Our best event ever.

That’s how one of our attendees described What A Drag! show and fundraiser presented by Rae’s RBar and Grill and Haus of Fatale as people were leaving Sept. 14. While I will biasly say all of our events are the best ever, it’s difficult to argue What A Drag! isn’t in a category by itself.

After all, it took the work of many people with their talents, resources and giving hearts to ensure the success of this event. Simply it doesn’t happen without our very talented and beautiful MC Kara Foxx-Paris, Aries Fatale and Luiz Fatale, who invited the entertainers to perform, Super Taco’s delicious food, and an anniversary cake from one of our best allies.

That cake was in honor of the HLEC turning 2 years old! And it was yummy!

No words can express our deep appreciation to Rae’s RBar and Grill, entities that loaned us products, and our very generous donors in paying for all the things associated with presenting an event of this magnitude.

And while it’s true this show doesn’t happen without all those listed above, I’d be remised if the performers and our attendees weren’t mentioned.

The entertainers were fabulous in their costumes and numbers. Kara got the crowd pumped and the performers took it from there. Their song selections and dance moves were superb! They have a deep place in the hearts of our board members, and we’re so honored they made the time in their schedules to help the HLEC.

Our volunteers who set up, cleaned up and tore down the room have my deep appreciation. They arrived early and stayed late and never complained of the behind-the-scenes work they did that went unnoticed because there wasn’t an issue.

And finally my eternal gratitude to each and every audience member. You came ready to have a good time. You sang. You sashayed. You gave tips to the performers. And you ensured other LGBTQ members and allies will have a better understanding of our community because you bought a ticket to help pay for our curriculum. Saying thank you doesn’t seem enough.

Following the show, one of our attendees told us that a friend of theirs doesn’t have an affirming family. But that friend found acceptance and love at What A Drag! They saw people like themselves, who aren’t ashamed to be who they are. They discovered a place where they’re encouraged to be proud. And they realized that it’s possible to have the life they want because they saw couples and other people with dates who identify in many ways. They left encouraged and filled with hope that their life will only get better.

That’s why we have the HLEC — to help people live the lives they want without shame, without fear and without apologizing for who they are. That was evident when Kara asked our song master to play “We Are Family” and led the entire room in a dance and sing-along. And everyone participated.

So thank you from the very bottom of my heart. Thank you for attending our event, for supporting the HLEC’s work, and for being who you are. No words can describe how much you all mean to me.

That’s what makes each of you the best.