Rayonna Burton-Jernigan covers diversity and culture-related topics and can be contacted at or (812) 454-1765.Woodbank does not monitor or record these emailsĪerodynamic Lift and Drag and the Theory of Flight Activities will include a family-friendly drag show featuring the new Miss Gay America, as well as a silent auction and raffle. About the show: Organizers say it will be "a night of love" dedicated to Craig Duke and his allyship with the LGBTQ community.Masks and proof of COVID-19 vaccination are required. Tickets can be purchased online at or at the door. Admission: $10 per ticket for ages 12 and up.
Where: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 Court Str., Evansville.“Finding a way to bridge that gap between the LGBTQ community, and the faith community is his number one goal and we hope to help him by supporting him in that way," Riester said. The Courier & Press left a message for Duke seeking comment. Duke previously told the Courier & Press he was considering the establishment of a new inclusive, faith-based camp for young people. Saturday's benefit is a drag show with proceeds going to River City Pride and Duke’s next step, which has yet to be defined. More: Pastor Craig Duke talks about departure from church following HBO drag show appearance It led to his departure from the church in late 2021. "I think that it started some conversations that maybe we wouldn't have been able to start previously and that's a big deal for us," Riester said.ĭuke was pastor at Newburgh United Methodist Church, where some members took issue with his participation in the show. thought it was important to host an event that showed him how loved he is and how grateful we are for his voice and shining a light on Evansville specifically but this region as a whole. “We thought it was important to show that we as a community, the LGBTQ community, stand by our allies when they stand by us,” said Ashley Riester, president of River City Pride. More: HBO's 'We're Here' drag queen show, filmed in Evansville, features pastor, other locals 8 episode of HBO's "We're Here" as an outreach to his pansexual daughter. River City Pride nominated Duke for the show. Craig Duke, a United Methodist Church pastor, will take place Saturday night at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Downtown Evansville.ĭuke was "relieved of his duties" by regional church officials after appearing in a Nov. River City Pride's “We’re Still Here” night, dedicated to the Rev. A local LGBTQ group is hosting a night to honor a local pastor who became embroiled in controversy over his participation in a cable-network drag show. View Gallery: Month in Pictures: A look back at January 2022 with our photography staffĮVANSVILLE, Ind.