On June 13, Brooklyn Boulders Chicago and DO312 presented Out to Climb: Pride Edition at 100 S. Morgan St. The event, which boasted the first drag rock climbing competition ever also featured a host of personalities and entertainers from Chicago's vibrant nightlife community and benefited The Transformative Justice Law Project.
Among the celebrities in attendance were emcees Lucy Stoole and Trannika Rex, with hosts Imp Queen, Tenderoni, Hannah Vitti, An Authentic Skid Mark, Scott Cramer and guest bartenders Debbie Fox and Ryan Willing of TaTuesday. Competing drag climbers included Abhijeet, Alex Kay, and designer Eda Yorulmazglu with music provided by Teen Witch Fan Club.
This edition of Out to Climb took place at Brooklyn Boulders Chicago, a high tech climbing gym. For the event, attendees placed cash bets on which drag queen they thought would reach the summit with Brooklyn Bridges donating an additional amount for each winner. In addition to the climbing Bambi Banks performed a musical number.
The festivities began with Abhijeet facing off with Kay with Abhijeet emerging as the victor. For the second go round Abhijeet challenged Yorulmazglu and just barely won a second time. Amidst the merriment attendees were encouraged to climb with Brooklyn Boulders Chicago making an encouraging donation for those who made it to the top.
All proceeds from the event were donated to The Transformative Justice Law Project. The Project, which is a collective of radical activists, social workers, and organizers provides support, advocacy, and free holistic advocacy and criminal legal services to poor and street based transgender people in Illinois.