Shantae Morgan was crowned Miss LifeWalk last year

TAMMYE NASH | Mannaging Editor
Nash@DallasVoice.com

Some 30 years or more ago, supporters of the organization now known as Prism Health North Texas created an annual 5K walk to get the community involved and engaged in providing health care to the HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQ communities. That 5K has evolved over the years, as has the organization it benefitted, and today, while there is no 5K walk, Prism Health puts on a number of fundraising events throughout the year that grew out of LifeWalk.

One of the most popular of those events is the annual Miss LifeWalk Pageant in which drag performers at all levels take to the stage to show off their talents and raise money for and awareness of the programs at Prism Health.

This year’s pageant is set for Sunday, Nov. 2, from 4-6 p.m. in The Rose Room inside S4, 3911 Cedar Springs Road. And as the pageant draws near, Shantae Morgan, the reigning Miss LifeWalk, and Prism Health North Texas’ Director of Development Alexis Bromley took a few minutes to answer some questions for Dallas Voice.
Here’s what Shantae had to say:

Dallas Voice: What is your background in drag? How did you get started and how long have you been doing drag? Shantae Morgan: I started in drag during a Turtle Creek Chorale retreat show while participating in one of our new member skits. Friends came up to me afterwards and said I should consider fully committing to doing drag regularly. While hesitant at first, I decided to jump in and have never looked back. Now, 10 years later, I love the art, love, joy and advocacy that I get to bring to the world.

Why did you decide to compete in Miss LifeWalk last year? Was that your first time in the pageant? So 2024 was not my first time competing in a pageant or Miss Lifewalk; I had competed for several years in the Miss Big Thickette pageant and as a contestant for Miss Lifewalk.

My relationship with Prism first started through my fundraising efforts with the Turtle Creek Chorale. A group of us, led by Marsha Dimes, formed a group called the Sisters in Action about eight years ago and started hosting brunches to benefit nonprofits in the area, including Prism Health North Texas. That really expanded my advocacy journey with Prism Health, and I continued to support the organization through Lifewalk, hosting separate fundraisers on their behalf and participating in other events through the years. When the call came for contestants last year, there was no question in my mind that I would run. For me, it was a natural fit for marrying my fundraising and advocacy efforts but doing it in a more “official” capacity.

What has your year as Miss LifeWalk entailed? How have you lived the title? This year has been absolutely life changing. Through the Miss Lifewalk platform, I’ve been able to connect and meet with people across North Texas, advocating for sexual health and wellbeing, as well as mental health. I’ve done interviews, spoken on panels and had chances to perform across the Dallas area with some amazing artists. Most importantly, I’ve been able to celebrate the art of drag and help to stand in the gap for many others who felt like they may have lost their art and their voice in the wake of so many attacks against the LGBTQIA+ community.

What was your favorite experience as Miss LifeWalk? Was there something that had a significant impact for you, that prompted any kind of insight into the community or into the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS? What have you learned about Prism that you didn’t already know? One of my favorite experiences was participating in the World AIDS Day panel last December. To be in that room that evening and see the history of advocacy, resilience, love and hope was emotionally overwhelming.

While the fight against HIV/AIDS has changed, we still have so much more work to do in continuing to educate and advocate for our communities. While I have been closely tied to Prism Health North Texas for many years, I don’t think that I truly realized the reach that the organization has beyond our LGBTIA+ community and into communities of color, women’s health and reproductive rights.

There is so much great work that is being done by this organization!

What advice do you have for the next Miss LifeWalk? My advice to the next Miss Lifewalk would be: Enjoy it! Live into a moment that you are meant for. You’re not simply gaining a crown; you’re also joining a powerful lineage of community advocates and artists who used the Miss Lifewalk platform to continue to raise up our communities and change lives.
I’ll be forever grateful for serving in this role this past year, and I look forward to continuing to support Miss Lifewalk and Prism Health North Texas in the years to come.

What do you want to mention that I have not asked about? Continue to support your local drag artists! Show up to their shows, love on them, tip them and continue to give them the safe spaces to be their fabulous selves!

