ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A drag bingo fundraiser planned to benefit the Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester was canceled amid backlash, according to Ed Popil, also known as Mrs. Kasha Davis. Popil, a celebrity drag queen, was set to perform at the event scheduled for August 17.
Popil said he learned about the cancellation through a phone call from Mary Whittier, the interim CEO of the Child Advocacy Center. “We found out the event was canceled from a phone call from Mary Whittier, the interim CEO, saying there was some backlash, that there was some misunderstanding that it was ridiculous, on her part she felt as though it was ridiculous,” Popil said.
The organization, Drag Me to the Stage, first announced the cancellation, citing outcry from a “small but vocal community.” In a Facebook statement, the Child Advocacy Center said the decision to cancel was not made lightly and was influenced by the conversation surrounding the event.
Popil expressed understanding of the pressure faced by the Child Advocacy Center but believed canceling was a mistake. “On a daily basis I’m told I’m doing the devil’s work, or however you want to phrase it. And I believe that the positivity always outweighs that. And what’s important is to show up, and show up for people who may feel different,” Popil said.
The Facebook post from the Child Advocacy Center received comments supporting the cancellation, with many expressing concern for children’s safety. One commenter called the event “wildly innappropriate.”
The center has since disabled commenting on the post. Popil emphasized the importance of engaging with those who have concerns about his events. “Obviously any conversation can turn into a heated discussion, but to sit at a table and discuss what these opinions are or what this information is, I think would be very valuable,” Popil said.
Despite the cancellation, Popil plans to share proceeds from his other events with the Child Advocacy Center and hopes for future collaboration.
Full Statement from The Child Advocacy Center:
“Over the past week, The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester has been at the center of challenging and emotional conversations following the announcement — and later cancellation — of an event intended to support our mission.
We want to begin by acknowledging the pain, anger, and disappointment that many in our community — particularly our LGBTQ+ partners, allies, and supporters — are feeling. Our mission has always been rooted in creating safety, healing, and support for all children and families, including LGBTQ+ youth and communities.
The decision to cancel the event was not made lightly. It was based on a number of complex factors and concerns, including the potential for the conversation around the event to overshadow our core focus: the children and families we serve. We serve them with compassion, dignity, and respect. We deeply value the support of individuals and groups who share our commitment to building a safer, more inclusive community.
Our events — and those held by others on our behalf — are intended to bring people together in celebration of that mission, never to divide. While harm was never our intent, we recognize that this decision has impacted the trust of many who believed in our commitment to inclusivity. We are committed to promoting a culture where every person who walks through our doors feels welcomed, valued, respected, and accepted — including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
We are listening. We are learning. And we are actively engaging with community partners to understand how we can better live out our values. We remain committed to being a place where all children and families — regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background — feel seen, safe, and supported.
To everyone who has reached out with care, concern, or feedback: thank you. We will continue to show up for the children who need us most, and work together to build a stronger, more inclusive community.”
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