The live-singing, charity drag performance troupe, the Kiki Queens awarded its first beneficiary, Project Fierce Chicago, with a $3,311 check from funds raised at its premier show, The Pansy Parade, which was held recently.
"When Kiki Queens researched which local organizations to support, Project Fierce stood out," said Kyle Hadley, a Kiki Queen drag performer who goes by the stage name Nita Bevy.
Project Fierce Chicago ( PFC ) is dedicated to providing housing to LGBTQ youth. The nonprofit purchased a nine-bedroom house in North Lawndale in 2015 and is aiming for December to open the transitional housing program.
"Their volunteer based, grassroots efforts are doing vital work in and providing resources for underserved young people in the LGBTQ community," explained Hadley. "We knew the money would have a great impact on their mission of providing stable housing for LGBTQ+ youth."
The Kiki Queens took a moment between readings at Storytelling with Drag Queens during International Family Equality Day at the Chicago Children's Museum on May 6 to call attention to PFC by inviting Chicago human rights activist and PFC's Project Administrator, Gaylon Alcaraz to accept the check. "It's important to continuously support organizations like the Kiki Queens, our allies and friends who are helping us make a difference in the world," said Alcaraz.
Founded in October 2017, Kiki Queens' mission is to raise awareness and funds, through performance, for Chicago area nonprofits offering services in the LGBTQ+ community. Kiki Queens is entirely self-funded with all of the group's ticket sales from performances going to local LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Although, Kiki Queens intention is to raise funds, the troupe also wishes to inspire people to engage in the LGBTQ nonprofit community as well. The performance troupe will partner with a different Chicagoland LGBT+ nonprofit per show with all proceeds donated to the nonprofit partner.
"We have a long list of amazing organization we are hoping to partner with as the group continues to grow and fulfill our mission," said Hadley.
The next show—"Catfight Cabaret," on June 23 at Uptown Underground—has a beneficiary waiting in the wings to be announced soon. Keep an eye on the troupe's Facebook page and website www.kikiqueens.org for the announcement. To learn more about PFC, visit ProjectFierceChicago.org .
