I know what you’re all thinking. What’s the difference between a Big, Gay Carwash and just an ordinary-sized Gay Car Wash? The answer is, apparently, a bumping PA system and glittery pretend nuns.
According to Choices Community partnerships assistant Holly Calvasina, the fund-raiser was an opportunity to “celebrate openness and joy and be welcoming and affirming to all people.”
Calvasina says she doesn’t want the name to fool anybody. Her car wash may be big and it may be gay, but whether they want to wash or get washed, the suds-fest is open to all kinds of people. The volunteers washing the cars will come in all shapes and sizes, Calvasina says. And they’ll be wearing everything from T-shirts and shorts to rainbow speedos.
When they aren’t busy washing cars, volunteers will keep a dance party going, and driver participation is encouraged.
“Have you ever heard of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,” Calvasina asks, excitedly describing a San Francisco-based order of pranksters who use drag and religious imagery as a form of protest. Memphis is forming a chapter, and they’ll be joining the party.
Proceeds from the Big, Gay Car Wash go toward the general operating funds for Choices, a not-for-profit clinic offering reproductive health care for women and men. Choices has also been recognized as a leader for LGBTQ health-care equality.