One World Café hosts Drag Bingo
On the second Monday of every month, One World Cafe hosts Drag Bingo, a fundraiser for the community to help support other events such as Palouse Pride.
The event is sponsored by Inland Oasis, a nonprofit organization supporting the needs of LGBTQ persons in the Inland Northwest, said president of the board, Kathy Sprague.
Sprague said the money also goes to help support free STD testing, and vaccinations against hepatitis.
“There are a lot of people who need those things but don’t know where to go or if they can afford it so it’s nice to be able to offer it,” Sprague said.
Drag queen Virginia Mary said Drag Bingo is a gathering where drag queens, kings and other participants play bingo, drink coffee, socialize and perform.
Brianna Gilman attended with her mother and sister.
“I think it’s a good time with my family. The cafe has a nice atmosphere, and it is fun to see all the queens,” Gilman said. “I think in a lot of ways it makes Moscow a better place. It makes the city more diverse.”
Sprague said the goal is to make a safe place for people who are different or scared.
A lot of the kings and queens receive emotional support from Oasis along with some of the allies, she said. While it does not support them financially, creating a safe place for that has made a difference for people on a larger scale.
“I came out in 1982. Back then we would not have had this in a coffee shop with all of these windows facing the streets,” Sprague said. “People are getting more comfortable with themselves and we need to keep that change going.”
Aquasha Delusty, the coordinator of Drag Bingo, said she enjoys planning the event because it is a good way to help others and raise money for other beneficial events. She said the events also provide people an opportunity to donate at the event as well.
The next drag bingo game is 7 to 9 p.m. March 13 at One World Cafe.
Mary Emertcan be reached at [email protected]