It sounds like the premise for an improv skit on the show he helped make famous.
Comedian and "Whose Line is it Anyway?" star Colin Mochrie made the trip to North Bay because he wanted to take part in the virtual Pride performances — in person.
As Mochrie reclined in a chair on the Capitol Centre stage Sunday, he took questions from the event's hosts, STR8 Talk's Lady Rae Vyn and Geri Atrick. Mochrie, ever the wizard of improvisation, looked as comfortable in conversation on topics that are mostly new in the last few years to his family.
"My daughter came out three years ago...I've never used the word 'journey' so much in my life," said Mochrie. "She started off as a boy and became a woman."
Jason Maclennan, North Bay Pride's media coordinator says there is no better way to describe Mochrie than "gracious." He says, over lunch, and while Mochrie was on stage, the Canadian icon could not have been easier to work with. Whether sharing aspects of his daughter Kinley's journey or taking cues from the show's hosts, Mochrie was clearly there to contribute, listen, and learn.
Maclennan says he is pleased how the entire weekend, capped with the Mochrie appearance, went. The re-scheduled North Bay Pride weekend celebrations also featured performances from Mackenzie Drive, Logan Staats, and Saturday headliner Bif Naked, plus a local talent show and other virtual activities.
He says the North Bay Pride event views eclipsed 10,000 before the weekend was through. Comments of support — and not one negative trolling remark, Maclennan notes — from as far away as Yukon makes him feel the local Pride movement has risen to a position where it can help smaller, grassroots movements organize and get off the ground.
See related story: More to Pride Week than just virtual concerts
"Pride is truly for everyone," observes Maclennan. "It goes from an ally, a parent, to people who are part of the community. How else do you learn if you don't get together? Pride is still a protest, it's about equality. But, if it's good for the community, we all win."
Mochrie, in speaking about his own journey supporting his daughter, said, "I've just learned so much about everything. She's just recently had her surgery and she is the happiest gal in the world."
He added, "We're really proud of her."
