She’s back!
And which “she” might that be, you ask? Well, where do we start?
Miss Florida Lexi Pro (Antonio Martinez), Miss Louisiana Joan Crawfish (Ricardo Ferrise), Miss New York Anita Tony (Joshua Skidmore), Miss Pennsylvania Soanna Quilt (Joey Gyondla), Miss Texas Dawn Renae Glamzi (Peter Korth) and Miss Washington Rachel Profiling (Chuck Jones) — all will be on stage at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday night for the annual “Best in Drag Show.”
The show got its start in 1989 when Alexis Pittman and some friends in his West Hollywood living room came up with what they then called the “Battle for the Tiara.” That event raised $400 from 20 people. Now it has grown and, since 2003, “Best in Drag” has raised over $4 million for “Aid for AIDS,” a program of the Alliance for Housing and Healing. All of the proceeds “Best in Drag” go to help prevent homelessness and hunger for men, women, children and families living with HIV/AIDS throughout Los Angeles County.
Alliance for Housing and Healing says it sees housing “as a structural intervention against the spread of HIV/AIDS and as a platform for healthcare, and (is) passionate about providing a broad continuum of high-quality care to those living with HIV/AIDS that reinforces residential stability. Whether a group residence with 24/7 care for those who are too ill to live on their own, safe subsidized apartments for individuals and families with a second diagnosis, or emergency financial assistance to pay rent and utility bills for those who are facing eviction and homelessness, Alliance for Housing and Healing is dedicated to improving outcomes for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County.”
The curtain opens for Sunday’s show at 7 p.m. and there will be a pre-show party beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets, few of which are still available, can be purchased online.
