Director: John Carlos Frey
Release Year: 2024
Decades before RuPaul's All Stars contestants competed for charity, Los Angeles' "Best in Drag Show" provided a platform for drag queens to showcase their beauty and talent while raising much-needed funds for those living with HIV/AIDS. In the upcoming documentary "The Little Pageant That Could", director John Carlos Frey, along with executive producers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato of World of Wonder, takes audiences on a 33-year journey through the history of this iconic event.
The documentary traces the "Best in Drag Show’s" transformation from a small, impromptu parody to one of Los Angeles’ longest-running drag benefits, which has raised over $6 million since its inception in 1989. Set to premiere at the Provincetown Film Festival, "The Little Pageant That Could" features never-before-seen footage and offers an exclusive look at how the event has impacted the queer community over the years. The documentary begins with a lighthearted clip from the late '80s, where a newscaster humorously warns viewers that this beauty pageant is "one you’re never going to confuse with Miss America." As the trailer unfolds, one of the show's early organizers recalls how the event began as a spoof of Miss America, created by a group of friends in their 20s in a tiny West Hollywood apartment. "There was this little show that was taking on. It just kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger," they admit. The documentary also delves deeply into the emotional significance of the "Best in Drag Show", particularly during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. “It was a joyous distraction with so much sadness going on in our community,” a voiceover in the trailer reflects. “People we loved were dying of AIDS, so we raised money.”
Another participant in the documentary shares a personal sentiment: “Pretty much everybody who’s a contestant in this show has come from a very dark place. But they’ve realized that their darkness can provide light for others.” The heart of the documentary lies in the "Best in Drag Show’s" ability to harness the power of humor, community, and activism to provide real-world support to those in need. The event raised funds for the Alliance for Housing and Healing, which provides vital services for people living with HIV/AIDS. Proceeds from the show helped fund programs such as permanent subsidized housing and emergency financial assistance for individuals facing eviction and homelessness due to the disease. "The Little Pageant That Could" traces how the event evolved from a spontaneous gathering into an extraordinary cultural phenomenon. Initially a cheeky parody of beauty pageants, it grew into a celebration of drag and queer culture while making a tangible impact on the lives of people affected by HIV/AIDS. Today, it stands as one of the longest-running drag benefits in Los Angeles, featuring appearances by A-list actors like Chris Pratt, Jennifer Coolidge, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and many others. These high-profile guests added star power to the event, further raising its visibility and ability to support those in need. The show has raised more than $6 million for the cause over the decades, making a lasting contribution to both the LGBTQ+ community and the broader fight against HIV/AIDS.
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The documentary also highlights the importance of drag as a force for good in the face of increasing legislative attacks on the art form. As drag performances are being banned in several states, including Tennessee, where a law prohibits drag shows in public places, "The Little Pageant That Could" stands as a testament to the power of drag to make a difference in society. “People with AIDS were abandoned by society, politicians, and even their own families,” said Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, the executive producers of the documentary. “But a group of friends stepped in and started this little pageant that could. At a time when legislation is being passed to restrict the art form, this film bears witness to the power of drag to make a meaningful-and desperately needed-contribution to society.” John Carlos Frey, who directed the documentary and was the original director of the stage show, emphasized the relevance of the film today. “Those that choose to criminalize this sacred form of queer expression should be the first to line up and watch "The Little Pageant That Could",” Frey said. “Maybe they would find that drag saves lives and heals hearts.”
As the documentary unfolds, it offers not only a heartfelt tribute to the longevity and resilience of the "Best in Drag Show" but also a powerful statement on the importance of community, activism, and queer expression. With humor, heart, and a deep sense of purpose, "The Little Pageant That Could" chronicles how a small group of friends, in a humble apartment, were able to create something extraordinary that would continue to support those in need and shine a light on the power of drag in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The "Best in Drag Show" has truly proven to be a lasting symbol of the strength, resilience, and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community. Through the decades, it has not only provided joy and entertainment, but also made a lasting, positive impact on thousands of lives. "The Little Pageant That Could" is an inspiring tribute to this remarkable show, its organizers, and the individuals who have supported it over the years.
Image credits: YouTube
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