Pride Worcester

Help us kick off PRIDE Worcester 2026 with the opening of FOR THE RECORD: LGBTQ+ Histories — a multimedia exhibit celebrating local q***r stories, creativity, resilience, and the history that continues to shape our community. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Join us for the PRIDE Worcester Opening Event featuring a special program, reception, and dancing as we celebrate the launch of this powerful exhibit created from the Worcester LGBTQ+ History Project.

🗓️ Wednesday, September 2, 2026
⏰ 6:30–7 PM | Program
🪩 7–8 PM | Reception & Dancing
📍 Worcester Public Library, First Floor

✨ Free and open to the public

🔗 Registration required: https://worcesterlgbtqhistory.eventbrite.com

Can’t make the opening? The exhibit will be on display at the Worcester Public Library from September 1–15.

Brought to you through a collaborative partnership among PRIDE Worcester, College of the Holy Cross, Museum of Worcester, and the Worcester Public Library.

See you there! 🌈

👑 MEET YOUR 2026 PRIDE WORCESTER PAGEANT CONTESTANTS 👑

Meet Star, the stage name of Starvenson Sanon (Star 🌟 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Applied Psychology student, aspiring fashion model, and proud member of the Worcester community. Guided by resilience, compassion, and authenticity,

Star believes that life’s greatest purpose is to uplift others while embracing the unique qualities that make each of us extraordinary.

Professionally, Star works with children with autism, helping them develop communication, social, and daily living skills. Witnessing their growth each day has reinforced his belief that patience, encouragement, and unconditional support can change lives. Their determination inspires him to become not only a stronger professional, but also a more compassionate advocate, leader, and role model within the community.

Beyond his career, Star has a deep passion for fashion, modeling, and self-expression. Whether attending fashion events, staying active at the gym, enjoying movies, or spending time with family and friends, he embraces every opportunity to celebrate creativity and individuality. To him, fashion is more than style—it’s a powerful way to inspire confidence and encourage others to embrace their authentic selves without apology.

Star believes that true success is measured not by titles or achievements, but by the lives we impact, the barriers we help break, and the hope we leave behind. His dream is to build a career where he can advocate for inclusion, empower young people, and create meaningful change in both the behavioral health and fashion industries.

As Aladdin, Star reminds us that the greatest magic isn’t found in a lamp—it’s found in believing in yourself, daring to dream beyond your circumstances, and using your gifts to help others discover their own limitless potential.

✨ See all our Pride Worcester Pageant contestants take the stage on Saturday, August 15 at 7 pm at the JMAC. Get your tickets today — link in bio.

📸 Daniel Ortiz Jr.

👑 MEET YOUR 2026 PRIDE WORCESTER PAGEANT CONTESTANTS 👑

Meet Teresa, the stage name of Jarvey Ruiz (Jarvey Ruiz) a proud Guatemalan performer who now calls Worcester, Massachusetts, home. With a passion for fashion, modeling, creativity, and performance, Teresa brings elegance, confidence, and authenticity to every stage she graces. Constantly striving to learn, grow, and become the strongest version of herself, she believes that every experience—both joyful and challenging—shapes us into more compassionate and resilient people.

Proud to represent Worcester’s vibrant and diverse community, Teresa believes everyone deserves to be seen, respected, and celebrated for exactly who they are. Through the Worcester Pride Pageant, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their identity with confidence, pursue their dreams without fear, and recognize that their story has value, no matter where they come from or the obstacles they have overcome.

Beyond the spotlight, Teresa is committed to personal growth, education, and using her voice with purpose. She is especially proud of her journey of perseverance, proving that determination and self-belief can open doors to new opportunities. Her dream is to become 1st Majesty of Worcester County, not simply to wear a crown, but to serve as a visible leader who uplifts others and helps create a community where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and empowered.

As Tinker Bell, Teresa reminds us that even the smallest spark can light the way for others. Through grace, resilience, and unwavering determination, she proves that true magic is found in believing in yourself—and inspiring others to do the same.

✨ See all our Pride Worcester Pageant contestants take the stage on Saturday, August 15 at 7 pm at the JMAC. Get your tickets today — link in bio.

📸 Daniel Ortiz Jr.

