In a dazzling collision of nightlife and advocacy, RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Kerri Colby is teaming up with D.C.’s premier LGBTQ+ nightclub BUNKER and community health leader Whitman-Walker Health to raise critical funds for inclusive, affirming healthcare in the nation’s capital. The month-long fundraiser kicks off May 1 and culminates in CLUB KERRI, a can’t-miss night of performance and purpose on Friday, May 23.
CLUB KERRI: A Night of Drag, Dance, and Impact
The spotlight event of the campaign, CLUB KERRI, promises more than just fierce looks and electric beats. Hosted at BUNKER (2001 14th Street NW), the night will feature local drag favorite Cake Pop and Colby herself — fresh off her All Stars season — hitting the stage. Doors open at 10 p.m., and general admission is $20, with 50% of ticket sales going directly to Whitman-Walker Health. Colby will also donate proceeds from a special edition T-shirt to the cause.
“This is about turning a night out into something life-changing,” Colby said in a statement. “Healthcare is a right — not a luxury — and this community knows how to fight for what matters.”
BUNKER’s Mission Beyond the Dance Floor
Since opening in 2022, BUNKER has redefined what a nightclub can be: an inclusive, high-energy space that celebrates queerness in all its forms while actively giving back. Owner Zach Renovates emphasized the venue’s commitment to the community.
“BUNKER was built to be more than a nightclub — it’s a space where our community can feel safe, celebrated, and supported,” he said. “Partnering with Whitman-Walker and collaborating with someone as iconic as Kerri Colby is our way of giving back to the city that gives us so much.”
BUNKER has previously collaborated with LGBTQ+ organizations like Capital Pride Alliance, Latinx History Project, and SMYAL, proving that advocacy can go hand-in-hand with a good beat drop.
Why This Fundraiser Matters
Whitman-Walker Health, a D.C. nonprofit serving the LGBTQ+ and HIV-affected community since 1973, is facing a 40% reduction in federal research funding. That loss threatens programs that provide gender-affirming care, HIV prevention, mental health services, and other critical resources.
“These budget cuts couldn’t come at a worse time,” said Ted Miller, interim executive director of the Whitman-Walker Foundation. “LGBTQ+ people — especially Black trans women and LGBTQ+ women of color — already face major barriers to care. This fundraiser is a lifeline.”
Donations can be made directly through Whitman-Walker’s online portal throughout May.
A Celebration With Purpose
Beyond its neon lights and club bangers, CLUB KERRI represents a broader truth: when the LGBTQ+ community comes together, change happens. With music, movement, and meaningful action, Colby, BUNKER, and Whitman-Walker are proving that nightlife and advocacy can be a powerful pair.
For updates on the fundraiser and event, follow BUNKER (@bunkerclubdc), Whitman-Walker Health (@whitmanwalker) and Kerri Colby (@kerricolby) for updates. Tickets are also available for purchase on BUNKER’s website.
