I have never been to a school fundraiser that was a drag show.  I did last night at the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy Spring Drag Show.  It was being co-produced by good friend and drag performer, Ana Mae Coxxx.  A few of the  Haus of Coxxx were there to help with backstage support.

First it was like that kind of weird dream you get after eating junk food right before sleep at night.  Here were drag queens walking around a school auditorium while parents ran a bake sale in the corner with art by school children,acting as backdrop, adorning the walls.

During the program, the principal of this alternative public school, Christina Velasco, spoke about how the $400,000 in funding cuts had impacted school operations. These types of fundraisers help to fill in the gaps left by the depleted funds so programs can continue at the school.

The Academy was named after slain civil rights leader, Harvey Milk.   Besides the normal academic goals, the school’s mission includes “teaching tolerance and non-violence; celebrating our diversity; academic excellence; strong family-school-community connections.”

Located right in the heart of the Castro District, some of its students are children of same sex couples.  One of the Co-Producers of the show and drag performer, Ivy Drip, spoke the following:

” I am a man.  I am a gay man.  Most importantly, I am alive.  I am married. Because of Harvey Milk I am standing here.  We have two children that are going to school here.  I am living the dream.  Now I am doing a drag show for a school fundraiser. Where else is this possible? It is like a lucid dream.  Next think you know, I will be flying.”

I saw the partnership with the drag performers and the Parent Faculty Club of the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. It made me believe in the America that can be, one of tolerance and unity.

Ivy Drip and U-Phoria were great emcees.  The show was great and allowed the drag performers a whole auditorium to strut their stuff. The crowd was appreciative and the mantra “For the Children”  hiked up the tips ( all donated to the school).

There was a raffle drawing where the winner takes have the money raised.  However the winner of raffle kept $20 ( for coffee money, she said) and gave the rest of the winnings back to the school. It was that type of night.

I was moved  by all these people coming together to help these children.  Not a bad way to spend a Friday night.