On Saturday, Miss Gay Legacy extra and Mr Gay extra 2022 will be crowned.
The local pageant is hosted by queer community stalwart, Kershaw Summers, and is aimed at shining the spotlight on those flying the pride flag proudly while raising funds for community development projects.
Summers told the Weekend Argus she was determined to use the platform as a safe environment for up-and-coming drag queens to meet and socialise with those who fought against prejudice in the community.
“The pageant is to celebrate the queens of yesteryear, those over the age of 40, who paved the way for us gays. If we look at people in our community today, yes they have battles, but not the same ones we had in the ’80s or ’90s. We were literally stoned, spat at, hated – all because people were not educated.
“I had a father who was homophobic, so I got the abuse inside and outside of my home.
“We never had a place of safety. There are many stories like mine within our community, and just as much as this is a pageant to honour the legends, it’s also a place to create a network and support structure,” said Summers.
Summers said part of the proceeds will also go towards an outreach programme where they with the help of the winners will feed the community of Overcome Heights, near Lavender Hill.
Local queer activist Clive Jacobs said he would be entering the competition as Natalia Cole.
“I am excited and thankful for this opportunity because when you reach the age of 40 you are suddenly forgotten, like you are old news. But the queen in you never dies. When you are on the stage, age doesn’t matter.
“It is important for legends to get platforms like this because we have done legendary work.
“So I am thankful that there will once again be a place for us older ones to dress up and do what we love – dress up.”
The event will take place on October 1 at St Mary’s Catholic Hall in Retreat.