ROCKLAND — OUT Maine and The Right Track Band are teaming up again for the “GAYEST event in midcoast Maine” — the Rainbow Gala & Dance Party!
On the evening of Friday, Feb. 27 OUT Maine will host an out-of-this-world event: the third annual Rainbow Gala & Dance Party in its home base of Rockland. The gala is open to anyone 21 years of age and older, and is described as a “queer prom for grownups.” The theme is OUT-er space, and the dress code is “what did you really want to wear to prom?” — if your prom was on a spaceship.
All ticket sales and community donations will directly fund OUT Maine’s annual youth retreat Rainbow Ball Weekend. At this weekend-long event, queer and trans teens participate in educational workshops, do activities outdoors and have their own safe prom. It is the organization’s biggest event of the year, drawing more than 120 youths from all across the state. The Rainbow Gala & Dance Party is a chance for adults to have fun while supporting this vital program and Maine’s queer youth.
New for this year’s gala, drag artist Cameron Freak will MC and perform! Emerging from the weird and wild planet of Tallahassee, Florida, Cameron Freak launched their drag performances in 2018 before blasting off across the universe. After crossing the vast expanses of space, they landed their rocket ship on a new home planet: Midcoast Maine, stardate 2023. Cameron Freak brings stellar, out-of-this-world performances to every corner of the galaxy. When they’re not on stage, Freak can be found skating among the stars as a roller derby athlete. Same high-energy, different orbit!
Also new this year is an expanded online auction. Auction sales directly benefit Rainbow Ball Weekend, and anyone can participate (whether or not you are attending the Rainbow Gala & Dance Party) by going to outmaine.betterworld.org to bid. The auction boasts nearly 60 items, including gift certificates from your favorite shops in midcoast Maine, jewelry, accessories and original artwork.
Returning for a third year is The Right Track band, an 11-piece soul/funk/classic R&B band whose members hail from South Thomaston to Belfast. Their one aim is to get you on your feet and keep you there!
Returning for a second year is Hi Moments Photography, who will snap glamorous red-carpet photos of guests.
The event also offers hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
“Every year, the gala brings together LGBTQIA2S+ and allied folks from around the state, including people new to the area,” says Rachel Albury (she/her), the development director at OUT Maine. “There is always a strong sense of community and joy. I’m looking forward to seeing who comes this year!”
Tickets are available now at www.outmaine.org/gala. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
OUT Maine has an ambitious goal: to create more welcoming and affirming communities for Maine’s diverse queer youth in all their intersectional identities by changing the very systems that serve them. For more information, please visit www.outmaine.org.
