The Chelsea Community Church is delighted to announce a special service “Blessing of the Drag Artists” on June 23 at 1 PM in historic St. Peter’s Chelsea. This special service at is an opportunity to show appreciation and solidarity for a community that has long supported others. In addition to special music, there will be heartfelt tributes and a special blessing designed to uplift and inspire.
The service celebrates not only the contributions of drag artists but also their resilience within the LGBTQIA+ community and will feature a community choir under the direction of Jeff Cubeta*, plus special music by vocalists Nina Blue and Cameron Mitchell Bell. 
Special Speaker is Ruby Rims. Speaker for the service is The Reverend John Magisano, who will offer moments of collective reflection, and a special blessing by Revd. Joe (DollFace) Nicholson. The service will focus on themes of love, acceptance and unity, reflecting the universal values that bring people together.
Drag artists have been pivotal in the fight for equality, from the Stonewall riots to the AIDS crisis, still continuing in their advocacy today. Despite facing challenges, including attacks from far-right extremists and political figures, they remain a vibrant and integral part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Cameron Mitchell Bell is a multifaceted performer and educator who has graced regional theaters, left his mark on the national Broadway circuit, and embarked on international Broadway tours, including notable appearances in the Broadway national tour of Annie and the international Broadway tour of 
Beauty and the Beast. On the high seas, where he’s delighted audiences on cruise lines such as Disney and Holland America. Cameron’s work in film and television most recently includes Girls 5 Eva staring Sara Bareilles. He also conducts masterclasses for ggroups such as Broadway Connection and has his ownvoice and acting studio in NYC. He has a BA in vocal performance from the University of South Carolina and an MA in musical theatre from New York University.
Ruby Rims started performing in drag at age of 20 and over the past 50 years has appeared at top venues in NYC and beyond. He;s also been a frequent visitor to TV shows such as “The Phil Donahue Show” and “Mid-day Live with Bill Boggs.” He;s appeared Off Broadway in The Queens Will with Charles Busch and in Have I Got A Girl for You . Ruby is the Founder of Teddy Cares and Ruby Rims and Friends do The Can Can. He has received 7 MAC awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. He is a 27-year Aids Survivor. Ruby recently celebrated his 69th birthday with a sold-out revue at Judson Memorial Church
Established half a century ago in the heart of Chelsea, Chelsea Community Church, is a non-denominational, Christian congregation that welcomes people of all faiths and those who are uncertain about their faith. We provide a safe and inclusive space for people wherever they are on their personal spiritual journey.
* The CCC Choir is open to all songbirds who are interested. For more info about The Choir please contact JeffCubetaPianoTeaching@gmail.com
St. Peter’s Chelsea is located at 346 West 20th Street, NYC
Photo of Ruby Rims by Bill Hubner
