WeHo Cheer: Drag Queens on a Mission to Fight HIV

They aren’t just drag queens, they’re drag queens on a mission.

“In all of our silliness, if we can make somebody somewhere more comfortable with who they are as a gay person, our mission is accomplished,” said Nicklaus Fox (aka Helen Back), captain of the West Hollywood Cheerleaders, aka WeHo Cheer.

The group takes its dance and cheer routines to events such as Pride parades, AIDS Walk Los Angeles and the AIDS/LifeCycle closing ceremony. To get a taste of its style, check out its get out the vote video.

Though the group’s sense of humor is clear, its members are serious about their mission: fighting the stigma associated with HIV infection and AIDS and raising awareness about it. The group was founded in 1986, at the peak of the AIDS crisis, Fox said. It was meant to bring some cheer to the AIDS hospital wards where many were dying.

Today, the group focuses on education, outreach and community service. Fox said it wants to spread the message that people should get tested and know their status. For those who are HIV-positive, Fox said, the group talks about medical approaches to treatment. The cheerleaders also raise money for their own programs and for other organizations working to fight HIV; last year, Fox said, they raised $22,000.

If you’re interested in becoming a WeHo Cheerleader, it’s time to break out the pom-poms because 2014 tryouts take place from 7-9 p.m. on Feb. 19 in West Hollywood Park on San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica and Melrose. An interest in community service is more important that dance or cheer (or drag) experience, Fox said. Squad members are asked to make a one-year commitment to the group. During that time, there are several mandatory events (such as Pride parades) and practice sessions. More information is available online.

Not ready to commit? There are other ways to connect with WeHo Cheer. The group will be holding a roller skating fundraiser for The Life Group LA on Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Moonlight Rollerway, 5110 San Fernando Rd., Glendale. Admission is $15, which covers skate rental and the chance to couples skate with your favorite WeHo Cheer member.

WeHo Cheer also is collaborating with Life Group LA to present a free, day-long HIV workshop called “Get Your Sexy Back” on March 1 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information about the workshop, call 888-208-8081 or email [email protected].

If all that’s not enough to get you jumping and cheering for joy, stay tuned for the “drag queen world series” which will see WeHo Cheer take on the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in a softball game on Saturday, May 10. (Additional game details are not yet available.)