Over the past nine years, local drag queen Juanita More has raised over a million dollars local LGBT non-profits via ticket sales for her annual Pride Party. This year's party, on Sunday, June 30 at Jones, will benefit OutLoud Radio, a San Francisco-based organization that helps empower queer and transgender youths by forging broadcast identities for themselves and crafting stories about their experiences for podcasts and radio. As More says, "These are the voices of our community's future," and she's happy to be raising funds to help the organization's shoestring budget.
You can hear some examples of OutLoud podcasts here, which include stories about teenagers' impressions of gay stereotypes, and one about the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The mission of OutLoud is to foster the well-being of LGBTQ youth while teaching them communication skills, and helping them tell their own stories and "decide for themselves how they will be represented."
As for the Pride Party, it will feature, as always, the Cougar Cadet Drum Line, and DJs Severino - Horse Meat Disco (UK), Kim Ann Foxman (NYC), HRH Princess Diandra (NYC), Derek Opperman (SF), Robin Malone (SF), and Slow Knights (NYC). Individual tickets ($30) are available now at Sui Generis (2231 Market Street) in the Castro, and will go on sale June 15 online at JuanitaMore.com. You can buy tickets bundled with T-shirts and this year's signature tote by Rickshaw Bagworks online now.
Below, a preview video of sorts, featuring More in her party look, with the tote, talking about her love of cooking.