GAPA Runway 2023 Takes Off on August 19th

SAN FRANCISCO — GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) presents RUNWAY 2023: Into the Looking Glass on Saturday, August 19, 2023, 7:00 PM curtain, at the Herbst Theatre (401 Van Ness Avenue), located in the War  Memorial Performing Arts Center in San Francisco. 

Join the queer and trans Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) community in cheering on Mx., Ms., and Mr. GAPA  contestants as they vie for the title of GAPA Royalty, while celebrating the reigns of current Mx. GAPA 2022 titleholders Obsidienne Obsurd and Siam Pussie before they step down to crown their successors.

GAPA Runway sprang from an underground dance party held in 1988 for QTAPI people to gather in safety, solidarity,  and celebration. In the 35 years since the first Miss GAPA was anointed, GAPA’s annual pageant has grown into a  crown jewel of an event, an outpouring of QTAPI joy with the crowning of new GAPA Royalty as its climax.

GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) is an organization dedicated to furthering the interests of queer and trans  Asians and Pacific Islanders by creating awareness, by developing a positive collective identity, and by establishing  a supportive community. The annual Runway pageant serves as just one flamboyant expression of this purpose.

Runway Producer Emmett Chen-Ran adds, “GAPA Runway is a one-of-a-kind production for the community by the  community. Our Runway contestants represent the best of us—they are talented, thoughtful, and dazzling community  members that champion us and deserve to be celebrated in kind. Whether crowned Mr., Ms., or Mx. GAPA, GAPA  Royalty serve as advocates of the modern QTAPI condition, bringing visibility to what being queer, trans, and AAPI  looks like in 2023.”

For those who need an introduction, Runway is no mere talent show, beauty pageant, or body beautiful competition.  Rather it is an evening of spectacle where each candidate is encouraged to explore their utmost limits of creativity  and self-expression. This year’s theme is Into the Looking Glass, with Fantasy and Eveningwear segments where  individuals can flaunt their most fantastic inclinations. Judged on their imagination and presentation, the candidates  will also be asked to reflect on what they see in store for the QTAPI community — culturally, socially, and politically.

While highlighting queer and trans Asian Pacific expression, Runway is at its core a celebratory showcase of Asian  and Pacific Islander achievement, evident in every aspect of the program, from the creativity of the candidates onstage to the witticism of emcees extraordinaire Jezebel Patel and Sir Whitney Queers. GAPA is especially proud of its  esteemed panel of judges, who amply illustrate the vibrant contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders to the  community at large. Role models all, this year’s judges include Alex Lee (he/him), California State Assemblymember,  24th district; Joshua Huynh (he/him), owner, Town Bar & Lounge; Monroe Lace (she/her), Miss San Francisco 2023;  Juicy Liu, aka Michael T. Nguyen (she/he), drag activist and Miss GAPA 2016; Amit Patel (he/him), Parivar Bay Area; and Tammy Soo (she/her), owner, Last Call Bar.

In this landmark year, Runway promises to be another explosive evening of entertainment, camp, comedy and fun,  with entertainment and personalities showcasing a wildly diverse cross section of the QTAPI community. Runway  2023 is particularly honored to have the support of its sponsors: SOMA Pilipinas, San Francisco Community Health  Center/The Lotus Project, Fresh Meat Productions, Parivar Bay Area, and more. In addition, the official Runway  Afterparty is being hosted by sponsor RIZE/QT Nightlife immediately after the show at Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street. Early arrivals at the afterparty can show their Runway ticket to get in for free.

General admission tickets are $55 for Front Orchestra and Box Seats; $40 for Rear Orchestra. Special VIP tickets  with Pre-Show Reception and Premium Seating are also available for $150. Tickets may be purchased through City  Box Office by phone (415) 392-4400 or by visiting www.cityboxoffice.com/GAPA2023.

For additional information, visit www.gapa.org/runway or email: prod@gapa.org. 

Producer Emmett Chen-Ran and the 2022 titleholders ─ Obsidienne Obsurd and Siam Pussie ─ are available  for interviews.
To make arrangements, please email: prod@gapa.org.

Photo: Siam Pussie and Obsidienne Absurd, by Pasakorn Sangsak