Dixie still in coma, friends say
CRIME / 'Neither improved nor worsened': visitors
Marcus McCann / Ottawa / Monday, May 28, 2007
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Friends and fans of Dixie Landers expressed their support for her in the wake of an after-hours bar fight that ended with the Ottawa drag queen in critical condition.

Friends set up a "Dixie Landers — Get Well Soon" group on Facebook, the popular social networking website. There, close friends and family have been posting on a discussion thread set up by Ottawa promoter Doug Muir called "condition update."
RECONSTRUCTING EVENTS. Two officers comb the front patio of Centretown Pub May 26, just hours after the assault.
(Jamie Cashin)


"Monday 8 am: I just spoke with the doctors. [Dixie] has neither improved nor worsened. He has some spontaneous movement, but does not respond to any requests. This is because of the injuries to his brain. The bleeding has ceased but he is still in a coma. Most other injuries to his face and body are secondary and will heal in time with plastic surgery in mind," wrote Iris Hofmann, who identifies as Dixie's mother, in the latest post.


Two groups were created over the weekend, which have already netted 250 members and dozens of messages of support for one of Ottawa's most well known queer personalities.

"You are the fiercest person I know, you are a survivor and you will bounce back from this. You will bounce back and you will use this tragedy to make you stronger.
Victim in stable condition after CP fight


Stay strong sweetness," writes Jessica Blair of Calgary, Alberta.

"Once in awhile someone comes along, [someone] who just naturally makes everyone feel a little happier, a little more alive to life. You've been that someone to many. You give a new perspective on a lot of things, including ourselves," writes Don Graham from Charlottetown, PEI.

Well-wishers are asked not to send flowers until she is moved out of intensive care.
If you have any information about how the paramedics treated those who were injured May 26, call 613.580.2424 x22450. If you would like to file a complaint, e-mail paramedicfeedback@ottawa.ca.
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Reader Comments


 
Hi
I was just wondering how Dixie was doing and if they caught any suspects yet. Has she improved any yet? How is everything going?
Kyle, Orleans Ontario
05/28/07 5:16 PM EST
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Get well soon, Michael
As many who live or have lived in Ottawa, I've known Michael socially for years. He's always such a hoot - and hands-down Ottawa's best drag performer. Now in Toronto, I've had trouble staying on top of developments in this story. I can't find anything in the mainstream press. A few quick questions for Marcus McCann: Are there any suspects in the case? What are the police doing to find the attacker? Why have you chosen not to also provide Dixie Lander's real name, Michael Marcil?
Matthew Pavelich, Toronto Ontario
05/29/07 10:03 AM EST
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No attacker!
This is a response to Matthew from Toronto in saying there was an attacker. There was no attacker! It started out a verbal fight and escallated into what has happened now.
Anonymous, _ Ontario
05/29/07 5:39 PM EST
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Thinking of you down east
As many of you know Dixie first started in the biz down east. Now Living in P.E.I. I have come to know how loved Dixie is to this day, when word spread about this horrible event all of Halifax was shocked and dismayed at what happened. The love and outpouring continues from across the country... Dixie we all love you Especially this Old Dinosaur... My thoughts and prayers are with you. ....Dynasty
Don Graham aka Dynasty, Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
05/29/07 9:27 PM EST
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This is terrible
I met Dixie Landers in Halifax where I was living a few years ago, an amazing person who tells it like it is and one hell of a great performer. I am shocked and angry that this has happened to someone I consider a friend! I hope and pray for Dixie's speedy recovery and that the people who attacked him are found arrested and thrown in jail for a very long time!
John M Gaynes aka Mz Diva D! Divine, London Ontario
05/29/07 11:56 PM EST
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Stop the Violence
Attack or no attack, this is simply sad. Sad is a humble word for such a situation. Fights of any kind are ridiculous and NEVER end well. Whether this person is a Drag Queen or not, they did not deserve to have been put into a coma, let alone have been 'brought down' to the pavement. In our adult years, in our lifetime's day and age, why do we allow this type of violence to still occur on our streets? We as the public must stand up for others (don't you think it's about time we did) and step into these situations, calmly, and try to decelerate the situation. I have witnessed too many incidents where the public have either stood by to watch for the outcome of a violent act, or, have walked by pretending not to notice. We are all people on this earth, every single one of us equal in quality. Whether you be a princess or a drag queen, a lawyer or a street person, we ARE all the same. Dixie, I don't know you, but it doesn't matter. I wish I was there to help at the time and I most definitely will hope for your recovery. Stay strong as your friends say you are; be calm about this situation ... calm and level heads will overcome the violence one day. Best of my wishes to you.
Cynthia (Cindy) Hartwell, Puslinch Ontario
05/30/07 10:40 AM EST
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Not again in the National Capital
I'm wondering how the Ottawa Police and the City of Ottawa are trying to cover this up. Five years ago, I was gay bashed outside of Lookout, lost 6 of my front teeth and I can't even begin to describe how it has changed my life. My Prayers go out to Dixie and I wish her a speedy recovery.
Newly Cyr, Montreal QC
05/30/07 2:02 PM EST
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The real story
I think that the police and everyone that was at this horrible thing should really tell everyone what happened. Everyone thought this was a gay bashing but then you have other people saying it was a verbal fight that got out of hand. And with Dixie in a coma — was that from the fight or was that something that happened after? And the other girl — is she ok? Someone needs to tell all of us what really happened here. It's not fair to Dixie, but it also isnt fair to the other person or people that are involved. And I am sorry if people are mad with what I have to say — I just want the truth.
Anonymous, Kingston Ontario
05/30/07 3:10 PM EST
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Humanity!!
First of all the fact that this happened in a gay bar or straight bar is not the issue (not entirely). It's the fact that someone would do something like this to another person whether provoked or not and that is outrageous. We are all humans and we all have our faults but that does not give someone the right to take the law into their own hands. What kind of a person could do such a thing to a fellow human being. Name calling is one thing, physical violence is another!! We all have to learn to get along....no matter what our sexual orientation or race or anything!! If this were a little child who this happened to, this guy would be found and in jail by now. The fact that this is a grown man should not make any difference. We are all humans and deserve respect and justice. Please come forward now if you know anything (NO MATTER HOW INSIGNIFICANT)...if not your no better than the person who did it!!

