Two Decades of Drag and Still Making a Difference
For two decades, Katu Azzya has been using her talent, personality and quick whit to help countless charities and nonprofit organizations in London and area. Katu has been fundraising and performing under the name Mz. Affra-Tighty since early 2000. After performing and doing some fundraising at Club H20, Katu discovered that “charity work was a calling” and this was something he wanted to focus on. Drag Queens were not widely accepted at this time, and like others, Katu faced a lot of harassment on the way to and from events. This was not going to stop Katu and he recalls that even getting on the bus was nerve-wracking. “Getting aboard a city bus was a test of nerves for sure, but I was more than willing to give people what I thought they richly deserved, a night of me!” Katu got a job working at Club 181 in London as a hostess and worked in the coat check. Mz. Affra-Tighty quickly became a well- known face in London’s LGBT2Q+ communities and Katu used this to help further his fundraising efforts.
OPEN CLOSET A group for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 14-18
Over theyears, Katuhas raised thousandsof dollars for organizations such as the Lupus Foundation, St. Leonard’s Society, Paper Kite Foundation, Forward House, John Gordon Home, BC People With AIDS, Pride London Festival and many more. In 2014, Katu was honoured with the Individual Contribution Award from Pride London Festival, and this year, was recognized by MP Irene Mathyssen, for his years of incredible work in London. Katu continues to be a prominent figure in city, hosting regular events at FitzRays, performing at Lavish Night Club and other venues, and participating in Drag Queen Storytimes. Katu now also spends a lot of time helping and teaching younger drag queens about how to get involved in fundraising and charitable work. Katu’s Grandmother used to say to him, “It’s a privilege to be in someone’s life, not a right.” If you are lucky enough to know Katu, you know that it is a true privilege. Make sure to check out Mz. Affra-Tighty on stage if you get the chance!
7-9 PM at #30-186 King St., London, ON
hivaidsconnection.ca/opencloset @my_opencloset on Instagram
PRIDE Villager
Issue 3 • Fall 2019 Page 14
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