Montclair LGBTQ Advocates Spearhead ‘Drag Brunches, Dance Parties’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A nonprofit in Montclair that advocates for LGBTQ+ people is teaming up with a local restaurant/event space to hold monthly “dance parties” and “drag brunches” open to the community.

Out Montclair recently announced a collaboration with Porta in downtown Montclair on the event series, which organizers said are being held to “bring LGBTQIA+ people and allies together in joy and solidarity.”

According to Out Montclair, here are the details for both:

DANCE PARTY - The collaboration kicked off Jan. 21 with the “Satur-SLAY” Dance Party and will be held on the second Saturday of every month, beginning at 11 p.m. This party is open to ages 21 and over.

DRAG BRUNCHES – Porta is also hosting a monthly Sunday drag brunch, all ages welcome and families encouraged to attend. “Sunday Slayday Drag Brunch” debuted on Jan 29. The showtime was at 3 p.m., and seating began at 2 p.m. for guests who want to start brunching earlier. The debut drag brunch featured Stella Luna, Kimmy Sumony, Vicky Vee, Christine Dior and Porta House Diva Adi Owenn Sumony. The next drag brunch will be Sunday, Feb. 26, and every fourth Sunday of the month thereafter.

“We could not be more excited to have two fantastic events to look forward to every month with our incredible hosts at Porta,” Out Montclair Out at Night lead Ed Frischkorn said.

“Our debut party Satur-SLAY brought LGBTQIA+ people and allies together and onto the dance floor in joy and celebration, and Sunday drag brunch has been on our dream vision board ever since we started Out Montclair,” Frischkorn said. “The message is clear: You are invited!”

“Drag allows us to be the best version of ourselves – fabulous, never boring and dripping in rhinestones,” said Porta House Diva Adi Owenn Sumony, who will be among the regularly featured artists. “From Queens to Kings to Nonbinary artists, we showcase why Drag is inclusive, essential and fun.”

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