As the art of drag continues to take the world by storm, college campuses are no exception for drag’s strong impact. Over the past few years, RuPaul’s Drag Race queens have begun to perform at college campuses for students and their college communities. Often hosted by universities’ Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA’s) or LGBTQU’s (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer/Questioning Unions), these shows are serving the pure fierceness and star quality of our favorite Drag Race queens!
These innovative and diverse drag shows are becoming increasingly popular at campuses across the country. Whether the shows are held at small private colleges or large state universities, Drag RuPaul's Race queens are making a name for themselves at various higher educational institutions.
When college GSA’s and LGBTQU’s host drag shows, the students gain a deeper understanding of LGBT culture and diverse gender expression. Not only are these drag shows entertaining for the college community, but they are also eye opening and incredibly personal. Many college drag shows include a Q&A session at the end of the show, which gives the students a chance to ask questions about the drag performer’s lives, careers, and how they got to where they are now. Because of these shows, universities often gain a greater sense of acceptance and understanding of LGBT culture and drag performance.
These innovative and diverse drag shows are becoming increasingly popular at campuses across the country. Whether the shows are held at small private colleges or large state universities, Drag RuPaul's Race queens are making a name for themselves at various higher educational institutions.
When college GSA’s and LGBTQU’s host drag shows, the students gain a deeper understanding of LGBT culture and diverse gender expression. Not only are these drag shows entertaining for the college community, but they are also eye opening and incredibly personal. Many college drag shows include a Q&A session at the end of the show, which gives the students a chance to ask questions about the drag performer’s lives, careers, and how they got to where they are now. Because of these shows, universities often gain a greater sense of acceptance and understanding of LGBT culture and drag performance.
With all these beneficial effects, the majority of responses regarding these college drag shows have been positive. Here are several queens who have performed at college campuses in the past:
JuJubee – Harvard University, Tufts University
Shangela- Manhattanville College, University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley
Manila Luzon- University of San Diego, New York University
Pandora Boxx- George Mason University
Morgan McMichaels, Pandora Boxx- California State University, San Marcos
Raven, Sonique – Chapman University
Shangela- Manhattanville College, University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley
Manila Luzon- University of San Diego, New York University
Pandora Boxx- George Mason University
Morgan McMichaels, Pandora Boxx- California State University, San Marcos
Raven, Sonique – Chapman University
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JuJubee at Harvard, 2012
Shangela at Manhattanville College, 2013
Pandora Boxx performing at George Mason University, 2013
In comparison to performing at a bar or other type of drag show venue, performing at a college campus is a very different dynamic.
JuJubee, who has performed extensively at campuses such as Harvard University in Connecticut and Tufts University in Massachusetts, comments on the experience of performing for a college audience:
“…I’ve kind of gone all over the country doing colleges, and every one is completely different from the other. The main goal is to have a good time and to break away from the studies for a minute and to enjoy being a young adult and, of course, to embrace the art of drag before your finals…” –The Harvard Crimson
JuJubee, who has performed extensively at campuses such as Harvard University in Connecticut and Tufts University in Massachusetts, comments on the experience of performing for a college audience:
“…I’ve kind of gone all over the country doing colleges, and every one is completely different from the other. The main goal is to have a good time and to break away from the studies for a minute and to enjoy being a young adult and, of course, to embrace the art of drag before your finals…” –The Harvard Crimson
JuJubee at Tufts University, 2013
Though the reception is generally positive, sometimes queens have to stand up for their right to perform at campuses. In March 2013, University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley hosted a drag show with Shangela as the headliner act. A few days prior to the show, a large population of the university’s community and the surrounding town erupted in protest against Shangela’s planned performance. In true Shangie style, our favorite Halleloo queen responded to the negativity with an inspiring message of peace and kindness:
“I grew up in northeast Texas in a strong religious household, so trust me … I’m no stranger to being on the opposite side of the table from those with conservative beliefs, especially when it comes to drag. Over the years I’ve developed a great sense of pride in myself and my community, and realize how important it is for all of us to stand together against this type of ignorance.
I applaud the University of Wisconsin Fox Valley leadership for supporting their students and continuing to host this show amidst the controversy. For the Wisconsin Family Action group to exclude drag shows and gay activity from being considered “diverse” shows that they don’t understand the true meaning of diversity nor the importance of creating a culture of inclusion on college campuses.
