Warwick resident Eric Fusco is preparing his makeup for the “King of Queens” drag contest on May 1, hosted by AIDS Care Ocean State.

Fusco, along with 11 other contestants from around the state, will be participating for the crown all to benefit AIDS Care, in hopes of finding a cure.

The contest pairs men who have never participated in drag with popular “Drag Divas” from Providence for complete makeovers and to prepare for one of the most unique pageants.

Paul Fitzgerald founded AIDS Care Ocean State, Rhode Island’s largest HIV/AIDS service agency, in 1987, originally to address mother to child transmission of HIV.

Because Fusco is dedicated to helping reach a cure, he is hoping to raise $10,000 for the competition through GoFundMe. The money he raises will go toward patient treatment and living conditions. Last year, he raised $5,500.

Throughout his life, Fusco has known people affected directly by the disease, whether it be them having the disease or knowing someone who does. Fusco’s wife had a friend who passed away in the ’90s from the disease.

“Since I was a kid, it [AIDS] has been something I hated – there is no cure and people and their families are seriously affected,” said Fusco.

For this reason, Fusco has always had a consistent interest in helping any efforts toward finding a cure.

Fusco first discovered the King of Queens drag contest through Alicia Brock, a childhood friend who also works with the AIDS Care agency.

Fusco, who is part of Rhode Island’s Comic-Con group, claims

Cardi’s is the only business that brings awareness to the disease. “I want to build a legacy,” said Fusco. “People should not be aware only once per year; people should want to help all year long.”

With a hope to reach his goal, Fusco wants “more people to see how much the small state cares.” He will partake in a fun surprise performance where he will be “dragged out” with makeup and a wig.

Fusco is strongly committed to giving every penny he raises to AIDS funding, so it can go toward treatment and living expenses for AIDS patients.

“We are not any closer to finding the cure, and there is no chance to beat it in comparison to other diseases,” said Fusco.

The 6th Annual King of Queens contest will be held on May 1 at The Colosseum, located on 180 Pine Street in downtown Providence. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7. Tickets will be sold at the door for $15.

For more information, visit www.aidscareos.org.

To donate to Fusco’s GoFundMe, visit gofundme.

com/u2qnjp2k.