May 7, 2015
The Life Group LA Holds 4th Annual Drag Queen World Series
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 4 MIN.
On Saturday, May 9, the defending champions, The LA Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, are headed back to the softball field to defend their title against The West Hollywood Cheerleaders in the Drag Queen World Series.
"In a time when the HIV epidemic has surpassed its 32nd year and new HIV infections continue to occur on a daily basis, now more than ever we must continue the struggle against HIV/AIDS," said organizers.
This year's color commentary comes from Chico's Angels Freida Laye and Chita Parol. These two heavenly creatures are part of a trio of beautiful and comedic Latina drag queens who make up Chico's Angels, who work for pennies for their unseen boss, Chico! Think a Latino drag queen/Three Stooges version of the '70s series, "Charlie's Angels."
Throughout the day, music will be spun by Celebrity DJ, Eur-O-Steve. This year's food truck time is being made available by Baby's Badass Burgers. There will be super raffle tickets items, including an $8,000 grand prize, a weekend away for up to 16 people at the Famous Harpo Marx Estate in Rancho Mirage, CA.
All money raised at the event will go to The Life Group LA, a coalition of people dedicated to the education, empowerment and emotional support of persons both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS so that they may make informed choices and decisions regarding their healthcare and personal well being.
Drag Queen World Series raises awareness of the fact that the AIDS pandemic is not over and to erase the stigma, and is also an opportunity to raise financial support for The Life Group LA. The group's main goal is to continue providing education and emotional support to persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
"Our goal is to embrace our gay and diverse selves and each other as we are today, as we were born and as we are meant to be," said the LA Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. "Our goal is to share kindness, love and laughter with those we have met, those we meet today and those we will meet tomorrow as a source of personal empowerment and pride. If we can do this while raising money for charity and being our natural fabulous selves, then there is room for YOU to be as fabulous as you are and as you were meant to be."
They compete against the West Hollywood Cheerleaders, founded in 1986. They are a vibrant and enthusiastic organization of volunteers dedicated to addressing social stereotypes and ending the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. In 1998 the group was given an official commendation from the City of West Hollywood as the "Ambassadors of Goodwill and Friendship."
"Our public performances and grassroots support of other HIV/AIDS-based charities has strengthened our role in the community as we continue the fight against HIV and stigma," said the challengers. "Every dollar donated to the West Hollywood Cheerleader's Cheer for Life Fund will be used to educate, empower and amplify HIV/AIDS awareness in our LGBT community."
The West Hollywood Cheerleaders have raised funds for The Life Group LA, APLA, AIDS Walk LA, AIDS LifeCycle, AIDS Service Center, AIDS Assistance Program, Aid for AIDS and Christopher Street West.
The Life Group LA, a 501c 3 non-profit was founded in 2005 and provides free of charge, much needed information and emotional support through medical forums, emotional support groups and the POZ Life Weekend Seminar. All services are offered in a non-judgmental and safe environment with compassion and understanding.
Safety, respect and confidentiality are the cornerstones of Life Group LA's philosophy. It is accomplished by providing trained support group facilitators for emotional support groups and POZ Life Weekend Seminars. These facilitators have been trained in the art of active listening and conduct themselves with empathy and compassion.
"The game is an affirmation of the power of compassion and a demonstration that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things," said organizers.
Life Group LA's 4nd Annual: "Drag Queen World Series" will be held on Saturday May 9, from 1-4 p.m. at Glendale Sports Complex, 2200 Fern Ln Glendale, CA 91208. Tickets cost $10 pre-sale; $15 at door and are on sale now at http://www.dragqueenworldseries.com
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
