WHO ARE THEY?

Marisa

(They/Them)

Marisa a mother, event producer, DJ, Drag artist, and award nominated podcaster.

Growing up in Brampton, Ontario; Marisa always had dreams of making it to Hollywood as an actress. After years of studying acting without much success they explored the idea of being behind the camera instead. Leaving this passion behind, they pivoted and began to study Media Communcations at the University of Guelph-Humber. Marisa’s life took an exciting new turn when they gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby boy in their final year. After graduating with honors Marisa moved to St. Catharines to be closer to family.

A year of mothering later, Marisa felt it was time to get back to their their career goals so they could provide for their child. After many interviews and heartbreaking rejections they finally quickly went on to pursue a career in corporate film and photography. Once settled into their career and parenthood Marisa spent more time getting to understand their personal identity in relation to their queerness. Coming from a religious background their sexuality was very repressed. Marisa desperately wanted to find community. At the time Toronto was the only place they’d see queerness so boldly celebrated. They took a leap of faith and moved into the big city without knowing anyone.

They’d attend events and workshops to find people they could connect with. They began to notice that many of the queer spaces were white and male dominated. They wanted to be in community with people who looked like them and loved like them. After the last Lesbian Bar in Toronto closed, they felt incredibly lonely and disheartned, they decided it was time to take initiative. They reached out to Club 120 and with only 2 weeks to promote it; Marisa created the first STRAPPED party on August 16th, 2019.

DJ MIRASS

(pronounced ME - ross) is here to make you move! This Non-Binary DJ mixes musical genres to inspire! After years of working as an event producer for parties across the city DJ Mirass has had the opportunity to work up-close-and-personal with some of Toronto’s top DJ’s. As a second generation Jamaican, Mirass draws inspiration from their roots. Listen close! Mirass loves to challenge what you hear by adding a twist to your favorite top 40s. You can always expect to hear afrobeat mashups, dancehall classics, with a gentle dash of soca and reggaeton. So what are you waiting for? Go on a musical journey with DJ Mirass!

Black queer femmes in lingerie dancing in a dark nightclub

STRAPPED

The first party 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 affirmationsurgeries 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.

DATE WITH DADDY PODCAST

Made in collaboration with EditAud.io, Marisa Grant, shares an indulgent experience on Date With Daddy—an interactive podcast. In 2022 the podcast was nominated for an Ambie Award for Best Performer In Audio Fiction. Marisa takes listeners on a series of dates as Daddy. Both Daddy and the listener explore and learn more about themselves. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Listen Now!

BUSTER HIGHMAN

is the Jamaican Drag King of your dreams! Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Buster brings his caribbean flavour to the Drag King world! He made his big debut when he was featured on Whattaweekend’s first season of Drag Me King! This lova man is looking for a way into your heart. His sweet charm and smooth moves will sweep you off your feet! You can also catch Buster and learn more about his journey into drag on Season 3 of Drag Heals!

DRAG HEALS

Drag Heals is a hybrid stage workshop and documentary TV series that follows eight drag artists over an intensive ten day workshop to build their own show. In each workshop, a guest coach joins stage director Tracey Erin Smith in exploring soul-deep story sharing techniques as well as the unique talents and skills required from a drag performer.