In the summer of 2016, Ana-Syren and the pearlSQUAD were madly prepping for the ManUp: Amateur Hour competition. Ana-Syren looked around at her comrades. Here was a group of talented, beautiful women, who may not get equal chance because of being queer. 'Wouldn't it be amazing if we had our own show? one that celebrated our bodies? A modern burlesque show of queer and trans women... haha coconuts, and bananas!' and Psypher replied 'Hehe, that'd be so Coconutz and Bananas'

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They went on to win the competition, and after months and months of performing, Ana-Syren grew frustrated. Always feeling unwelcome, gawked at, stared at, being approached with lewd questions and sexual advances. No one was there to help her. She needed a safe space. 

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Almost a year after joining the ManUp cast, Ana-Syren joined forces with Kota Gallipeau, a Trans QPOC DJ and Activist, stemming from the Ontario and Quebec Queer communities. Together their passion for safe space and their mutual love for a great time, they created Coconutz & Bananas. Thanks to David Cutting, a leading Vancouver producer in the Queer Community, and Brandon Folkes, Manager of The Odyssey Nightclub, Coconutz & Bananas opened its arms to the public on August 18th, 2017. 

The buzzing event received much media coverage, up to, and following its launch. With articles from Inside Vancouver, VanMag, Daily Hive and so many more. Thanks to the Coconutz and Bananas patrons, also known as pearls, the event seemingly has made a splash and continues to rise and make a presence in the Canadian Queer Community.