👑 MEET YOUR 2026 PRIDE WORCESTER PAGEANT CONTESTANTS 👑

Meet Twinkette Dudette, the stage persona of Julianna Petraitis (Julianna Petraitis) a disabled actor, activist, and creative force proudly based in Worcester County. Whether they’re captivating audiences through acting, modeling, singing, creative writing, or drag, Julianna believes that storytelling has the power to challenge perspectives, build community, and remind people that everyone deserves to be seen.

Guided by the philosophy that doing the right thing is always worth it—especially when it’s difficult—Juliana strives to use every performance as an opportunity to inspire authenticity, courage, and compassion.

Beyond the stage, Julianna is deeply committed to serving their community. As a core member of the Rural Justice Network, they help organize Small Town Pride by uplifting local vendors and showcasing regional drag talent. They also serve on the board of the Tip-Top Co-op, volunteer at the North Brookfield Senior Center, and proudly became an ordained minister to officiate LGBTQ+ weddings at no cost. To Julianna, love is life’s greatest adventure, and everyone deserves the chance to celebrate it.

Living with a disability has shaped Juliana’s journey but has never defined their dreams. While balancing specialist appointments and the challenges of daily life, they continue to dedicate time to advocacy, volunteerism, and creating more inclusive spaces for others. They hope to one day build a successful career as an actor, using their platform to increase authentic representation of both q***r and disabled communities while giving back to causes that make a lasting difference.

As Captain Hook, Twinkette Dudette reminds us that true strength isn’t measured by perfection—it’s found in resilience, kindness, and the courage to chart your own course. With heart, determination, and a little swashbuckling flair, they prove that the greatest adventure of all is helping others believe they belong.

✨ See all our Pride Worcester Pageant contestants take the stage on Saturday, August 15 at 7 pm at the JMAC. Get your tickets today — link in bio.

📸 Daniel Ortiz Jr.

👑 MEET YOUR 2026 PRIDE WORCESTER PAGEANT CONTESTANTS 👑

Meet Tina Tequila (Tina Tequila), a proud Worcester native whose heart beats as boldly as the city she calls home. Known for blending high-fashion glamour with childhood whimsy and a healthy dose of brilliant stupidity, Tina has spent the past three and a half years making waves throughout Worcester’s drag community.

From capturing the Worcester Drag Gauntlet Cycle 6 crown to gracing the runway in the Q***r AF Fashion Show and performing at countless community fundraisers, she has become a familiar face both on and off the stage.

Beyond the spotlight, Tina is an active advocate for her community and a proud member of Woo Pride Sports, helping create inclusive, affirming spaces where everyone is welcomed, valued, and celebrated. Whether she’s dazzling an audience, competing on the field, or volunteering in the community, Tina believes that drag is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful form of activism rooted in connection, empathy, and visibility.

With a sharp mind, quick wit, and undeniable charisma, Tina lives by the belief that authentic relationships have the power to transform communities. She is passionate about ensuring every LGBTQ+ person feels seen, protected, and empowered to embrace their true selves.

As the Little Mermaid, Tina Tequila reminds us that sometimes the bravest journeys begin by finding your own voice. Through courage, compassion, and a touch of magic, she proves that the greatest treasures aren’t found beneath the sea—they’re discovered when we dare to live authentically and inspire others to do the same.

✨ See all our Pride Worcester Pageant contestants take the stage on Saturday, August 15 at 7 pm at the JMAC. Get your tickets today — link in bio.

📸 Daniel Ortiz Jr.

👑 MEET YOUR 2026 PRIDE WORCESTER PAGEANT CONTESTANTS 👑

Originally from New York City, Raeny Nights (Rae) made the courageous decision to move to Worcester in pursuit of something far greater than a new home—the chance to finally live as her authentic self.

Raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household, she knew embracing her identity would come at a tremendous cost, leaving behind family, lifelong friendships, and the only life she had ever known. She arrived in Worcester with no support system, but found something even more powerful: a community that embraced her, uplifted her, and reminded her that chosen family can be just as meaningful as the one we’re born into.

Since beginning her drag journey in February 2026, Raeny Nights has quickly become a rising star, gracing the stages of Harley’s Funhouse, the Worcester Drag Gauntlet, and Space Void. Every performance is an opportunity to grow, challenge herself, and become an even stronger artist than she was the night before. Rather than chasing perfection, she is committed to constant evolution, originality, and authenticity.

