Joan-E, Robyn Graves, Symone, Raye Sunshine—Vancouver’s beloved drag queens were out in full force last weekend, united on stage at the Fit for a Queen concert, benefiting the Shooting Stars Foundation. The sold-out event at Richmond’s River Rock Casino featured stellar performances by twenty well-known female impersonators including Syren, Milan, and the unstoppable Conni Smudge, who met with Sad Mag backstage after the show.

A past Entertainer of the Year (Celebrities Nightclub) and Miss Odyssey 2006-2007, Conni has supported Fit for a Queen for all of its nine years in existence, and was part of the inspiration for the knock-out event. “Carlotta, Mandy Kamp and myself did one number at Starry Night for the Shooting Stars,” said Conni, “and that’s where they got the idea for having just one evening with drag queens. It was so spectacular, and I had such a great time.”

The Shooting Stars Foundation plans special events that raise money for people living with HIV/AIDS. The foundation supports organizations such as the Dr. Peter Center and a Loving Spoonful. An estimated 58,000 people in Canada live with HIV, and 1-2 people contract HIV in British Columbia everyday. The growing need for AIDS services and support often outpaces funding provided through traditional sources, such as the provincial government. Community-sponsored events like Fit for a Queen help to fill the funding gap.

The River Rock Casino’s show theatre, a 1000-seat venue, was packed with supporters this year—and according to Conni, the inspired performers put on their best possible show. “Standing on stage is like standing in a cereal bowl,” she said, “It’s such a steep audience and there are just thousands of people. We’re used to performing in clubs—Celebrities, The Odyssey, et cetera—but being on that stage raises everyone’s caliber, and brings their A-game. And we’re all very supportive of each other.”

To learn more about the Shooting Stars Foundation visit their website. For more drag performance, see Syren and Isolde N. Barron tonight at Queerbash.