Officials with Equality Texas announced this week that drag superstar Alyssa Edwards will both perform and speak as the featured guest at the LGBTQ+ lobbying organization’s annual gala on Nov. 21.
“Edwards’ presence at this year’s gala is particularly meaningful and timely,” noted a press release announcing her as headliner at the event. “Just a few weeks ago, Edwards became a political pawn in the Texas Senate race. The initiating events was positive: James Talarico was asked to name his favorite drag queen and immediately said Alyssa Edwards. But the positive attention quickly faded once Ken Paxton posted a video of Talarico’s answer cut together with clips of Edwards in a clear attempt to disparage them both.
“After getting lambasted by Paxton supporters online, Edwards publicly responded to Ken Paxton with the grace and diplomacy of a true pageant queen,” the press release added.
Equality Texas’ 8th annual gala, Deep Roots, is set for Saturday, Nov. 21, from 6-9 p.m. at the JW Marriot Austin hotel. Tickets are available online, starting at $250 for general admission.
— Tammye Nash