4:00pm | It has a 15-year history in Long Beach and has never failed to both uplift spirits and attract people from both the gay and straight communities. Every Easter since 1997, when community Long Beacher Rick White first decided to create Hats and Heels, several drag queens start at Hamburger Mary’s in the East Village and raise money for Long Beach’s C.A.R.E. program as they traipse down the Rainbow Corridor on Broadway, stopping for drinks and performances at the local gay bars along the way.
Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal kicked off the event with an uplifting message that spirituality is not a judge. “I have my beliefs,” she stated to the packed room. “My belief is rooted in everyone. And I truly believe that Mary’s is the House of Worship, where everyone is accepted.”
Jewels, the host and MC of Hats and Heels, proudly led the way down Broadway, stopping at the World Famous Falcon and eventually ending at Silver Fox with performances at both. Councilmember Robert Garcia ended the evening with a $500 donation to C.A.R.E. while watching the final performance at the Fox.
