Bring on the Glitter!

By Joshua Boschee
Contributing Writer

One month from now, people from all over the Fargo-Moorhead metro will gather to celebrate and raise money to support We Are Family, an initiative developed to provide support and networking for LGBT families and youth. The Glitter Gala is an opportunity for community members to pull out their favorite cocktail dress, evening gown, tiara and grandma’s pearls.  I don’t think we will have seen the gay men in this area so well dressed!

The brainchild of Mara Morken, a Fargo-Moorhead native who recently returned to the area after living in the Big Apple, the Glitter Gala is shaping up to be an event that is sure to raise the profile and funds for programs supporting the local LGBT community.  Planning for the Gala has been in the works since late summer with Mara and her merry band of volunteers working tirelessly to make sure the event is a success.  With ticket prices being only $25 a person, the 21-year-old and above fundraiser is an inexpensive way for community members to show their support and enjoy an evening of appetizers, entertainment and, I’m sure, a surprise or two.

Attendees will be entertained by a newly formed local boi band troupe, the Kings of Grandeur.  With the Gala being their debut performance, the Kings of Grandeur’s set list is being kept under lesbian level security, but I can tell you it will be a solid mix of old school hits and new school favorites.  For those of you that love Shane, a local favorite who has performed at the I-Beam, with JustNTyme’s Fierce and most recently at the FM Pride Block Party, let’s just say he’s recruited some new hotties that won’t disappoint.  It wouldn’t be a Friday night in Fargo without Badweather Burlesque performing a few sultry numbers and local comedian JD Provorse will have us all laughing at our tables.  DJ LS will round out the night with some hot beats to get us out of our seats.

Beyond the entertainment, attendees will be able to demonstrate their bidding prowess during the live auction of local art, professional services and exquisite dining experiences.  All these items were donated to support We Are Family by local artists and business that understand and support the needs of our local LGBT community.  You can view auction items as they are donated on the Glitter Gala website, http://maramorken.com/waf/auction.html.

The recent suicide of Jamey Rodemeyer, a gay 14-year old from Buffalo, NY, once again reminds us that while it may have gotten better for many of us, there are still LGBT youth and adults struggling for acceptance, support and love. Jamey endured bullying from classmates because he was gay. He considered Lady Gaga an angel who understood him and listened to her music as a way to cope with the anti-gay bullying he faced on a regular basis. Just as Jamey seemed to be “getting better”, he decided it wasn’t worth it anymore and completed suicide.

There are many Jameys in our local community, looking for acceptance, support and love.  The We Are Family project is one of the best ways you can support these beautiful young people and their families.  To order tickets or make a donation, go to http://maramorken.com/waf/gala.html.  I look forward to seeing you all there!

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If You Go:
What: Inaugural Glitter Gala to support the We Are Family project.
Where: Howard Johnson Ballroom, 301 3rd Ave N, Fargo
When: 7pm – midnight, Friday, November 4th
How Much: $25 per person (21 and older event).  Donations are also accepted.
On the Web: http://maramorken.com/waf/gala.html