They may not exactly be royalty, but one local event is bringing out an array of kings and queens.
Thursday, two of Ohio University’s LGBTA groups, ALLY and Open Doors, are collaborating on a drag show to raise money for the groups’ upcoming events.
The show, which will be held at The Union Bar & Grill, 18 W. Union St., marks the first drag show of the year for both of the organizations.
“Drag shows are a great way to showcase talent here and bring together different members of the LGBTA community that may not have worked together in the past,” said Sarah Chadwell, one of the organizers of the event and a senior studying international studies.
This particular show is serving as a fundraiser for ALLY’s annual event, Queer Prom, a dance for members of the LGBTA community, especially those who may not have been able to take a date of their choosing because of high school regulations.
In addition to Queer Prom, the show will also raise money towards sending students and members of the LGBTA center to Michigan’s Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference, a yearly gathering of LGBTA students from schools throughout the Midwest.
Besides simply raising money, drag shows such as this one allow students to participate in an important event to the LGBTA community, said Kallen Justice, social media director for Open Doors and a sophomore studying history and Asian studies.
“Drag is important to the LGBT community in that it gives people the opportunity to explore parts of their gender and gender expression that they might not get to explore in day to day life for whatever reason,” Justice said.
The performers at the show will range from local and student kings and queens, to professional drag queens from nightclubs in Columbus, including Nikki Stone and Akasha O’Hara Lords.
Besides the performances, the event will feature a raffle, prizes and other special events.
“I just really want people to come, have a good time and enjoy the show,” Justice said. “That’s what drag shows are about.”
ks574510@ohiou.edu
