Queens ruled the night and LGBTQ youth benefitted. People packed the Crystal Ballroom Sept. 30 to support Julian’s Fountain of Youth (JFOY) and Wilton Collective for the 12th Reverse Quinceañera (RQ).

“It was truly a spectacular evening and, based on the responses, we certainly hit it out of the park this year,” Julian Cavazos said.

Cavazos runs JFOY and Wilton Collective, which are dedicated to helping LGBTQ youth. He came up with the idea of the RQ when he was preparing for his 51st birthday, the “reverse” age of a traditional quinceañera, which is 15.

The organizations work to help LGBTQ youth form a community and learn life skills. Many are employed at the shop, and each year Cavazos takes a group to Gay Days in Orlando and camp. Local personality FayWhat?! hosted for a second year and was blown away.

“Julian loves these kids and it shows,” she said.

Two major presentations highlighted the night. First was the latest installment of a telenovela featuring Myrna, who’s always looking for love but never quite closes the deal. But this year there was a twist: a pregnancy!

“Myrna had her baby and little Oscar was born. Everybody got to see that incredible telenovela,” Fay said.

But that was just the warm-up. Next came a drag competition featuring six fierce queens.

“Holy moly, they all brought their A game,” Cavazos said. “Based on the tips and audience being up on their feet several times throughout the evening, I’d say they all came to slay.”

In the end, Kimberly Venom won the night with her final number featuring a three wig reveal. Fay was watching it all and was blown away. 

“It was super exciting and incredibly fun. I was on the edge of my seat the whole night. I think I almost peed myself a couple of times because the performances were just so good.”

Venom took home the $1,000 top prize, which should go a long way towards replenishing her wig fund.