Drag Show to Break Gender Norms Onstage
By Dustin Peterson
Androgyny, ranging gender identities and a complete disregard for social norms - this Friday's "Drag Show 2013: Decades of Drag" will have it all.
Gay and Straight People Educating for Diversity is working hard to prepare for the 12th annual drag show, which will be performed in Locatelli Student Activity Center.
This year's theme, "Decades of Drag," invites lively creativity to fully immerse participants and audience members in the delights of drag. Plan on saying goodbye to gender stereotypes as the drag show illuminates the broad and diverse spectrum that is gender.
The event, which will include a fashion show, skits and music, is fueled by GASPED's determination to raise awareness about the diverse community of genders that exist, but are not always discussed. Freshman Lucas Hill, a current member of the organization, and Max Silva, the program coordinator, want Santa Clara to be more aware of the beauty of drag culture.
"The point of the drag show is to encourage audience members to reexamine how gender is performed in society," said Hill. "We want people to realize that gender is a social construct. Gender is not necessarily linked to biological sex."
Silva added that the drag show allows everyone to put themselves in the shoes of different genders. Whether as drag performer, a transgender individual or one who simply doesn't fit into society's rigid gender binary, seeing the world through different eyes will help equality flourish.
Hill emphasized that he wants to see all kinds of students at the drag show, "especially those who have never been exposed to different genders or have never considered issues pertaining to gender."
Both Hill and Silva have been planning the drag show since winter quarter with the help of other dedicated club members. The show will not only be diverse in gender, but in performances as well. The Santa Clara dance team Hypnotik, the women's rugby team and Devin Wakefield are three upbeat performances among many others that will be featured at the show.
The Santa Clara Community Action Program will make the event more educational by performing historical skits and broadening the awareness of the audience on different aspects of gender.
All attending audience members are highly encouraged to show off their creativity by dressing up as drag queens and drag kings. A best- dressed competition will follow the performances.
Controversy has risen in past years concerning deliberate intentions to spread negativity about the drag show.
"I hope that this year everyone comes with an open mind to broaden their knowledge before making judgments," said Hill. The goal of the drag show is to raise awareness, encourage equality and to have a good time regardless of what gender you identify as.
With the excitement of the high-energy show and the exhilaration that comes with an entirely new experience, many students may be interested in how they can be a part of the drag show in the future.
"Anyone can perform in the drag show," said Hill.
If you're not the performing type, GASPED's arms are always open to new members inspired to learn more about issues of gender, sexuality and equality. If you're not interested in either means of involvement, simply attending the show is a great way to contribute to the positive and accepting atmosphere of students here on campus.
GASPED's "Decades of Drag" begins at 8:30 p.m. on Friday May 17 in Locatelli. Come ready for a fun evening and be sure to wear your best drag.
Contact Dustin Peterson at dapeterson@scu.edu.