Alexis Bromley

Prism Health North Texas Director of Development Aleis Bromley, left, with Kim Burgan (Photo courtesy of PHNTX)

Alexis Bromley is new to the Prism Health North Texas team, but as the organization’s director of development, she is already playing a big role in the Miss LifeWalk Pageant and other fundraising efforts. Here’s what she had to say about the pageant’s history and its future, as well as her job at Prism Health.

Dallas Voice: How long have you worked for Prism Health, and what, exactly, does a director of development do? Alexis Bromley: I’m a newer member of the PHNTX team, having joined nearly six months ago. But I bring a background in nonprofit fundraising and governance. While my past focus was connecting community-led initiatives to funding support, I’m now part of a mission that gives essential health services across Dallas. I welcome new challenges to keep me growing.

A director of development focuses on all things philanthropy. To compare, a for-profit organization looks at development as increasing their clients or customers to grow revenue. In a nonprofit, we do the same, but our goal is to connect people with our mission and show them meaningful ways to support it so we can reach more people in need. I meet with donors, businesses, volunteers, and foundations to share our mission and community impact.

Talk a little bit about how Miss LifeWalk got started and how it has changed over the years? Miss LifeWalk is one of our favorite community events. It began as a pre-event to our annual fundraiser, LifeWalk, which brought people together from all over the country to support our mission of providing healthcare and honoring loved ones affected by HIV and AIDS. Walks and races were really big at the time, but as community interest evolves, we’re working to update our events accordingly.

To honor the spirit and legacy of that major fundraiser, Prism Health North Texas kept the annual pageant to carry forward the decades of work put into Life Walk. The pageant itself hasn’t changed much! It’s still satirical with high energy, raising awareness and funds for healthcare access.

We do now welcome drag kings into the contest, but we haven’t had an applicant yet. Fingers crossed for one day!

Tell me about the structure of the pageant itself. What are the categories? Is fundraising a consideration; do contestants get more points as they raise more money, or does the fundraising come after they win? We start with a call for contestants. We promote through digital channels, staff networks and at community events. Once we have four-to-seven contestants interested, we meet with them to share about the event and what to expect if they win the crown and become an ambassador for Prism Health North Texas.

On event day, the dressing room opens early; VIP ticket holders enjoy a pre-reception; MAC Cosmetics sets up a glam station for attendees; judges arrive, and, finally, the doors open for everyone.

The reigning Miss LifeWalk opens the show, then each contestant shows out with an introduction, talent showcase and two-question interview. We sprinkle in mission and performances from non-contestants to allow for outfit changes backstage.

Judges are a mix of community leaders, board members, volunteers and staff. They score on confidence, stage presence, originality and creativity. Fundraising is not part of the judging criteria, but we do ask the winner to use their platform to grow awareness and support of our mission throughout the year.

Who are this year’s judges? So far, this year’s judges include Aunt Marge (Miss LifeWalk 2023), Míchél Macklin-Encarnacion (board member), and Donnesh Amrollah (community advocate).

What are the actual responsibilities of the titleholder? The winner commits to serving as an ambassador of Prism Health North Texas for one year. This includes attending fundraising events, speaking about our mission and occasionally being an emcee or host for community events. They are featured in our marketing materials, social media and video campaigns. Every winner receives a free ticket each year to Miss LifeWalk and serves as an advocate for healthcare access for all Texans.

How are the proceeds from Miss LifeWalk used at Prism? How important are these funds now in terms of filling gaps, especially those caused by government policy changes? One hundred percent of the proceeds from Miss LifeWalk benefit Prism Health North Texas. Funds help provide healthcare services for our uninsured and underinsured patients who need financial assistance. This includes access to primary care, dental care, behavioral health, and medications for individuals and families. As a community health center, we believe everyone deserves care and work to create a healthier North Texas.

Access to healthcare continues to shift, and some government funding we once received is no longer available. It’s going to take community support and donor partnerships to fill those gaps and make sure our neighbors and Dallas stay healthy.

What else do you want to mention that I have not asked? We invite the community to attend Miss LifeWalk on Sunday, Nov., 2. You are guaranteed a great time and a good laugh while supporting a meaningful cause. Every ticket and sponsorship helps provide access to healthcare services for people who need us most!

Miss LifeWalk tickets start at $10 for standing general admission. General admission side seating is $25, and general admission floor seating is $50. VIP admission is $75. Visit PHNTX.org/LifeWalk for information.

Related