Queen of the Whole Pacific – a very queer beauty pageant is based on an AIDS fundraising event held in Los Angeles in the late 1990's. Since the Los Angeles fundraiser was held a drag-umentary has been released entitled “Queen of the Whole Wide World” based on the actual event. The New Zealand show, smaller but with the same theme, will be a fundraising event for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation. The basis of the event is a beauty pageant comprised entirely of drag queens each representing a country from the Pacific Rim area. Act One The first act will open with a song and dance number – lip sync of course. This will be followed by the ever popular parade down the catwalk. The 30 contestants will be reduced to 8 finalists. Act Two Act 2 concentrates solely on the 8 finalists who must compete in two categories; national costume and the talent competition based on the country they represent. This all sounds so simple and easy - I don't think so - not when drag queens are concerned. Why are 4 girls are disqualified, why is Miss HIV not included, should there have been an age limit and was the whole show rigged. dates, venue and ticketing info will be available within days, but in the meantime boys (girls?) are needed! Would you like to be involved in THE fundraising event of the year and have some fun doing so? The organiser, Jonathan Smith, requires men who are willing to dress in a frock and help with the Act One opening song and dance number and catwalk parade. Fabric for your frock and training on how to walk and lip-sync will be provided as well as makeup product and advice. Also required a few cute guys who are prepared to show off their chests and help the girls up and down the spiral staircase during Act One. If you want to try wearing a dress just once, commit to rehearsals (twice a week, Wed night and late Sun afternoon), have a laugh and help the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, email: Eventimento@xtra.co.nz . GayNZ.com - 28th April 2004