“RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Latrice Royale is bringing her talents back to where her drag career began over 30 years ago.
As a featured performer in the CODE RED Fundraiser, Royale said she’s excited to give back to the community that lifted her up from the start.
“Anytime I have a chance to do something for the community and at home, I'm gay, so I try to show up for the occasion and for the assignment,” Royale said. “So I'm excited about being there and hopefully make a bold splash and turn up in my hometown.”
The fundraiser, presented by the Rapha Center and Hunters Nightclubs, will feature live performances, cocktails and awards given to those who have made major contributions to the community.
It will be held at Hunters Nightclubs from 6:30-10:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. Tickets are now $100 and will go up to $125 on Nov. 23. Other performers include Jonathan Casanas, LeNora Jaye and Franser Pazos.
CODE RED aims to raise awareness surrounding the HIV epidemic and raise vital funds for health and wellness services in the community.
Royale first appeared on the fourth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and placed fourth while winning the show’s “Miss Congeniality” award. She returned on the show’s first and fourth “All Stars” seasons.
Royale also joined the fourth season of HBO’s “We’re Here.” The show follows famous queens visiting small towns to support LGBTQ people and spread the art of drag.
She said her act at the fundraiser will lean into her signature performance style.
“You always know that I’m going to take people on a journey, tear down the house, and it’s gonna be high energy in whatever I do,” Royale said. “It’ll be turned up and turned out.”
With her many accolades and increasing popularity, Royale said her younger self never imagined she’d land where she is today.
“I never saw this future for me, but I'm glad it's here, and I'm glad I’ve arrived, and I love where I'm going,” she said. “But just being true to myself, really believing in myself and loving myself enough to know that I was destined for greatness, that's what kept me on course.”
As a beloved drag icon, Royale said it’s more crucial than ever for her to use her voice to uplift and advocate for resources in the community –– especially in her hometown.
“It's just important to always show up. Like any great cause that deserves to be amplified, I do my best to be there to lend my voice. I don't perform a lot at home … but when I am able to be there for my community in particular, it's very, very special.”
