Drag artist Trevor Ashley finding marriage equality debate difficult ahead of Barbra Streisand tribute

CELEBRATED performer Trevor Ashley says it is not fair the gay community has to go through the current debate to achieve equal rights and will draw strength from Barbra Streisand — a gay rights supporter — during his latest show.

Trevor Ashley is bringing his new show to the Ensemble Theatre. Picture: John Appleyard

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A BRIGHT rainbow is glowing over the Ensemble Theatre just in time for some special performances.

Celebrated drag artist Trevor Ashley is visiting the venue with his show Barbra and Me, a tribute to La Streisand.

Ashley was thrilled to see the Ensemble’s famous sign take on the colours of the rainbow flag and said he appreciated the support from the community.

But he admitted he was finding the debate on marriage equality difficult.

“Support from the community and businesses is wonderful but it feels like we are still not in the greatest place. I’m certainly not enjoying it,” Ashley said.

“Seeing all the campaign from the ‘no’ side has been awful.”

Ashley is a huge fan of Barbra Streisand. Picture: John Appleyard

The celebrated performer said he didn’t agree with the way the government had approached the issue with a postal survey and was angry the debate was being used as a political football.

He believed the right for couples to marry should just be raised in parliament for a vote.

“It’s not fair that we have to go through this — to have the validity of our own lives voted on by people who have never met me and my friends,” Ashley said.

Streisand is a huge icon in the gay community, thanks to her diva status, hit-filled songbook and movie roles.

Barbra Streisand is an icon in the gay community. Picture: Supplied.

She has been a strong advocate for gay rights for decades.

“Her son (actor Jason Gould) is gay and she’s been a tireless campaigner for a long time before anyone else was doing that,” Ashley said.

“She has always been very proud of her son and has always been very vocal of her support of the LGBTI community.

“She’s been a social and political icon in that way ... she has always spoken out against any kind of treatment of people she thinks is unfair.”

Streisand with her son Jason Gould.

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During the show, Ashley tells stories about Streisand and also sings her classic songs, accompanied by Bev Kennedy.

The pair chose D on’t Rain on My Parade, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers and Evergreen, among many others.

Barbra and Me opens on September 17, with shows until mid-October

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