HE’LL BE QUEEN FOR A DAY

NICHOLAS Gerardi (right) will have two local charities close to his heart when he takes to the stage for Miss Gay Australia International.

In his 11th year of drag, the St Leonards female impersonator returns to the pageant with greater confidence after competing in 2016.

The 29-year-old will compete as Ivana Kebab against eight other contestants at St Kilda Town Hall on January 27.

“Same-sex-attracted Australians have up to 14 times higher rates of suicide than their heterosexual peers, and six times higher for same-sex attracted youth,” Gerardi said.

“The pageant is a chance for me to promote love and equality for all, and, to raise awareness for my charities, GASP Geelong and Hair With Heart.”

GASP supports Geelong’s LGBTQI+ youth, and Hair With Heart raises funds from donated hair to provide equipment and services to disadvantaged children.

The event is part of the Midsumma Festival.