Cancer's a Drag features honoree Michael Aaron

Cancer’s a Drag is an inaugural event created by the American Cancer Society of Utah to provide support for the numerous LGBTQ+ community members living in Utah. This event will consist of 20 honorees who will participate in a fundraising competition culminating with a live drag performance at the event on Thursday, August 17.

There will also be an Allied Against Cancer on August 19 and 20 to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in partnership with the Utah Beer Festival at Granary Live. Music, Drag Queen Bingo, Silent Auction, over 200+ Beers and Ciders, and so much more!

Organizers say Cancer’s a Drag will feature entertainment from some of the best drag queens, a silent auction, dinner, and an amazing time you will not soon forget.

The focus of the event is health equity, says event organizer Catina Struble.

“Unfortunately, so many of us have a connection to cancer, whether it be ourselves or someone we love,” Struble said. “Research confirms that the LGBTQ+ community carries a disproportionate burden of cancer, has distinctive risk factors, and faces additional barriers to accessing health care. We plan to change that and have fun doing it.”

Struble says money raised at this event will stay in Utah, with a focus on our Utah health initiative and breaking down the barriers that exist between the LGBTQ community and access to care.

One of the honorees is Michael Aaron, founder and editor of QSaltLake Magazine, now in its 20th year.

“Yeah — he didn’t think he’d last that long in a job either,” Aaron’s fundraising page reads. “He has been a leader in the LGBTQ community for 40 years. He says he was two years old when he started. He has been a Matron of Mayhem since the troupe’s inception, back when they were called the Utah Cyber Sluts. He is a baritone in the Salt Lake Men’s Choir. Think Josh Groban meets a screeching cat. He loves to camp, garden, and sit in hot springs. Usually without pants.”

“Understanding that our community, especially our lesbian sisters, are disproportionately affected by cancer, and that two immediate family members are breast cancer survivors, provides my passion for the goals of Cancer’s a Drag,” Aaron said.

Sponsorships are available.

Cancer’s a Drag will take place Thursday, August 17 at Venue 6SIX9, 669 S. West Temple, at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at cancersadrag.org

Support Michael Aaron’s efforts to raise money for the charity at bit.ly/cancerdragmaaron