Beyond the stage, Raeny Nights is deeply passionate about addressing food insecurity. Having experienced homelessness and food scarcity herself, she understands firsthand the importance of community care. Her time volunteering at a soup kitchen in New York reinforced her belief that even the smallest acts of kindness can change someone’s life, and she hopes to use her platform to inspire compassion while advocating for those facing hunger and hardship.

Filled with gratitude for the people who helped her find her strength, Raeny Nights believes that resilience is born through love, acceptance, and the courage to keep moving forward.

As Ursula, she reminds us that true transformation doesn’t come from magic—it comes from embracing who you are, rewriting your own story, and finding power in the journey

✨ See all our Pride Worcester Pageant contestants take the stage on Saturday, August 15 at 7 pm at the JMAC. Get your tickets today — link in bio.

📸 Daniel Ortiz Jr.

👑 MEET YOUR 2026 PRIDE WORCESTER PAGEANT CONTESTANTS 👑

Once upon a time, every fairy tale needed a powerful villain—and this year, Abby Normous (Brooke Lynn Abby) reigns supreme as the unforgettable Maleficent.

Meet Abby Normous, the dazzling drag queen and proud transgender diva, Brooke Lynn Abby. Raised in Sturbridge and after spending many years away, Abby returned to the place she’s always called home and now proudly resides in Worcester. Whether she’s turning heads with her unmistakable style on the city’s streets or commanding the stage in full drag, Abby is on a mission to make drag performers as visible, celebrated, and accepted as any other artist.

When she’s not captivating audiences, Abby enjoys spending time at the dance studio, hitting the golf course, and making memories with the incredible friends who have become her chosen family. At 50 years young, she’s lived many chapters—veteran, parent, chef, and now proudly her most authentic self. She credits Worcester’s welcoming community for embracing her journey and giving her the confidence to truly shine.

Fearlessly independent and impossible to ignore, Abby believes in standing out, speaking up, and showing up for the people she loves. She lives unapologetically, leads with confidence, and encourages others to embrace the freedom of living their truth without fear.

As Maleficent, Abby reminds us that every great fairy tale needs a character who challenges expectations. Powerful, glamorous, and unapologetically bold, she proves that sometimes the most unforgettable magic comes from those brave enough to rewrite the story on their own terms.

✨ See all our Pride Worcester Pageant contestants take the stage on Saturday, August 15 at 7 pm at the JMAC. Get your tickets today — link in bio.

📸 Daniel Ortiz Jr.

👑 MEET YOUR 2026 PRIDE WORCESTER PAGEANT CONTESTANTS 👑

Once upon a time, every fairy tale needed a hero—and this year, Sir Royce (Sir Royce) proudly steps into the role of Prince Charming.

A proud Puerto Rican drag king, Sir Royce embraces femininity through performance while inspiring others to live boldly and authentically. With electrifying dance moves, magnetic stage presence, and an infectious love for the art of drag, he transforms every performance into a celebration of confidence, joy, and self-expression.

Although he now calls Fitchburg home, his heart will always belong to the Island of Enchantment—Puerto Rico. When he’s not commanding the stage, you’ll find him behind the bar at Femme, building meaningful connections within the community or creating unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Sir Royce believes that even in a divided world, empathy, kindness, and shared experiences can bring people together. His mission is to spread love, laughter, and hope while reminding others that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

Dreaming of becoming a star, Sir Royce hopes to use his platform for more than entertainment. He is passionate about uplifting communities, providing essential resources to those in need, and inspiring others to lead with compassion. After all, talent can be taught—but kindness is what creates a true legacy.

As Prince Charming, Sir Royce reminds us that the greatest fairy tale isn’t about finding a perfect ending—it’s about becoming the kind of person who helps others believe in happily ever after.

✨ See all our Pride Worcester Pageant contestants take the stage on Saturday, August 15 at 7 pm at the JMAC. Get your tickets today — link in bio.

📸 Daniel Ortiz Jr.

Let’s dance, Worcester. 🪩

This is your chance to join Francisco a Sanchez for a *very* special Pride performance this September! 🌈

Who’s in? 👀👀👀

📸 Wedding + Engagement + Drag + Portrait Photography