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NATCHEZ – In the six years since its inception, Y’all Means All Natchez has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support mental health efforts in the Miss-Lou.

Now, as the organization readies to welcome hundreds of visitors for The Weekend events, organizers say the group continues to expand its mission and broaden it support.

“This started as an LGBTQ+ organization in 2019,” said founding member John Grady Burns. “And that’s because all the founding members were gay. But over the years, we’ve had so much support from other areas of the community – from people who were outside the LGBTQ+ community – that we are a true representation of our community now.

“And it’s exciting to see how many people are supporting this organization.”

Y’all Means All began as a support community to raise awareness of mental health issues and to provide support suicide prevention in the Miss-Lou. Its original mission was to raise funds for individuals who have limited or no ability to pay for mental health services the opportunity to obtain needed assistance. In addition, the organization has provided community assistance grants to Southwest Mississippi Regional Health Services and NAMI to fund efforts here in the Miss-Lou.

In addition, the group has begun awarding an annual scholarship of up to $20,000 to a college junior who is majoring in a mental health field.

“For two years, we have raised more than $100,000, and all that money stays right here in our community,” Burns said.

The funds come from The Weekend events each October and from a Gayrage Sale held in the spring.

In its sixth-year, The Weekend has grown to a four-day event that features bingo, house tours, brunches and an epic lip-sync contest.

Events begin this year at 6 p.m. Thursday with Drag Queen bingo at Smoot’s Grocery. Tickets are $45 each, unless purchased as part of a weekend pass.

On Friday, Angel Roberts and Robert VanNewkirk are opening their newly remodeled home at Field & Forest for a Black and White cocktail party. “The home was formerly known as The Cedars” in Church Hill, Burns said. The couple have spent a year remodeling and refurbishing the home and the cocktail party will mark its public debut. Tickets are $100 each, unless purchased as part of a weekend pass.

On Saturday, participants can meet at Smoot’s Grocery at 10:45 a.m. for a free trolley ride to preview historic properties for sale in Natchez. The tour ends at Big Muddy Inn, with a concert. Participation is free, but registration is required.

That evening,  the Quick Drag Showdown takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Natchez City Auditorium. The event features local contestants in an on-stage quick-change contest followed by a lip-sync battle. “Carson Kressley will be the emcee,” Burns said. Kressley is a television personality, actor, and designer known for his role in the Bravo series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy as well as other television series. Tickets are $45 each, unless purchased as part of a weekend pass.

The weekend pass for the Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening events is $170. Click here for registration and ticket information.

On Sunday, participants and visitors are encouraged to participate in a brunch hosted by Frankie’s on Main. Doors open at 11 a.m. for the Brunchin’ on Main event and the show begins at noon. Reservations can be made by calling Frankie’s at Main at 601-861-6713.

Learn more about the Y’all Means All organization and its work here.