WHO ARE THEY?

Marisa

(She/They)

Marisa is a mother, event producer, DJ, Drag artist, and award nominated podcaster and founder of Pour Choices Events & Tours.

A proud Jamaican-Canadian creative, Marisa’s work moves at the intersection of culture, community, and joy, centering BIPOC and queer audiences in everything they build.

Born and raised in Brampton, Ontario, Marisa first dreamed of becoming an actress, studying drama through their early life. When life behind the camera called louder than life in front of it, they pivoted to study Media Communications —earning their degree with honours while raising their newborn son during their final year.

After graduating, Marisa relocated to St. Catharines to be closer to family, and eventually launched a career in corporate film and photography. But even as professional success came, a deeper personal journey was unfolding. Growing up in a religious household, Marisa had long repressed their queer identity. Seeking spaces where they could be seen fully, they moved to Toronto, immersing themselves in workshops, events, and the vibrant (but often white, male-dominated) queer nightlife.

Longing for spaces where Black and Brown queer joy could thrive, Marisa took a leap of faith. In 2019, they founded STRAPPED, Toronto’s groundbreaking party series for QTBIPOC communities. With just two weeks of promotion, the first STRAPPED party launched at Club 120, creating a vital space of celebration and belonging that the city was deeply craving.

Marisa’s journey of creation didn't stop there. Returning to St. Catharines, they later founded Pour Choices, a wine-forward event brand offering curated wine tours, paint-and-sip nights, and educational tastings rooted in fun, accessibility, and cultural connection. Through Pour Choices, Marisa brings their love of storytelling, art, and wine together—crafting experiences where people can sip, laugh, learn, and feel at home.

Today, Marisa continues to grow their work at the intersection of creativity and community: championing spaces where BIPOC, queer folks, and families are not just welcomed, but celebrated.

STRAPPED

The first party was back in August 2019. The theme was Leather and Lingerie and with only 2 weeks to plan the party was an overwhelming success. Marisa continued to generate themes that encouraged guests to come out and dress up! A portion of the funds for the events would go back to community members looking for funds to support their gender affirmation-related surgeries. When the pandemic hit Marisa quickly pivoted to creating events online to continue to engage and connect with the community. Outside of creating sold-out events, Marisa makes sure their work also goes back to supporting community. Through event proceeds, they’ve raised countless funds to support gender affirmation surgeries for queer and trans folx in the community. Their activism work includes co-creating an online strip club that raised funds for Maggies Black Sex Workers impacted by the pandemic. They’ve supported the low-barrier vaccine clinics with Maggies Toronto by assisting in booking DJs to promote public health and safety. Marisa cares deeply about making spaces accessible to thecommunity. They continuously find ways to offer free tickets and programming to BIPOC community members low on funds.

DRAG HEALS