An annual holiday show from renowned performance artist Taylor Mac is raising funds to establish a new scholarship at Miami Dade College for LGBTQ students.
The show, which is virtual this year, is streaming online for a minimum donation of $10, with most of the proceeds going toward the “pride” scholarship. The college’s foundation seeks to raise at least $25,000 in order to create an endowment, which would allow the scholarship to continue for years to come.
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“For many queer, LGBTQ+ people, when they come out to their parents, they’re asked to leave home. Still. Today,” said Luigi Ferrer, a longtime LGBTQ rights activist in Miami.
“You don't get that introduction to that first job, or you don't get mom and dad signing off on your FAFSA, so you can get student aid. Because of that, we need a scholarship specifically for LGBTQ youth,” he said.
Ferrer is one of the queer “elders” from around the country who is honored in Taylor Mac’s online production. The performer sent Ferrer a bejeweled crown and sash and asked him to record himself opening the gift, the video of which is included in the show.
Ferrer said he was instructed "to do a little vogue."
Referring to the crown, he said: “The workmanship on it was very nice. Somebody really knew how to use a glue gun.”
To stream the show or simply make a donation for the scholarship, click here.
