Lancaster Pride Crowns the New 2024 Lancaster Pride Royal: Enigma!

Lancaster, PA — May 23, 2024 — Lancaster Pride is thrilled to announce the crowning of Enigma as the 2024 Lancaster Pride Royal. Enigma, a drag performer with a passion for comedy, entertainment, and community engagement, has been an inspiring figure within the Lancaster LGBTQ+ community since beginning their drag journey four years ago.

“I started my drag journey four years ago, here in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Performing has always been an essential part of who I am, but discovering drag allowed me to tap into an ability to connect with people in a way that I had never experienced before. This journey has been the most rewarding I’ve experienced in my life. Having the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life and provide them an escape from the harshness of reality through comedy, entertainment, and fellowship is invaluable,” says Enigma.

Enigma’s story is a testament to the importance of safe, inclusive spaces like Lancaster Pride. “Lancaster Pride is a place that allowed me to discover who I am many years ago. It provided me a safe place to just be myself and immerse in my queerness. Quite literally, Enigma is a product of Lancaster Pride providing queer spaces for people like me to feel safe and be ourselves. Community engagement and community programming are essential to what I do and why I do it. Having the title of being Lancaster Pride’s newest Royal will allow me a platform to reach out to the community and bring people together in a way that I never could’ve dreamed of before. Lancaster Pride and the impact they have made on the community goes further and deeper than any title. It would be my honor to carry this awesome responsibility of strengthening our community and rallying our allies in a time where we need to stand strong, stand tall, and spread love.”

Ryan Geiger, Director of Entertainment, expresses his excitement: “Enigma embodies the essence of what Lancaster Pride stands for—resilience, creativity, and community spirit. Their dedication to using performance as a means to connect and uplift others is truly inspiring. We are excited to see the positive impact Enigma will continue to make as our newest Royal.”

Tiffany Shirley, Director of Lancaster Pride, adds: “Choosing Enigma as the 2024 Lancaster Pride Royal was an easy decision. Their commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment aligns perfectly with our mission. We are confident that Enigma will use this platform to promote unity and love within our community, especially during these challenging times.”

In addition to crowning Enigma, Lancaster Pride proudly announces Ricky Suave as the First Runner Up and Justice as the Second Runner Up. Both Ricky Suave and Justice have shown exceptional talent and dedication, making significant contributions to the spirit and vibrancy of the Lancaster LGBTQ+ community.

The Lancaster Pride Pageant is a gender-inclusive drag pageant that celebrates the spirit of community service and pride. Contestants compete not just for a title but as ambassadors who live and breathe the values of visibility, acceptance, and equality for all LGBTQ+ people. This year’s theme, Extravagant Pride, emphasizes the journey of self-reinvention and celebration that many in the LGBTQ+ community experience.

As the new Lancaster Pride Royal, Enigma will work closely with the Lancaster Pride Association to advance its mission of producing vibrant festivals and engaging programming. The goal is to meet the current and future needs of the LGBTQ+ population in Lancaster County through education, collaboration, and partnerships with allies and supportive organizations.

Lancaster Pride is committed to creating a world where all LGBTQ+ people are affirmed, respected, and included, free from discrimination, rejection, or prejudice. Enigma’s dedication and passion will undoubtedly inspire and unify our community as we continue to make strides toward a more inclusive future.

For more information about Lancaster Pride and upcoming events, visit our website at www.lancasterpride.com.