“Whether it be the stigma of HIV status, sexual orientation, social status, age, gender or race,” said Sister Wendy Yugitov of the Music City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (MCS), “we are all meant to be loved equally.” H8’s a Drag is just one way the MCS have been spreading and reinforcing that message over the last few years.
For those of you who don’t know, H8’s a Drag is a drag extravaganza hosted by the MCS to raise money to fund the organization’s Youth Grant Fund. Money from the Youth Grant Fund has benefited organizations serving at-risk youth, such as GLSEN Middle Tennessee, Bully-Free Tennessee, and the Oasis Center/Just Us.
According to the MCS, “LGBTQI Youth are the future of our community… they deserve to be safe to explore, grow, and live without fear. [At this event] we will showcase and celebrate success in the wake of obstacles, and raise support for our local groups to eradicate hate crimes and bullying in our LGBTQI youth population.”
This resonates with what Sister Faegala told O&AN through her big sister during the event’s first year: “Since moving to Tennessee four years ago, I continue to find young questioning individuals reaching out to me. It became instantly clear that my ministry with my Music City Sisters must be with our children who struggle. They deserve to be safe and enjoy all the abundance, health and joy in the world. I believe together we can be a source of light and love for them.”
In addition to raising funds, H8’s a Drag also provides local organizations to share their work with a wider community. During the event, representatives from groups such as GLSEN, The Oasis Center, and Launch Pad will be on hand to provide more information about some of the opportunities available to help in our community.
“H8’s a Drag,” said Pam Sheffer of the OASIS Center, “is one of those very special events that everyone has a blast experiencing, which at the same time raises much needed money for LGBT focused programming and services within the greater Nashville Area. As one of the recipients of the past grants funded by this event, the Just Us program has been able to provide much needed programs and services to LGBT high school students throughout Middle TN and more specifically to the growing number of trans identified youth with the T.Y.M.E. program (Trans Youth Meet to Empower).”
So, now that MCS’s H8’s a Drag is now in its fourth year, what can we expect this time around? “This is our 4th Annual production of H8s a Drag,” said Sister Wendy in a statement, “and we are excited to showcase some of Nashville's own amazing talent this year.” In other words, a sick’ning showcase of local talent sure to please the discriminating drag aficionados of Nashville! This year’s show is headlined by the Princess, and features Chyna, Vanity, Veronica Electronica, Paige Turner, and Ryleigh St. James.
The MCS also announced that they will again be holding their 3rd Annual Stomp H8 Prom for LGBTQI youth the following night, Saturday, April 18th at Belmont United Methodist Church. “We would like to thank the Reconciliation Board of Belmont UMC,” Sister Wendy’s statement said, “for offering this place of love and acceptance where teens can come and experience a dance where they can be themselves with no fear of guilt or shame.”
Come out and support the work of Nashville’s MCS, and through them the youth of our city. As Pam Sheffer said, ““The Music City Sisters are the epitome of selfless community partners who are successfully utilizing their strength of agency to create the change they seek to see in Nashville.”
SCHEDULE (at Play Dance Bar, Nashville):
7–8:00 p.m.— VIP Champagne Reception. $25.00. Meet and network with local LGBTQI community leaders, and greet our guest performers, with photo ops by Sid Niazi and music and video entertainment by DJ RON! Admission includes a drink ticket, meet & greet and priority seating. Cash bar open.
8–8:55 p.m.—General Admission. $10.00. Come early and get a good spot! Photos, music and video entertainment continue. Cash bar.
9–10:30 p.m.—The SHOW! In addition to talented guest entertainers, Music City Sisters will also perform!
Pre-Sale Tickets are available now for both VIP and General Admission via PayPal on the Music City Sisters website www.musiccitysisters.org. Tickets will also be available the night of the event at the door.