On Friday, The Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project, a national organization committed to the passage of the DREAM Act and supporting LGBTQ illegal immigrants, hosted “Drag for a Dream” at Club Zarape. The main goal of the event was to raise money for a scholarship that would benefit one student.
Damian Lorenzo, 25, started doing drag a year ago and said, “Since I was little I had to hide who I was…I became lost.” He said drag has really helped him find out who he is.
The process of transformation can take hours. To prepare, they have to shave, cover their eye brows, put on make-up and silicon breasts and then find the right outfit.
Dago Bailon, 25, gets ready to play Melissa Bangzenblo. He said he hopes “to inform both communities (undocumented and LGBTQ) about their similarity. We’ve both been fighting for equality.”
In the overstuffed room, you see a bed, dresser, memorabilia of Jesus, and then there’s shoes covering the floor and make-up lining the counter.
Diego Rangel, 20, cups his fake breasts while preparing for his first drag performance.
Destinee Bombshell shows herself before the transformation to Diego Rangel.
Supporters of the performance would often hand money to the performers as a donation for their cause.
Grecia Montes De’ Occa kicked off the night by singing and interacting with the mainly Spanish-speaking audience.
Melissa Bangzenblo ended her performance by singing "A Girl Like Me" by Rihanna.
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