by Robin Beaudoin & Brandon Leslie
Mystic Krewe of Pegasus 2017-2018 King Brandon Leslie shares with Focus Mid-South some of the exciting new events added by the Mystic Krewe of Pegasus coming up this summer and fall. In order to raise the most funds possible for Metamorphosis Project (a project of OUT Memphis dedicated to serving homeless LGBTQ youth), old favorites will be joined by brand new parties guaranteed to dazzle and entertain. Recent Tea Dances hosted by DJ Cashmere (Christian Assandria), and Drag Bingo at Dru’s Place, have proven popular so more small events are falling into place.
- Kicking off summer, on July 16, will be “Nerds in the Afternoon”, a highly competitive annual trivia contest.
- In August we may see a possible repeat of Drag Queen Bingo at Dru’s Place (TBA).
- In September, the Krewe will host its first Mr. & Miss Pegasus Pageant: All performers are encouraged to enter, and winners will receive special recognition at the Mardi Gras ball in January. “There will be a twist. Stay tuned,” says Leslie. You have our attention.
- September 29-October 1 marks Pride Weekend in Memphis where Mystic Krewe of Pegasus will both march and host a booth at the festival on September 30. A game comparable to the Drag Queen Dunk Tank is expected, as well as other activities.
- The annual Pegasus Halloween party will be on October 28, and the theme will complement the upcoming Mardi Gras Ball (A Journey to Emerald City). A rocking DJ, some fabulous and funny costumes, doubtless some drag, and the full bar and buffet combine to make an evening to remember.
- A silent auction, held November 11 at Central Christian Church is the group’s second largest fundraiser. “We receive donated items of all types: from rock and roll memorabilia, to vacation packages, and everything in between.” Sponsorship opportunities for this event are still available. The Krewe is happy to partner with other organizations or outside groups to help plan events, and is also accepting donations for auction items. To contact the Krewe, visit pegasusmemphis.org.
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“Our biggest fundraiser every year is, of course, our Mardi Gras Ball. It’s the event that takes an entire year to plan, and requires a small army to pull it off. It sells out every year, and is the social event of the season,” imports Leslie. The theme for our Mardi Gras Ball this year is ‘A Journey to Emerald City’ and will be January 27, 2018 at Minglewood Hall. Leslie emphasizes that all funds raised by Pegasus this year directly benefit Metamorphosis Project. Of two thousand homeless people in Memphis on any given day, up to 40% of the homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. LGBTQ Youth are twice as likely to encounter abuse at home before age 12, and have significantly higher rates of suicide. “Recently, it seems like there has been an unusually high and tragic number of suicides among young LGBTQ persons here in Memphis. This tragedy must stop. If building this facility provides a safe place for any of those desperate souls, it will have been worth the effort.
