Last September, the Chicago marketing and advertising community came together for a night that was equal parts celebration, connection, and purpose. Drag Makes a Difference, hosted by Givsly in partnership with the Chicago Interactive Marketing Association, united the industry to celebrate drag, inclusion, and authentic community while supporting local LGBTQ+ nonprofits.

From the moment doors opened, the energy in the room was undeniable. This was not just an event — it was a shared experience rooted in joy, visibility, and the belief that impact is strongest when built together.

Unforgettable Performances That Set the Tone

The evening kicked off with high-energy performances and hosting from Brooke Lynn Hytes and Denali, whose presence set the tone for a night filled with celebration and connection. Their performances brought the room to life and created an atmosphere where everyone felt invited to show up fully and authentically.

Throughout the night, drag was not just entertainment — it was a form of expression, storytelling, and leadership, reminding the room why visibility and representation matter.

A Fully Engaged Room

Designed to encourage participation and community, Drag Makes a Difference invited attendees to take center stage through interactive moments woven throughout the program. From the Vogue-Off competition and audience lip sync showdowns to Pride and pop culture trivia and the prize wheel, every challenge sparked laughter, connection, and shared celebration.

The result was a lively, inclusive environment where attendees were not just spectators, but active participants in the experience.

Powered by Purposeful Partnerships

As the presenting partner, Paramount Advertising played a key role in shaping the evening, reinforcing its commitment to community-driven programming and year-round Pride engagement. Paramount’s partnership was visible throughout the event, from on-stage moments to branded touchpoints that elevated the overall experience.

Additional partners supported the night through interactive activations, branded moments, and sponsor integrations that helped bring the event to life while keeping impact at the center.

Turning Celebration Into Impact

Beyond the performances and programming, Drag Makes a Difference was designed to deliver tangible impact for the local LGBTQ+ community.

Together, attendees, sponsors, and partners raised $15,000 in support of two Chicago-based organizations doing critical, on-the-ground work:

• Brave Space Alliance — providing mutual aid and essential services for Black, Brown, Trans, and LGBTQ+ individuals on the South Side of Chicago
• Center on Halsted — offering comprehensive health, housing, and wellness programs for the LGBTQ+ community across Chicagoland

These funds will directly support programs and services that create safety, access, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the city.

Pride Is Not a Moment. It’s a Commitment.

Drag Makes a Difference was a powerful reminder that Pride is not confined to a single month. It is a movement that deserves visibility, celebration, and support every day of the year.

To everyone who joined us in Chicago — from performers and partners to attendees and sponsors — thank you for showing up with intention, generosity, and joy. Your presence and participation made this impact possible.

We are grateful to the Chicago community for embracing this event so fully, and we look forward to continuing to create spaces where inclusion leads and impact follows.