By Kevin Ferrisi –

Pride and excitement filled the air at Trevi Lounge in Fairfield as the local LGBTQ+ community gathered for a day of celebration, culminating in dazzling performances by local drag entertainers and the headliner of the night, Connecticut’s very own drag sensation, Loosey LaDuca, from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15.

The festivities kicked off with a vibrant Pride celebration in the parking lot of Trevi Lounge, drawing crowds adorned in rainbow colors and glittering attire. The lively event was a hub of activity, filled with vendors offering a variety of goods, food trucks serving delicious bites, a photo booth capturing joyful moments, and numerous small businesses and non-profits promoting their causes. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and inclusivity, reflecting the spirit of Pride, and bringing the community together in a colorful and festive display.

Following the Pride event, attendees were treated to spirited performances by talented local drag performers, who captivated the audience with their charisma and flair. Midnight, Tiki Malone, Ryder Die, Frankie Cyanide, and Tiana Maxim each took to the stage one by one in a series of two sets. Their dynamic acts and dazzling costumes left the crowd in awe, showcasing the vibrant artistry and diversity of the drag community. Each performer brought their unique style and energy to the stage, making the evening a memorable celebration of talent and pride.

As the sun began to set, anticipation soared for the highly anticipated headlining act of the night – Loosey LaDuca. Known for her larger-than-life stage presence and boundless creativity, Loosey did not disappoint. Before taking the stage, she graciously met with VIP ticket holders for a personal meet-and-greet session and photo opportunity, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening. Following the meet-and-greet, dressed in a stunning black ensemble lined with gold chains, she commanded the stage with confidence and charisma. Her performance was a masterful blend of energy and spunk. Loosey’s undeniable talent and magnetic presence solidified her status as a true star of the evening, earning booming applause and cheers from the crowd.

Loosey LaDuca captivated the audience from the moment she stepped on stage, opening with a powerful lip-sync of ‘Celebrity Skin’ by Hole. She then transitioned into an electrifying performance of her original track, ‘Let Loose’, which showcased her unique artistry and flair. After a short break and a costume change, she returned to the stage dressed in a stunning black and white one-piece that shimmered under the lights with feathered shoulders, closing the night with the high-energy anthem ‘Spice Up Your Life’ by the Spice Girls. Loosey maintained an infectious energy that had the crowd cheering and dancing along. Her magnetic presence and dynamic performance created an atmosphere of pure euphoria, leaving the audience exhilarated and wanting more.

Taking advantage of the last opportunity to bond with the adoring crowd, she explained, “Now more than ever Pride is really fucking important. So, show up and show out and show your support for all of our gay venues. There are so few left. They are closing all over the country. I know because they’re my workplaces. So go and support gay business.” Gay rights are increasingly under attack through legislative measures and social backlash, threatening the progress made towards equality. In this climate, drag queens standing up for these rights play a crucial role, as they amplify visibility, celebrate diversity, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community’s dignity and freedoms.

The night concluded with thunderous applause and cheers as Loosey LaDuca took her final bow, leaving a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to witness her unforgettable performance. As the lights dimmed and the music faded, attendees left Trevi Lounge with hearts full of pride and memories that would last a lifetime.