AUSTIN, Texas — Pride Month might typically be celebrated in June, but a group of Central Texans are showcasing their pride over the next several months, leading up to the annual Unite the Fight Gala.
Unite the Fight is the largest LGBTQIA+ gala in Central Texas and is one of the largest in the entire country. The annual event is used as a fundraiser for local charities that help provide health care services, along with advocating for rights for the LGBTQIA+ community. The charities include AllGo, OutYouth, Equality Texas and the Kind Clinic/Waterloo Counseling Center.
While the gala itself is a one-night event, the journey leading up to it is a whole lot more for a select group of local residents. Eight Central Texans were selected as contestants for the Unite the Fight competition and have been tasked with learning to perform as drag queens while also raising funds over the next several months.
This year's contestants are Morgan Menendez, Billy Mercer, Billy Raisch, Hugo Sanchez, Jason Sick, Billy Siems, Lisa Sigafoos and James Wilson. They'll each spend the next several months preparing for a performance at the gala, which will be held on Sept. 21 at the Fairmont Hotel in Downtown Austin.
Thankfully, they'll have help to get them ready for the event. They've each been partnered with a local drag celebrity who will teach them the art of drag, including choreography, makeup skills and performing in high heels.
KVUE Meteorologist Shane Hinton spoke with each of the contestants to see how the process is going and to chat about what each of them is most excited and nervous about.
"We're in the driver seat for all of this. It's really us making decisions in how we're going to be raising money, what we're going to be doing – mixes, dancing, makeup, all of that," Billy Siems said.
"I've never pictured myself performing in the event. That's something completely new to me, so I'm a little nervous on that front. But I'm in the hands of a great coach," Morgan Menendez said.
One of the most important things each of the contestants has in common is their commitment to raising money for the local charities.
"Ultimately, what we are really here to do is to raise money for really outstanding organizations that benefit not only the Austin community, but the Texas community as a whole." Jason Sick said.
Who will snatch the crown of Miss Unite the Fight 2024? We'll have to wait until September to find out! If you're interested in purchasing tickets to the gala, you can visit www.unitethefightgala.com.
You can watch our full interviews with each of this year's Unite the Fight contestants here or below: