Drag entertainment and a free press are both under attack in Florida. One year ago, OutSFL was a fledgling operation and queens were being hidden behind covered fences and blacked out windows.
Now the corner has been turned, and the two powerful entities are joining forces to create a fabulous night and impact lives.
The Inaugural Mz OutSFL Pageant is Saturday, May 18, at Sunshine Cathedral, and will be more than a night of top entertainers, it will make a huge difference in the lives of the next generation of LGBTQ youth.
“The main purpose of the event is to raise scholarship funds for LGBTQ students in South Florida,” OutSFL CEO Justin Wyse said. “The main goal of focusing the fundraising around a pageant is to highlight the drag artist community.”
Queen of Queens Melissa St. John is hosting the night, and the event will benefit the fund. Over the course of her fabulous 40 plus year career, she has raised more than $2 million for various causes, and OutSFL’s pageant will raise money for scholarships.
“I am humbled by the recognition bestowed upon me by OutSFL Newspaper and Magazine. Because of OutSFL's generosity,” she said. “I am further emboldened to work even harder to raise funds for the educational needs of future LGBTQ college students through the scholarship established by OutSFL in my name. If you ask me if I feel love, my answer is simple: yes, I do!”
Wyse says honoring and contributing to her work is an easy decision. “Choosing a Queen of Queens, which is our tribute and honor of the scholarship fund in their name, is a very difficult task as there are many legends throughout South Florida.”
She will be feted by some of her most high profile peers, including Tiffany Fantasia, Athena Dion, Darcel Stevens, and Serena ChaCha.
Co-hosting the night will be Eagle Wilton Manors proprietor, Chuck King. “I feel it’s important to show I support the art of drag, as well as Eagle Wilton Manors. I’m proud to represent, and close the gap for the entire LGBTQ community.”
In all, at least $20,000 will be given out in cash and prizes.
“We hope to raise money to provide three scholarships annually. Our goals are to help bring future leaders to our community through education while creating strong philanthropy values at a young age,” Wyse said.
The night begins at 5:30 with a VIP reception. Doors are at 6:15 with the pageant starting off at 7:00.
Tickets start at $20 for general admission. Premium seating is $50, VIP seats are $90, and Champagne Tables are $500 for four, or $125 per person.
As co-host, King says he will have the best seat in the house. “I’m most looking forward to seeing the queens' performances to compete for the title, as well as entertain the audience between contestants. It will be an incredibly fun evening!”
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