Fresh off the Emmy win for her work as nurse Dana Evans on HBO Max’s hit medical drama “The Pitt,” Katherine LaNasa has signed on to be a judge at this year’s Best in Drag show.
The annual Los Angeles-based amateur drag queen competition pageant, which started more than 30 years ago, benefits APLA Health’s Alliance for Housing & Healing.
Additional judges will include “Melrose Place” star and LaNasa’s husband Grant Show, Judy Greer, Kathy Kinney, Dan Bucatinsky and Variety’s Marc Malkin.
BID takes place Oct. 5 at The Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
“We are beyond excited to bring back Best in Drag, a celebration of creativity and boldness,” APLA Health CEO Craig E. Thompson said in a statement. “This event is an expression of our commitment to the health, dignity, and well-being of our community. At a time when our community is under attack, the funds raised are critical to providing vital housing and support services to those most impacted by HIV.”
This year’s show will also feature a performance by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star and former BID contestant Salina EsTitties.
APLA Health, which was founded in 1983, serves more than 22,000 individuals each year at eight locations throughout L.A. County. Its programming includes include primary care, dental care, behavioral health and sexual health services. APLA’s Vance North Necessities of Life Program distributes more than one million meals annually, making it the nation’s largest food pantry for people with HIV.
“We invite attendees to experience a night of unapologetic extravagance that celebrates our community’s vibrant diversity,” Alliance for Housing & Healing director Terry D. Goddard said. “Best in Drag offers more than entertainment — it is a statement of inclusion, empowerment, and communal strength. Every costume, act, and performance is infused with a spirit of joy, defiance, and love, making the evening a must-see event for those who appreciate artistry with purpose.”