Phoenix Pride celebrates and promotes the history, diversity and future prosperity of the metropolitan Phoenix LGBTQ community.
GET TO KNOW OUR MENTORS: FREDDY PRINZE CHARMING & JENSEN C. DEAN
1. What makes you unique and what are you planning to bring to the table that other teams don’t have?
Freddy: Being a drag veteran, I think I’ve got the years of experience that some of the other teams may not necessarily have. My style has always been unique, and I may be able to pass that along to our mentee. I’m hoping that the support this community has always shown me will be shown to Angie as she fundraises.
Jensen: One thing that makes me unique is, I spent many years, prior to doing drag, assisting in and setting up fundraisers so with that knowledge it could give our team a bit of diversity in fundraising methods to maximize the amount of money we are able to raise.
2. Why do you feel it is so important to educate the community on the Phoenix Pride Scholarship Program?
F: As entertainers and community representatives, we have some responsibility to give back to the community that supports us. It’s great that Phoenix Pride helps to further the education of the Phoenix LGBTQ community, regardless of age, and something that needs to be made known.
J: I feel it is important to give back to the community because it is essential to grow and thrive. The Phoenix Pride Scholarship is an important program because it is one of few scholarships available without a maximum age limit allowing more of the community to achieve a higher level of education, thus making our community stronger as a whole.
3. Our Dragraisers will be looking to you for inspiration and guidance, who do you look to for your own inspiration and guidance?
F: I look to my peers, both here and across the country, for advice and inspiration. I often bounce ideas off other kings, and even queens, to get feedback. And generally, there is no one more supportive than those who are a part of the craft, unless it’s our partners. When it comes down to it, they are the people who inspire and support us on a daily basis.
J: I look to the veteran kings and male illusionists that have spent years perfecting their craft and building a good reputation for the drag king community.
Each year Phoenix Pride selects a theme for the upcoming Parade and Festival.
Previous themes have been, “Three Decades, One Community, For Pride”, “Celebrate Community, Celebrate Family, Celebrate You”, “More Color, More Voices, More Pride”, “Do Ask, Do Tell, Be Proud”, “Born This Way, Be It, Feel It, Live It, PROUD!” and in 2013 the ever popular “Equality & Justice For All”.
We need the help from our community. What do you think the 2014 Pride Festival and Parade Theme should be? We want our theme to continue to reflect the diverse richness and culture of our LGBTQ community.
MISS AND MISTER JUNIOR PHOENIX GAY PRIDE PRELIM WINNERS: TEMPE
Last Tuesday, five contestants vied for the titles of Miss Junior Tempe and Mister Junior Tempe.
With a jazzy Top Gun-inspired flightsuit, Cody Ateraz, nailed the Design of Decade: 80s Wear Category. But, the clincher was his surprise reveal of a “Ghostbusters” tee! His attention to detail, great performance, and thoughtful answer to his On-Stage Question garnered him the victory!
Miz Roxy Heartless rocked the judges’ socks off with her high-octane performance to Paramore’s “Misery Buisness”! Her “Rocker Chic” look coupled with a playful answer that allowed her personality to shine through during her On-Stage Question, Miz Roxy clinched the title!
DON’T FORGET TO GET YOUR EXHIBITOR APPLICATION IN!
Commercial and Non-Profit exhibitor applications will remain open until September 6, 2013.
Applications for Rainbows Festival, Oct 19-20, may be found on the Phoenix Pride website.
NEW THIS YEAR! After listening to exhibitor feedback, we have added the following, in an effort to further enhance exhibitor experience:
One FREE parking space with each Commercial Booth space in Heritage Square Parking Garage (attached to venue)
