In their regular lives they’re politicians and community organizers, school administrators and surveyors.
But, come Saturday night (May 9), the 10 men of Mz. Judged will be transformed into 10 aspiring beauty queens.
Performers, including city councillor Donovan Cavers, former school trustee and advocate for disabled students Chris Rose, ASK Wellness executive director Bob Hughes and federal Liberal candidate Steve Powrie, have spent the last month perfecting their pageant personas for the event.
“This is not men making fun of men who dress like women, this is men competing for real,” said Kira Haug of ASK.
“All of them have had to find their inner woman and make her come to life. And some of these guys have really gone deep.”
To get ready for his role Pete Mehrfert, an engineer and bass player in the band Earthbound, hosted a fundraiser where staff members waxed him in exchange for donations.
“Some guys will keep their beards, some guys won’t,” Haug said. “But, in the end, they’ve had professional makeup done and support with gowns and hair.”
Mz. Judged will follow the typical beauty-contest format, with contestant introductions and a talent show which Haug said will include both belly dancing and a cooking show.
Local hula hooper Daryl Black will provide entertainment while contestants prepare for a swimsuit competition. After that, they’ll change into their best evening gowns and answer questions in-character from judges.
“The concept is sort of a gender-bending event where conversation is created around inclusivity and diversity for all people,” Haug said. She hopes the evening can foster more understanding for people who don’t feel their gender matches what was assigned at birth.
Tickets fare $50, with a $30 tax receipt. Money will go to ASK’s crisis-grant program, which is available to Kamloopsians who need a little extra cash to keep themselves safe, healthy, fed or housed.
“A single mom comes in to ASK Wellness on a Friday afternoon with two little people under the age of four, has absolutely no groceries in the house and it’s the long weekend coming up, so we’re able to giver her a $75 grocery card,” said Haug.
“Or, a senior lady in November or December, her heat’s going to get shut off because she hasn’t made her payment, so we throw down $110. These are all situations that have actually occurred.”
Miz Judged begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Rex, 417 Seymour Street. Tickets are only available in advance through the Kamloops Live box office at kamloopslive.ca or 250-374-5483.
The post Men finding inner women to help others appeared first on Kamloops This Week.