Men will dress as women and vice versa at 7 p.m. on April 30 in Visser Hall, room 330.
The drag show hosted by People Respecting Individuality and Diversity in Education is to celebrate the Emporia State lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, question, plus community and their lives.
Emma DePriest, senior English major, previous writer for The Bulletin and the president of PRIDE, said that the event is just a part of the week celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
“We have the talent/drag show to sort of showcase those who are in the community in one way or another,” DePriest said. “Last year we had a bit of a crisis and weren’t able to have the show, but we are picking up the pieces this year to ensure a successful event.”
The drag show is as much a drag show as it is a talent show with drag elements. A drag show is a show where typically male performers dress as women to celebrate feminine stereotypes. The talent show will have a professional drag queen, Naquita Lynn Carmichael, performing and a number of other performers, some in drag and some not.
“Drag isn’t about dressing ‘like a girl’ and making fun of the people who do it but instead, is a way to honor feminine stereotypes and explore what it means to be a man and woman,” DePriest said.
Eric Powell, freshman history major, is on the PRIDE committee helping plan PRIDE week. The week is a big deal to the LGBTQ+ community because it is a way for them to express themselves and feel comfortable with who they are. The drag show is also a learning experience and form of expression for those involved, according to Powell.
“It gives people a space to be themselves, to explore, when they otherwise wouldn’t feel comfortable, or safe, doing so,” Powell said. “There’s a lot of stigma surrounding people who want to change themselves in that way. They feel who they are is different than who people, or their bodies, tell them they are.”
Rochelle Rowley, assistant professor in sociology, anthropology and crime and delinquency studies, is the advisor of ESU PRIDE and will be judging the event. While she must make sure that the club is meeting its service requirements and following the rules, she said that the club members have been very involved and hands on for PRIDE Week and the drag show. Rowley said that the week and the show are both very significant for the LGBTQ+ community.
“I think it’s extremely important,” Rowley said. “The week starts with the national day of silence, that day is specifically a representation of all of the silencing that has happened to this community and its allies and to have a day represent that where you are not allowed to say anything is a way for anybody to experience what it feels like to not be able to talk about yourself in whatever way you need to.”
PRIDE will also host a trivia night and game night during PRIDE Week.
“April 17th is the Day of Silence, where those who wish will remain silent throughout the day to give honor and respect to those who are silenced in one way or another because of their identities. This event is not just for people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, but also their allies,” DePriest said. “Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is dangerous for everyone in one way or another, so we take this time to reflect on what it means to be a part of that community.”
