Eureka O’Hara. Photo via Instagram

Imagine you are a college student coming out or are outed to your parents. Their reaction is not what you had hoped for and they either throw you out or cut off your education funds, or both. Now what?

If you are a student at the University of Houston you turn to Red Dinner, an organization that resources an Emergency Crisis Fund that provides temporary monies for housing, medications, food, and other basic living expenses for LGBTQ students in need. 

“We believe no UH Cougar should have to choose between a UH education and living their truth,” says Brian Waddle, chairman of the organization.

“We have raised more than $100,000 in just three years, but incredibly, the need grows every year as more students learn of this fund and come out from the shadows of sofa-surfing with friends, or tragically, living on the streets. Yes, university students living on the streets of Houston because they have no other options,” adds Waddle.

The event is in its fourth year and continues to grow every year.  The first year, 40 people attended a backyard event and they expect a capacity crowd of about 350 this year.

Red Dinner 4 will be held on May 18 with a reception beginning at 6 p.m. at the UH Athletic/Alumni Center. UH alum Dominique Sachse, KPRC-TV news anchor, will serve as host and an after party will feature Eureka O’Hara from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 10. For more information or to purchase tickets visit RedDinner.org.