I have never met Dixie though I have seen her around from time to time. Always with a smile and always with a laugh. I believe that she will make it though this nightmare with flying colours and she will be stronger than ever!! With so many people caring, rooting and praying for her...how can she not? Hopefully everyone will see this as a learning experience so that something like this never has to happen to another person. So that another mother's heart does not break worrying about her child's life. So that no one has to sit by and watch their brother/sister/friend/whomever fight for their life because someone took matters into their own hands.

I wish Dixie a very speedy recovery. I have nothing but admiration for her. Being a 30 year old gay male myself and knowing what I have gone through in my life and to see what she has done with hers makes me proud. Proud that I can be who I am and face each day with a smile. I still have a ways to go...but if I end up being half the man she is, I know I will be just fine!!

JEM, Ottawa Ontario
05/31/07 12:33 AM EST
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Dixie's Attack
Statement will be recorded via police video interview. E.T.A. 13:00
Donald Theoret, Ottawa Ontario
05/31/07 3:07 AM EST
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no attacker??!
In response to the anonymous comment that there was no attacker, I have a few questions. Why are you hiding who you are? If you were there, have you talked to the police? Or are you relying on hearsay...believe me, as a close family friend, I have heard a lot of the different stories going around. How do you explain the multitude of injuries Michael suffered if nobody touched him, and if somebody did, it is indeed an attack/assault. You don't suffer several broken bones in the face, head and body, internal injuries, and brain damage as a result of a VERBAL altercation.
Lori Bannister, Petawawa Ontario
05/31/07 7:05 AM EST
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Response to Lori.
Lori: if it wasn't for me the police wouldn't have found Mike in the first place. I remain "hidden" because I know this community and if I was to tell you all who I am and that I am friends with the straight couple you would all turn on me. I know how the community works and I am not going to get myself outcasted by you all. Everyone is making it seem like the guy just jumped Dixie. Well THAT is not how it went. Yes I had the police here in my dining room and they taped my whole statement. Therefore when the facts come out on what happened you all will end up owing that straight couple an apology because you are making them out to be these rude people that just hate gays... They are NOT Homophobic they love Cp's, the Edge, Lookout, Touche... They have been to all of them! As for people saying the girl only got a cut on her face, well that is sh*t! She is in surgeries as well to fix her mouth. Someone hit her with a beer bottle and smashed out all her front teeth and broke her jaw. SO don't sit there making yourselves think that the "str8 couple" are fine... They are not. However they still send out their well wishes to Dixie and his Family! I think everyone, myself included, should just leave the police to do their job and get us the REAL facts so that we all know for sure what happened! It's what they do for a living. Thank you for replying to my first comment Lori. I think the other side needed to be put out there.
Anonymous, Ottawa Ontario
05/31/07 3:27 PM EST
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Response to anonymous
To back up the comment made by Lori, regardless of who threw the first punch, someone ending up in the hospital in a coma doesn't just happen because things "escalated"! Obviously the other person/people involved used extreme force on Michael, or else we wouldn't even be having this conversation. What part of this are you having difficulty understanding? The injuries that are being described could have just as easily been fatal, and you're trying to make excuses for the basher!
Alex Adams, Ottawa ON
05/31/07 7:39 PM EST
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Response to anonymous
I am well aware of the injuries suffered by the young woman involved. I never once said anything about the straight couple or that they were fine. I merely commented that the injuries suffered by Mike are not consistent with a verbal altercation or a simple "fall". What they are consistent with is a beating. As others have stated quite well here, NOBODY deserves to be beaten into a coma. I am sorry that the young woman was injured. I am not a cruel person as you may think. It is indeed unfortunate that what may have started as a verbal altercation escallated into what ultimately happened, but unfortunately it did, and while I am sure she has suffered pain and surgeries, she is not in danger of losing her very life. But as you say, the truth will come out. The police are doing their job.
Lori Bannister, Petawawa Ontario
06/01/07 12:50 AM EST
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Godspeed
This is terrible. My prayers to you Dixie, your friends and family. May we come together as a community and do what we can.
Séamus McKenzie-Chapman, Ottawa ON
06/01/07 12:53 AM EST
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Wishing well to DIXIE Landers
DIXIE, I wish you well. We love you here in Ottawa. Whoever did this to you should be jailed. No one deserve to be in a coma for a bar fight. I am sure that there is someone out there who knows something and is not talking. Who ever you are, come forward and start talking. We need answers. There are so many unanswered questions. Please call the police and tell them what you know. This might help solving the problem. It will not take away what happened, however it will help the police to clarify few things. Love you all and god bless you DIXIE.
Francine K, Ottawa Ontario
06/01/07 6:41 AM EST
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Two victims
I am friends with the girl who got hurt in this altercation. And two people were hospitalized in this case, not one. Our friend did not just have a small scratch on her face. She has extensive damage to her face that will cost over $10,000 dollars and a lot of missed work that she depends on to take care of her two small children. Not to mention the emotional damage that she is facing. She is afraid to even take her children to the park. And for what did SHE deserve this for. NOTHING!!! She was walking out of a bar and Dixie hit her in the face with a bottle or cup and then started hitting her. What was her boyfriend to do? Well defend the woman he loves and get Dixie off of her and that's what he did.

Unfortunately after that Dixie was seriously hurt by a fall down the stairs? or because of what? who knows! It does not mean that Dixie was in the right in all this.

You all may be in the right in assuming that Dixie did not get the best care from the EMT and the bar staff but that does not mean that you all have to bash the other innocent girl and the man protecting her that were involved. This was an attack on one person, the girl involved.

I hope that Dixie fully recovers so that he can tell you the truth about the matter. Both my girlfriend and Dixie will BOTH have many challenges to face for the rest of their lives because of this misunderstanding.

Sad to say but true.

