Tynomi Banks, iconic Toronto-based Drag Entertainer and Canada’s Drag Race alum is honouring Black History Month by partnering with Black Lives Matter – Canada to create an exclusive line of merchandise in support of raising awareness for the organization.

For the entire month of February, a portion of the proceeds from this collection are being donated to dismantle all forms of anti-Black racism, liberate Blackness, support Black healing, affirm Black existence, and create freedom to love and self-determine.

The merchandise, which includes t-shirts and hoodies, is designed by up-and-coming Black artist, Sydney Mia Gittens and based on Banks’ Black Lives Matter outfit (above) by costume designer Benjamin Toner.

“I’m very honoured to partner with Black Lives Matter – Canada and do my part in spreading awareness of racism. Black History Month has always meant so much to me and I have tried to use my voice to talk about the BLM movement and amplify other voices with similar messages. My hope is that this collection will be both meaningful and stylish to raise even more awareness during this important month.”
– Tynomi Banks

“We are thrilled to be partnering with drag legend and Canadian icon Tynomi Banks. Black Lives Matter — Canada was founded on and is built from the vision and labour of Black queer and trans individuals and communities; working with our community is at the core of what we do. All funds received by us will go directly to our community initiatives. We welcome this opportunity to collaborate with Tynomi to raise awareness for our movement and to proudly state: Black Trans Lives Matter! Black Queer Lives Matter! All.Black.Lives.Matter!”  – Black Lives Matter – Canada

To donate directly to Black Lives Matter – Canada, go to blacklivesmatter.ca.

To view Tynomi’s full collection, click here.

With over a decade of experience, Tynomi Banks is a world-renowned Drag Entertainer. Recognized best for her full production performances, Banks dominates the stage while radiating a powerful, but playful energy, which she proved for a worldwide audience on the first season of the international hit series, Canada’s Drag Race. Banks was the first Drag Entertainer to perform in Toronto’s Dundas Square during World Pride 2014 and has worked with Sephora, Shoppers Beauty, Amazon, Netflix, Crest, and Ikea. She was also the first Drag Entertainer to work with Hudson’s Bay Company and appear at the Canadian Screen Awards. Regularly impersonating icons like Whitney Houston and Beyoncé, she combines costumes, choreography with dancers, and upbeat pop numbers to each of her shows.

Black Lives Matter – Canada is the Canadian arm of #BlackLivesMatter, a global movement and platform for Black organizing and activism, and to combat anti-Black racism. Black Lives Matter — Canada supports a network of chapters all across the country, through resource development, research & policy, and operating the Wildseed Centre for Art & Activism.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.