Unite the Fight

Unite the Fight returns to the Fairmont Austin on Saturday, September 12, for its ninth year. It's the annual drag competition fundraiser run by The Equality Alliance, and the format is what makes it: six teams of community members who've never performed in drag are paired with experienced drag mentors for a "Lip Sync for Their Rights" competition. The mentors coach them up, and the community members take the stage for the actual show.

This year's edition is presented by Avita Pharmacy, and 100% of the proceeds go to Kind Clinic, Out Youth, allgo, and Equality Texas. The gala blends queer culture and activism to raise money and visibility for grassroots LGBTQIA+ charities fighting for equity, justice, and human rights in Central Texas. Since it started, it's raised more than $2 million, and it now draws over 1,500 people each year with more than 50 performers and participants involved.

On the night, Willam is the featured performer and lead judge. Co-chairs Billy Mercer and Shelby Evans are running the show, and The Real Estate Dolls are hosting. The evening is a full run: it starts with a red-carpet arrival on the fifth floor, followed by a VIP cocktail hour, the competition itself, the crowning moment, and a post-party to close it out.

Doors open at 5 PM and run through 11 PM, so it's a long one. Tickets are $225, and as mentioned, every cent goes to the nonprofits.