Expand your horizons

Oct 22, 2018
3 min read

Last Wednesday, I experienced my first drag show.

Every fall and spring, USD hosts a student and professional drag show. Spectrum: Gender and Sexuality Alliance is in charge of organizing this event. I was blown away.

Back in April, I covered the Spring Drag Show for the Volante, my student newspaper. Writing this story really opened my eyes to this unique world of drag and I learned so much about the work and preparation behind it. But I didn’t ever get the chance to go.

I remember I was almost in tears after interviewing one of the drag queens Giselle Jacobs. Being from a small town, I didn’t actually even know drag was a thing until my junior or senior year of high school. It’s not that I turned my nose up at it, I just really didn’t understand what it was all about.

Last spring, when I had the opportunity to look behind the scenes and interact with the drag performers, I gained a whole new understanding and respect for these incredible people. It takes so much courage and confidence to be able to stand under that spotlight, every eye on you, and dance the house down. In fact, it’s not just dancing. Drag queens have a whole persona they channel with each performance. It’s mind blowing.

As soon as I heard about the Fall Drag Show last week, I already decided I was going. Of course I wanted to support USD Spectrum and the students trying out for the drag for the first time, but I was also so curious about what a drag show was like.

I walked into the ballroom and the room was literally buzzing with energy. The show hadn’t even started yet and everybody was pumped. Even though I didn’t know what to expect at this point, the excitement was contagious.

Now at this point you’re probably wondering what actually went down on the drag show. Picture a crowded room full of antsy students, then a single spotlight on one brave, glamorous soul as they emerge from behind the curtain. The beat drops and the crowd goes wild.

This drag show in particular featured professional drag queens and drag babies, which were the

students from Spectrum just beginning their drag performances.

Hands down, my favorite drag queen who performed was Persephone Shakers. When you think of a full blown, classic drag queen, this is her. Honestly, anyone who can jump off a stage in stilettos and land in the splits is automatically amazing.

She had big hair, big lashes, and a big attitude. And let me just say, I was 100% there for it. She radiated pure confidence, just like many of the other professionals. Not to mention she was a ridiculously talented dancer and her makeup was flawless.

I have to admit, I felt a little out of place at first. I love trying new things and pushing myself outside my comfort zone, but I just didn’t know what to expect at the drag show.

I don’t think it takes a certain type of person to go, but it definitely takes an open mind.

One thing that really stuck with me last March when I covered the Spring Drag Show was something Giselle Jacobs (the drag queen I interviewed last year) said.

It’s not about a stigma or fitting a certain social environment to come to it. It’s about having a good time and to enjoy yourself. You don’t have to be a member of any group, you can be whoever you want.

Drag is all about “being whoever you want.” I think a lot of people assume drag is only for men who want to dress up as women, or vice versa. In reality, it’s for anyone who wants to dress up like someone else, or maybe the best version of themselves, and have a great time. My whole perception and understanding of drag completely changed after last week’s show.

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to experience something new and let loose just for a little while. That’s the thing: we’re stressed out, busy college kids. Every once in a while, we need to have the chance to break free, and maybe even be someone else.

For anyone unfamiliar or skeptical of the world of drag, I recommend you just consider going to a drag show. You might be surprised and come away with an open mind. And for anyone completely immersed in drag performing, shine on.