I graduated with honors from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and while there I chaired the Hilltop Entertainment Committee that hosted a number of on-campus events that promoted diversity for all groups on campus, including the LGBT organization. Through my recent work with an organization called Hope’s Voice, I’ve led seminars and performed at more than 40 colleges across the US including Syracuse, Dartmouth.
As a ‘Rupaul’s Drag Race’ alum and role model for today’s youth, I’m doing more than just lip syncing for my life… I’m lip syncing for my true voice and message to be heard — Equality and Acceptance.” – NewNowNext.com
“I grew up in northeast Texas in a strong religious household, so trust me … I’m no stranger to being on the opposite side of the table from those with conservative beliefs, especially when it comes to drag. Over the years I’ve developed a great sense of pride in myself and my community, and realize how important it is for all of us to stand together against this type of ignorance.
I applaud the University of Wisconsin Fox Valley leadership for supporting their students and continuing to host this show amidst the controversy. For the Wisconsin Family Action group to exclude drag shows and gay activity from being considered “diverse” shows that they don’t understand the true meaning of diversity nor the importance of creating a culture of inclusion on college campuses.
I graduated with honors from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and while there I chaired the Hilltop Entertainment Committee that hosted a number of on-campus events that promoted diversity for all groups on campus, including the LGBT organization. Through my recent work with an organization called Hope’s Voice, I’ve led seminars and performed at more than 40 colleges across the US including Syracuse, Dartmouth.
As a ‘Rupaul’s Drag Race’ alum and role model for today’s youth, I’m doing more than just lip syncing for my life… I’m lip syncing for my true voice and message to be heard — Equality and Acceptance.” – NewNowNext.com
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Shangela is not the only queen who has had to stand up for drag performances at colleges. Manila Luzon experienced a similar situation in April 2013, at the University of San Diego. During her performance, a group of students and local community members held a prayer vigil in protest outside the performance venue, while some people protested outside the venue’s entrance. Although the University of San Diego is a Catholic university, Lori Watson, the director of the University of San Diego’s women’s and gender studies department, stated in an interview with The College Fix :
“…the university’s mission statement “expresses a commitment to the value of inclusivity and respect for all humans… Those who oppose the event obviously think one can’t allow such an event to occur in the context of a catholic university, but I think part of our educational mission is to provide a context in which multiple and diverse and often conflicting points of view are heard.” -The College Fix
Manila did not back down from the negativity; before her killer performance, she socialized with students outside the theater building. Manila did not let the protests stop her from putting on a sick’ning performance! Sadly, no videos were taken from that night because the officials of the University of San Diego did not allow documentation of the performance.
“…the university’s mission statement “expresses a commitment to the value of inclusivity and respect for all humans… Those who oppose the event obviously think one can’t allow such an event to occur in the context of a catholic university, but I think part of our educational mission is to provide a context in which multiple and diverse and often conflicting points of view are heard.” -The College Fix
Manila did not back down from the negativity; before her killer performance, she socialized with students outside the theater building. Manila did not let the protests stop her from putting on a sick’ning performance! Sadly, no videos were taken from that night because the officials of the University of San Diego did not allow documentation of the performance.
Queens such as Shangela, Shannel, Carmen Carrera, Morgan McMichaels, Bebe Zahara Benet, and Pandora Boxx have joined forces with the organization Hope’s Voice to spread the message of acceptance and anti-bullying at colleges. Through a show called ‘Divas of Diversity’, these queens have traveled to various colleges to speak with students about the positive value of diversity inclusion. They also give tips to students on how to create a Gay-Straight Alliance in order to help bring about these values on their campuses.
Some RuPaul's Drag Race queens even return to their alma maters for a special performances! Serena ChaCha, a Florida State University (FSU) alum, performed at her home bar, Club Rehab, on the night of the RPDR season 5 premiere. FSU advertised the event and supported Serena ChaCha’s achievements after being on Drag Race! Now that’s what we call alumni support!
RuPaul's Drag Race queens’ visits to college campuses don’t stop there! Keep an eye out for more campus performances near you! Keep an eye on the Drag Official Calendar for all the hottest events in your city, and hopefully at your university.
Upcoming college drag shows with RPDR queens:
February 6, 2014 – JuJubee at Syracuse University
Upcoming college drag shows with RPDR queens:
February 6, 2014 – JuJubee at Syracuse University
