Words by Tess Becker
Across the United States, there are bills targeting drag performances and drag queens and kings, essentially removing the spectacle from public life in some states.
But in Massachusetts drag performers held an event to raise money for Girls Inc.
'Camilla’s Annual Extravaganza' was a sold-out drag event in Springfield, Mass. Every year Tony Isham, the organizer of the event, picks a different charity or nonprofit to support and this year was the girl empowerment organization, Girls Inc.
“We do this event annually for different charities, this year we picked Girls Inc. because of the new program they are running with trans youth,” Tony said. “I am hoping to make a lot of money for Girls Inc. and I am hoping everybody has a great time.”
Girls Inc. focuses on helping girls feel empowered and strengthened in the things they wanna do and has been doing it for nearly two centuries, starting in 1864.
“We focus on the development of the whole girl,” they share on their website. “She learns to value herself, take risks, and discover and develop her inherent strengths.”
They have mentorships, evidence-based programs, and even fight for legislation that puts the focus on empowering girls and women.
“Girls Inc. girls live healthy and active lifestyles and are less likely to engage in risky behavior; they are eager to learn, successful in school, and more likely to graduate from post-secondary education; and they display diligence, perseverance and resilience,” they write.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
J3 Foundation. They help kids in the Los Angeles area with early development. Find out more and support them here.
KID. They help support kids and families in crisis and with mental health support. Find out more.
Save the Children. A humanitarian org that helps kids around the world. Support them here.
