STORY BY ANNA ZAVELL
Drake Rainbow Union hosted the bi-annual Fall Drag Show Monday in Parents Hall as a start to One Voice’s Closeted Issues week.
While the queens danced, students were encouraged to approach the stage with dollar bills and give them to each performer.
With a full house, the Fall Drag Show was able to raise $350, $100 more than last year.
“It’s really great to see everyone come together as one big community to support the show,” said Rainbow Union Vice President Kathleen Knox. “Drag is such a fun part of the LGBTQ community, and it’s a great part to share with others.”
The queens who performed included Drake alum Jupiter Phuckit, current Drake student, Charli, along with Miss Teen Iowa 2014 and the current Miss Teen Unlimited winner.
Current Drake student Charli LeQueen, became a member of Rainbow Union last year and began performing drag. She said she enjoys performing at Drake because of the support she receives.
“It’s really fun performing at Drake,” Charli said. “I definitely get a lot more cheering and support than I do anywhere else.”
The queens weren’t the only performers Monday night. Two volunteers from the crowd were chosen to go back stage and receive a full drag makeover.
“I thought the makeover was a really cute touch because it helped connect the audience with the performers,” said sophomore Caitlin Carriel. “It’s important to encourage everyone who gets on stage because we want to make sure Drake is a safe space.”
All money raised during the show was donated to Iowa Safe Schools, an organization that works to promote anti-bullying in Iowa schools and create safe places for LGBTQ students.
In collaboration with Rainbow Union, One Voice, an outlet for students to make a change regarding LGBTQ rights, is hosting this Closeted Issues week, which has two other events during the week.
The second event of the week is a discussion with Dr. Joe Freund, a recognized expert for LGBTQ healthcare. The event is tonight at 7 p.m. in Meredith 238.
The week then ends tomorrow at 5 p.m. in Olmsted 312 with Safe Space Training led by Tony Tyler, director of Olmsted Center and student organizations.
