comedy, pathos and purpose. As artistic director of the House of Gahd, she writes and stars in original pieces that amplify vulnerable voices and inspire change.Article contentAre You There, Margaret? It’s Me, Gahd sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023 — just days after its Island debut at the Victoria Playhouse.Article contentShe most recently competed on Season 5 of Canada’s Drag Race (2024–25). Though she didn’t take the crown, her bold humour and conceptual looks won over fans and judges alike.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentDrag with impactArticle contentUma Gahd isn’t just a performer — she’s an activist. During Montreal Pride in 2019, she joined a high-level delegation that successfully pushed the federal government to reverse cuts to the Global Fund, the world’s largest funder of programs fighting HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria in developing countries.Article contentSpeaking directly with politicians and international leaders, Uma used the visibility of drag not for spectacle — but for strategy.Article content“Drag opens doors,” she says. “People don’t expect us in boardrooms talking about global health and policy. But that’s exactly where we belong.”Article contentArticle content Uma Gahd last performed at the Victoria Playhouse in 2023. The Canadian drag queen is back with her new show, “Are You There, Margaret? It’s Me, Gahd,” July 25 and 27. Photo by Selma Gahd /ContributedArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentThis fusion of art and activism makes Uma’s work especially relevant today. Across North America, drag performers have become lightning rods in heated debates over gender, identity, and inclusion. Some drag events have even been banned or protested. P.E.I. hasn’t been immune.
‘Its Me, Gahd’: Drag star Uma Gahd returns to Victoria Playhouse in P.E.I. with a message of joy, justice and belonging
