Local Leaders to Perform in Drag Fundraiser for LGBTQ+ Causes
Inaugural ‘Drag Me Out’ Event Debuts at Lismore Hotel to Benefit Local LGBTQ+ Initiatives
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is set to host an extraordinary event with the debut of “Drag Me Out”—a drag performance night featuring local leaders and community figures donning flamboyant wigs and heels to raise funds for LGBTQ+ causes. Scheduled for Saturday, November 15th at the Lismore Hotel, this inaugural event aims to foster acceptance, challenge stigmas, and support invaluable local and national LGBTQ+ resources.
A Night of Fun and Acceptance
Participants in “Drag Me Out” will step out of their usual personas, transformed through the guidance of experienced drag performers to deliver a show that prioritizes fun, acceptance, and the art of drag itself. The event’s proceeds have been earmarked for two significant beneficiaries: The Trevor Project, renowned for its nationwide suicide prevention and crisis intervention efforts aimed at LGBTQ+ youth, and the Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center, which plans to expand its free clothing closet and lending library services with the funds.
Local organizer and drag performer Travis Gorell, also known as Khloe Wold, equates the event’s spectacle to popular pop star concerts. “People often misunderstand what drag is about—they’ve attached so many stigmas to it. In reality, it’s all about entertainment, like any concert or live performance, offering a unique blend of sparkle, lights, and laughter,” he explained.
Emphasizing Community and Connection
Chance Smith, who has been instrumental in organizing the event, highlights the excitement brewing among the participants. “They’re putting in hard work, many of them walking in heels for the first time. The energy is palpable; although there’s a bit of nervousness, it’s being overshadowed by the thrill of offering something memorable,” Smith mentioned.
The Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Executive Director, Kayla Johnson, underscores the importance of these initiatives for local residents feeling isolated. “We’ve heard from individuals across the counties who yearn for meaningful connections and support. Our space and events like ‘Drag Me Out’ stand to tell them they’re not alone, and they have allies to lean on,” she shared.
Tickets and Event Details
Open to attendees aged 18 and older, “Drag Me Out” begins at 6 p.m., promising an evening of whimsical performances, community spirit, and vital support for important causes. Tickets are available through Volume One Tickets, offering an opportunity for residents to participate in a powerful evening of advocacy blended with entertainment.
Addressing Broader Issues
The Eau Claire community’s initiative comes amid a climate of changing perceptions and ongoing discussions around LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. By holding such an event, local leaders intend to normalize and celebrate drag culture as a form of art and expression, especially in areas where it may still be misunderstood.
Past events within the community have similarly sought to bridge gaps in understanding and acceptance. The Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center has previously organized workshops and community meet-ups aimed at reducing isolation and encouraging dialog among diverse groups, which served as a precursor to the ambitious “Drag Me Out”.
Potential for Long-Term Impact
More than just an evening of performances, the potential long-term impacts of “Drag Me Out” are profound. By openly supporting drag culture and LGBTQ+ initiatives, Eau Claire positions itself as a progressive player in regional and state conversations surrounding inclusion and equality. This could set a precedent for other communities in Wisconsin to follow suit, igniting a ripple effect through visible, actionable support.
Community members have responded positively, with local businesses and organizations expressing interest in continued partnerships to further these causes. In the coming months, the momentum from “Drag Me Out” could translate into additional programming and events, creating a sustained environment of acceptance and celebration.
Balanced Perspectives and Continuing Dialog
While the majority embrace the event’s purpose and its mission, organizers acknowledge the varying perspectives within the community. Addressing concerns around public perception, community leaders advocate for dialog. By maintaining transparency and open communication, they aim to include varied opinions in shaping the future of local LGBTQ+ advocacy.
For residents seeking more details on the event, local ticket information is available at volumeonetickets.org. Additionally, those interested in supporting or volunteering with the Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center can visit their website or contact them directly for further information.
In essence, “Drag Me Out” emboldens Eau Claire to envision a more inclusive, vibrant community, where acceptance is celebrated, and diversity acknowledged. It’s a story of change led by local impact—an example of what dedicated residents can achieve when they unite for the common interest of their community.
