From Newcomers to Local Legends, Drag Show Fundraiser Aims to Unite Community
hosted by Khloe Wold and Jem Stone, "Drag Me Out" to benefit local and national LGBTQIA+ organizations
What happens when you pair together eight Chippewa Valley drag performers with eight community members who have never stepped foot in drag? A new, vibrant initiative will soon give us the answer — and showcase the “fun and fabulous” energy sure to culminate.
On Nov. 15, the Wilson Ballroom at The Lismore Hotel (333 Better Wy, Eau Claire) will be host to the inaugural “Drag Me Out” community fundraiser.
Co-produced by Chance Smith of Strangehavens and Travis Gorell — also known as Khloe Wold in the Eau Claire drag scene — the celebration will not only raise funds for local and national charities, but offer the chance to see Chippewa Valley residents “trade their everyday looks for wigs, heels and sequins.”
“Doing drag in the Chippewa Valley is such an awesome experience,” Khloe said. “Figuring out your drag identity (is) like a journey that you go on. I wanted people to experience that for themselves that may not get that opportunity in a normal day-to-day setting… and raise some money while we do it.”
During the one-night performance, community figures, otherwise known as the “icons,” will step onstage in complete drag displays — many for the very first time, Chance said.
"This event is coming at the perfect time to celebrate queer joy and queer artistry, both local and national."
Khloe wold
eau claire drag queen, co-producer of "drag me out"
Rehearsals for Drag Me Out are currently in progress, as each participant collaborates with experienced drag performers from the Chippewa Valley, Chance said. In these rehearsal sessions, mentors help the icons choose their music and develop a vision for costuming, wigs, makeup and the performance itself — including walking in heels.
“I know several of our icons are putting in a lot of work and a lot of practice already,” Chance said. “We are just really encouraging them to have fun.”
“I don’t think people realize how much goes into (drag performance) — physically and mentally into the transformation,” Khloe added. “But (also) how awesome it feels when you get out on stage and take on this new character; you feel like you can just conquer the world.”
Cullen Ryan (Clear Water Comedy, The Plus), Tyler Baumgart (TeawhYB), Tony Liedl (Ope! It’s Soap) and Gretchen Oster (The Nostalgic Bean) are just a few of the local “icons” to take the stage and embrace their new personas for the fundraiser — with others yet to be announced.
Proceeds, in the form of “tips” from the community icons, will benefit the Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center and The Trevor Project. Both organizations — on a regional and national basis — offer programming, services and resources to promote well-being among and within LGBTQIA+ communities.
“I think it’s important for people to know the resources that are out there, and where to give and where to help,” Khloe added.
The mentors — who will also perform during the fundraiser — will retain their tips; a deliberate decision to promote inclusivity and awareness while compensating them for their vital support, the duo said.
Khloe and Chance said they had been conceptualizing ideas for more LGBTQIA+ fundraising events in the area for several years. They each felt now, more than ever, it will be essential to host events like “Drag Me Out” to help promote both community and allyship — representation acting as a key motivator.
“Right now, it’s more important than ever to have events where we can come together as a community, but then also have our allies’ support,” Khloe said. “This event is coming at the perfect time to celebrate queer joy and queer artistry, both local and national.”
For more information on the “Drag Me Out” fundraiser on Nov. 15 at The Lismore Hotel (333 Better Wy, Eau Claire), visit the Strange Havens website at strangehavens.com or follow along via Instagram and Facebook (@strangehavensec).