Anonymous #2, Ottawa Ontario
06/01/07 10:08 AM EST
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Straight guy was not a "basher"
I think everyone is being stupid. The guy was not a gay basher, Dixie was as Mike that night... Mike her my girlfriend in the face with a bottle then her boyfriend protected her! As for Alex Adams: Ya I am sticking up for them! I have known them for years... You are sticking up for Dixie ( as well as I am). But I need to be there and show my girlfriend and her boyfriend that they have a voice in all this too! My girlfriend has been reading these and calling me crying because she feels like she is being attacked!... and for Lori: Yes, it SUCKS for Mike/Dixie I would NEVER wish that on anyone. My girlfriend wants to go see Mike and talk with him, I have advised her not to until after all the info comes out. She is traumatised by all this and is now seeing a councellor. Again, I am putting all my thoughts and energies in for Mike and as well as my girlfriend. May Mike recover from this without any (noticeable) damage! Thank you for having this discussion with me as well, I feel much better after telling people how our side of it feels.
Anonymous, Ottawa Ontario
06/01/07 12:33 PM EST
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Another Version...
ToBe has a different version of the story — for all you people who keep saying that Dixie/Mike didn't fall down the stairs! People are coming forward and the stories are coming out now!
Anonymous, Ottawa Ontario
06/01/07 12:54 PM EST
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There is no justification
To be honest I am quite disgusted with some of the comments on this page justifying what was done to Michael. Do you really believe there is ANY justification for the vicious injuries inflicted on this man? These injuries are not consistent with a "fall" and to suggest otherwise is an insult to anyone with any intelligence. You believe this girl did nothing? She was not involved in a verbal argument? She was hit for no reason whatsoever? Give me a break. I am not saying that Mike is completely innocent in what went down that night I wasn't there so I don't know but to write and declare this girl and her boyfriend blameless while a man fights for his life and health as a result of of this incident is disgusting and to me a clear indication of the mindset of the type of people who believe that it is ok to use extreme violence to deal with issues. I find it extremely hard to believe that Mike would still be putting them in a position they would need to defend themselves after some of these blows were administered. His face was smashed in, had brain injuries, broken bones and internal injuries. I can accept the feeling that there are two sides to every story but please don't try to justify what happened to this man as something he deserved. No one deserves this, especially not Michael Marcil. The animal or animals that did this deserve serious jail time .
Respondent, Halifax Nova Scotia
06/01/07 3:57 PM EST
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Whatever
Mike hit the girl with a bottle the paper stated, did she deserve that? I don't think so. I know Mike is no Mr Nice Guy when he is in drag, I know that first hand. But mike had this coming to him, also let it be know as it reads in the paper Mike fell down after the fight, poor guy. Hope he gets better soon. Put the blame where it belongs, stop making more drama then there already is.
Mike, Calgary Alberta
06/01/07 5:23 PM EST
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Proving my point-response to Mike
Thanx for proving my point. He had it coming? It is people like you and statements like that make this world a scary place to live in. No, the girl should not have been hit in the face with a bottle. Violence is not an answer, but in order to defend his girlfriend this guy had to almost kill a man? The one to blame is the person or people who beat him till his brain was swollen and his face broken. He wasn't in drag for one, and the paper also states that he didn't fall. It also says his doctors (you know the people who know about these things) said he was beaten. Make more drama? The guy is fighting for his life and may be permanently brain damaged. No one is "creating drama." It is a crime to try to kill someone. It is a crime to beat someone until without medical intervention they will die. At some point this stopped being self defense (if that is your argument) and became an assault. You don't get to do that because someone pissed you off, or injured your girlfriend. That's why there are laws out there. Have you read the first hand witness accounts of this? or do you just pick and choose the facts you like because you know him and "he had it coming."
Respondent, Halifax Nova Scotia
06/01/07 6:11 PM EST
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Justification
It saddens me to see how people try to justify that Dixie deserved it. To all the anonymous entries-friends of the "victims"-does what Dixie did deserve that he be beaten to a pulp and hanging on to life? There are two sides to every story, but no one deserves to be lying in a semi conscious state clinging to life. I hope that the man that did this lives with what he did for the rest of his being. As for the girl involved, I am unsure if the "attack" was provoked. I find it hard to believe that Dixie would just take a bottle and smash it in her face-but weirder things have happened.
Anonymous, Ottawa Ontario
06/01/07 6:49 PM EST
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Hi
It's not fair for the one that is still not doing well. Poor Dixie had to go through what she went through. Dixie is a bright smart beautiul drag queen and she wouldn't hurt anyone. She's a great person with a great heart and she's a bitch of a drag queen. My thoughts are with Micheal's family/friends.
Kyle Mayhew, Orleans Ontario
06/01/07 9:42 PM EST
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response to Mike
As every logical, thinking adult knows, there are indeed two sides to every story. I have made a few comments here, but no JUDGMENTS as I do not yet know the whole story for certain and I was not there when the incident occurred. However, your comment was truly the first one on this string to make me truly angry. What kind of person are you to say that Mike had this coming?? Yes, in drag, he can be catty, he can be a bitch, he has attitude. Show me a Queen that doesn't. EVERYBODY, gay or straight, Queen or not, has said things or shown attitude or done something somebody doesn't like at some point in their life. Does that mean that somebody is justified to do the same thing to any of us that has happened to Mike/Dixie? Also, you stated that it was in the paper that Mike hit the young woman and that it was a fall. Since I obviously can't read every article published by every media source, could you tell me where I might find this, as I am indeed interested to see this article myself first hand. I don't recall any of the articles I have read so far saying this. In closing, I am going to continue to wait until the public meeting in a few days to see what the police have to say. They are really the ONLY ones that have been speaking to everyone from all sides and are piecing together what actually happened. Hopefully they will be able to put an end to the gossip and rumours and let us all know what really did occur. For now, I continue to send love, support and positive energy to Mike/Dixie and his entire extended family.
Lori Bannister, Petawawa Ontario
06/02/07 6:56 AM EST
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How about this...
Three drunk people behaved badly that that night and two of them have long painful recoveries ahead of them. The person in the coma could just have easily have been the woman that night if she had fallen differently. She now has to have a plate in her jaw and has a dental bill exceeding $10 000 so far from Dixie's attack. If everyone was a little more sober that night and had a little more restraint this whole thing would have been avoided. No one deserves to be beaten like that. Not Dixie, nor the woman.
M, Ottawa ON
06/02/07 4:35 PM EST
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Stop bashing Michael
Stop Bashing Michael! He doesn't deserve your criticism. He is the truest person I know. If you have something to say about the incident, say it to the police: 613-236-1222 ext 5010 . Stop causing a ruckus about details you are too cowardly to tell the authorities.

