Of all the things to say about the gays of Hotlanta Softball League – they’ve heard it all, earned most of it and are proud of it – don’t say they make pretty drag queens. They don’t, and you're going to love it.

But Atlanta’s gay softball teams were never afraid to laugh at themselves for a good time, especially if it’s for a good cause. That’s what makes the annual Miss HSL pageant such a blast. The annual mugging and mayhem goes down once again on Saturday at Jungle to benefit AID Atlanta and Lost N Found Youth. And this year, they spin a raging hot DJ into the mix.

The league that makes fun and fundraising as much a part of their season as time on the field really lets its hair down for this event. Weeks after crowning its studliest stud, burly guys with no business in drag do it up for laughs, and everyone wins.

We make a habit out of attending the annual spectacle, so we know a thing or two about what to expect. Gird your loins, people: We break open the photo vault to show you how bad drag can be oh-so-good.

Miss HSL may require a drink. Or three.

Comedy is a friend of Miss HSL. Because beauty has the day off.

We jest. Some Miss HSL drag is actually OK (ish).

But most of it is… well… not.

It takes more than a wig and dress. No wait. It doesn’t.

Standing next to a real woman won’t help the illusion.

OK, sometimes standing next to a man doesn’t help either.

Backup dancers? You bet.

Maybe with a seasonal hook.

Or maybe offer lap dances.

Or invite Kim Zolciak. Or, er, um …

A softball theme is a sure-bet crowd pleaser.

Questioning the look? Distract them with balloons.

Or hedge bets with both softball and distractions.

Apparently, it helps to keep your mouth open.

But if all else fails, cover it.

Or bring watergun insurance.

Whatever level of success, these ‘ladies’ bring it.

And maybe walk away with a crown.

That sends the winner into overdrive.

They’ll also get a new respect for drag queens.

Because this shit is hard.