In the LGBTQ community, drag queens have a long history of saying yes to hosting, performing and fundraising – often at their own expense, and always with a firm commitment to social equality and compassionate care.
On May 31, five drag queens will continue that tradition by competing for the title of “Queen of the Desert”, decided by a panel of local celebrities.
You won’t want to miss this year’s drag realness. This event sells out fast every year.
Remember, all proceeds benefit client services at Desert AIDS Project, so sashay your way and buy your tickets now. This year’s lineup and judges to be announced in the coming weeks.
Doors open at 6pm for advance seating. Show starts at 7pm. Visit the bar and concessions beforehand.
Meet the Contestants!
Sheena Wolfe
Local girl Sheena Wolfe is 29 years old. She is single and ready to find that special someone, to hold her purse, buy her food and tell her she’s pretty. Some of Sheena’s favorite quotes are “I said what I said,” “No I’m not mad, that’s just my face,” and “Can I get a 20 piece chicken nuggets?” Sheena has been entertaining audiences for 3 years and loves every second of it.
She is passionate about her drag, from her lip sync to her looks and is always ready to turn it out. I want to be able to inspire people to be themselves without being afraid, that no matter what people may think or say about you it’s ok to be different and weird and that things will always get better even when it doesn’t seem like it. The work that The Desert AIDS Project is doing by giving our community a place to go where we can get help, feel safe and be accepted with no judgement is beyond amazing. Being able to help raise money so that The Desert AIDS Project can continue to change lives is the reason I am doing this competition.
Sadie Ladie
Sadie Ladie was born in 1914. Wait. No! …2014 in San Francisco. Sadie blossomed and flourished as she was inspired into her Queendom as a performer through her charitable work within the realm of the non-profit organization – The Imperial Court of San Francisco. Drag or not, Sadie has always had a kind and caring heart for the community and the world, trying to
leave a legacy of making an impact and difference in the world. Sadie has dedicated countless hours of volunteerism in raising funds for organizations but has also mentored and guided up-and-coming drag queens to join and make a difference in OUR world. She is honored to be a contestant tonight and will continue to make a difference here in Palm Springs. THIS lady is committed, determined and grateful for the opportunity to serve this community as Sadie Ladie.
Angelique VaGorgeous
I am a full time drag queen, making wigs, costumes and managing the entertainment at CHILL BAR. I can turn trash into treasure. Coming from a background that was not blessed with financial stability, I would have to get crafty. I would rip apart old sleeping bags and tie them around my waist to make a gown and feel my fantasy!
The Desert AIDS Project means everything to me, and our community. It gives a safe, professional environment to get tested, regardless of having insurance; no one is ever turned away. Many of us are afraid to know the truth, but we owe it to ourselves to get tested and promote safe sex. Let’s prove everyone wrong.
Anya Camins
I have been a full time drag entertainer, and now produce drag shows and events at CHILL BAR with my husband Jacob/Tiffany. I’ve participated in pageants in the past and still yet to win a crown, but hopefully I will this year at Queen Of The Desert! We’ve brought community involvement to CHILL BAR, working with organizations such as The LGBT Community Center of the Desert,
The Desert AIDS Project, Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Palm Springs Rodeo and others. Enhancing and promoting the health and well-being of our community means each and every one of us as a member of our LGBT community should take pride and responsibility in sharing our knowledge, experiences and educating whether through creating events as entertainers and producers or coming out to support these events as community members and advocates. I am excited to be a part of the The Desert AIDS Project for this honorable event.
Kourtanay Caliente
I’ve been doing drag for a little over 10 years. I’ve met such amazing and talented people. I’ve gone from looking like a rugby player wearing a dress to a true “Lady of The Stage.” I truly want to educate people on how amazingly similar our lives are. I want LGBTQIA+ people to feel safe in their everyday lives and educate our allies in helping protect the bonds we’ve created not only as allies but as human beings.
I want to stamp LOVE and UNITY within our own community. The Desert AIDS Project means creating a sense of sanity in a situation of chaos. It means being selfless, kind, and offering a helping heart.