WSL

WSL, Ottawa Ontario
06/02/07 7:45 PM EST
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Get well soon
Thinking of you from Toronto. Get well Soon. I am trying to get down to see you soon.
David (aka Charlene Landers), Toronto Ontario
06/04/07 6:56 PM EST
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I don't know you, but...
much love to all concerned.
M.L., London England
06/05/07 8:55 AM EST
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Good old days
Lets go back to the good old days when straight people went to straight bars and gay people went to gay bars. Gay bars have become a place of entertainment for straights and are no longer a safe place for gays and lesbians to meet people and have drinks with friends. At least that is the way it is here in London.
M.L., London England
06/05/07 9:05 AM EST
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Unacceptable force
We have known Dixie for some time and consider her a friend. Don't know what prompted the altercation, were not there to witness what happened and are totally against this type of violence at the best of times. Nothing justifies beating the hell out of anyone. The terms straight and gay have been bantered around from the start in this case. My anger is with the violence itself. No one deserves a broken jaw and certainly no one can justify putting another person into the hospital in a coma that can endanger his life or most likely cause permanent physical damage for life. Dixie we are praying for you daily, love Shanna and Fred
Tom and Fred, Carp Ontario
06/05/07 9:43 AM EST
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Dixie trix
I don't know what to say? I am kinda shocked and hurt by all of this information about Dixie. I really hope they find the person who has done this and I wish Dixie the very best get well wishes. I just celebrated gay pride day here in Boston and then I hear this... sorry, I have to gather myself before I can say any more. From your friend ROBYX Hagen.
Rob Hagen, Boston MA
06/10/07 4:44 AM EST
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MAKES ME SICK!!
I have been at the hosptial with mike/dixie mom execpt that past coulple days!! I cant believen all the bull shit thats going on on here and every where else!! Number 1 the people that where all there and did not try to stop this or go get someone too help makes me sick!! You could have tryed but he ended up with every bone in his face broken, his brain know 3 weeks later is still swollen , broken ribs and theres was even more (the rest is just for close friends or family to now) For you people talking on here about the girl porr her and stuff!! Ok i understand sticking up for your girlfriend but to beat someone up to the point almost to DEAD is fucking retarted and makes me sick MIKE is still in trauma and will be there for a while and the to a rehab place for a couple months AND FALLING DOWN THE STAIRS DID NOT DO MUCH TO WHAT WAS ALREADY DONE!!!
KEVIN, OTTAWA ONTARIO
06/16/07 8:30 PM EST
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This needs to stop
Listen no dixie did not derserve what happen to her but does anybody know what really happenned.Everyone that witness this altercation are Dixies friends and if she was in the wrong nobody would say so. Dixie you need to tell people what really happenned that night. Alcohol does not bring out the best in people. If you can't drink and be happy then Idon't think people should drink at all.From what Ican see and hear its only Dixies side of the story that came out I haven't heard one thing in the paper about the others that were involve there side of the story has not been told.Maybe everybody should listen to both sides of the story before judging. Ihope dixie fully recovers from her injuries. Best wishes
anonymous, Ottawa Ontario
06/30/07 11:17 PM EST
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