Greenwich’s Christian Meskers is co-hosting a fundraiser for the a non profit group, Triangle Community Centers, the leading provider of programming and resources within the LGBTQ+ community in Fairfield County.
Based in Norwalk, Triangle Community Centers, TCC for short, offers a variety of programs and services, including social events, speakers, support groups, educational workshops, and advocacy initiatives.
The fundraiser is on March 1 at 7:30 at Troupe429 at 3 Wall Street in Norwalk. Known for its dance parties and live shows by local talent and international stars, as well as monthly karaoke nights, burlesque shows and drag brunches, Troupe429 is a premier arts venue housed in a historic landmark building.
There is no cover charge at the March 1 event, but donations are gratefully received to support the important work of TCC.
Christian said the name of the event, “Will’s Beauty’s,” reflects the drag name of event co-host, Will Doughty.
Will Beauty is a multifaceted artist with over 13 years of experience in the world of drag, using their expertise as a makeup artist and wig designer to celebrate the artistry of transformation.
Passionate about highlighting the beauty and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, Will channels their creativity into helping others express themselves through makeup and drag.
“I’m lucky,” Christian said. “I’m doing this show because I’m free to express myself, and the show is a way to be creative.”
Taking inspiration from his experience having interned on Season 4 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race on MTV in 2014, Christian said, “Now I get to run a philanthropy show, dressed up, which is fun for me.”
He noted that while TCC is based in Norwalk, their catchment area is all of Fairfield County and even extends across the state.
“TCC feeds, clothes and houses people across Connecticut, and acts as resource and stepping stone for members of the LGBTQ+ community,” Christian said. “This group is essential for young queer LGBTQ+ people to find themselves, and get the resources they need to flourish and grow as individuals.”
As for recent attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, and especially on transgender youth, he said, “This is all happening in Q1 of 2025 and fundamental resources are being eroded.”
“There are so many queer kids from every economic walk of life, including in our town (Greenwich) who get kicked out of their home, maybe stay with a friend for 5 months, maybe become homeless – and deal with so many adverse situations from families who cannot accept them,” Christian said. “Finding a middle point is what TCC is all about.”
Christian said TCC also has a sizable food pantry and offers showers, bathrooms and helps people find housing when they’re homeless.
“They may be on the run from a bad family situation, crossing state lines or simply not welcome at home,” he said. “TCC also has a clothing closet for all different body sizes.”
And of course, he said, TCC is known for their annual Pride in the Park event in June. Attended by thousands of people, it is the biggest pride festival in Fairfield County.
Describing TCC as a major pillar for the Fairfield County area’s LGBTQ+ community, Christian said that so far the response and generosity from the community had been heartening.
“Donating $25 or $50 for this show is more than just a matter of trans, drag and gender – it’s a queer fundraiser, helping to house and feed people,” he said.
Christian said TCC is partnering for the March 1 event with the Leonard-Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation, which is based in Fairfield, CT. The foundation provides funding for grant proposals for programs in focus areas: Health & Wellness, Crisis Intervention, Racial Justice, Advocacy and Community Engagement, Social Assistance, and Community Programming.
The March 1 event at Troupe429 is free to attend, but donations are appreciated and can be made online.
Click here for the Link to Donate.