The Kennesaw State University Pride Alliance organization held its 9th Annual Charity Drag Show Thursday, March 17 and raised $1,175.50 for Lost-n-Found, Atlanta’s only not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.
The show started off strong as host Lewis Bello, better known for the evening as Doggy Styles, performed the first number of the evening. Bello’s performance was quickly followed by KSU’s own Scrappy the Owl dancing to Lady Gaga’s song, “Born This Way.” Other performers included Ellie Dee, Mousey Violence, Matte Blac, M. Alice, Evelina, Princess Geneauxxxvia, Peaches Galore, Slay Bell, The Star Child, and Miss Sheila.
The evening continued and the audience cheered as each performer danced across the stage. Each performer was encouraged as dollar bills were thrown on to the stage. The bills, typically $1 and $5, were gathered in buckets by volunteers after each performance to be counted behind stage.
“Being able to help create this show and work with such a creative and diverse group of performers was a complete blast,” Blair Raftary, chair of marketing and public relations for Kennesaw Pride Alliance, said. “I’m glad that KSU has been willing to let KPA bring the art of drag to campus for the past nine years.”
The auditorium on KSU’s Marietta campus was packed with fellow students and family members of the performers. The audience was encouraged to participate as t-shirts were thrown into the crowd, and audience members were brought on stage to participate in different activities. The first activity had three audience members put on wigs, pick a drag name, and dance in front of the crowd.
During a break between performances, Rick Westbrook, founder of Lost-n-Found, took the stage.
“It does an old queen good to see all of you students out here,” Westbrook said. “We’ve come a long way. We’ve gone from seeing 25 kids to 300 kids. Lost-n-Found will be here for as long as it takes.”
Lost-n-Found was founded by Rick Westbrook, Art Izzard, and Paul Swicord in 2011. All three founders experienced being turned away when trying to help lesbian, gay, bi and transgender youth into local shelters and youth aid programs. Lost-n-Found is available 24/7 and offers assistance with emergency housing, emergency clothing and food, mental health evaluations, educational resources and more.
Westbrook commented on how happy he was to see a place where students can express their creativity and be themselves. He also mentioned the importance of helping others. “If you see someone being picked on, say something because it’s not alright,” Westbrook said.
The proceeds of the 9th Annual Charity Drag Show will help Lost-n-Found keep providing services to Atlanta youth in need. Lost-n-Found also runs a thrift and consignment store with all proceeds benefiting Lost-n-Found’s mission to end LGBTQ youth homelessness in Atlanta.
Kennesaw Pride Alliance encourages all students to join the organization or even just attend the event next year as it will be the 10th Annual Charity Drag Show. KPA meets every other Tuesday in the English Building, but for more information visit https://owllife.kennesaw.edu/organization/KPA.
