Variety

Coming Out Week concludes with annual Drag Show

Senior Adam Strand and Maggie Sotos ‘09, were crowned Mr. and Miss Market Place last year at the Drag Show. This year, the title will be passed on during the 2009 Drag Show on Friday, Oct. 16 at 8:00 p.m. By: Alex Messenger.
Senior Adam Strand and Maggie Sotos ‘09, were crowned Mr. and Miss Market Place last year at the Drag Show. This year, the title will be passed on during the 2009 Drag Show on Friday, Oct. 16 at 8:00 p.m. By: Alex Messenger.

The Drag Show will be the last event to be held in celebration of National Coming Out Week. The Drag Show will take place tonight in the Evelyn Young Dining Room from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is a free event which is open to everyone.

The student group Queers and Allies (Q&A) is hosting this annual event and has selected a panel of judges to determine the winner of this year’s show and to crown them Mr. and Miss Market Place.

“The Drag Show is our big event that finishes Coming Out Week with a bang. It’s always been our tradition to hold it at the end of the week so that our week of conversation, education and activism ends on a strong, fun note,” Junior Psychology Major and Co-President of Q&A Josh Plattner said.

Laura Baden, a junior biology major, has worked to publicize the Drag Show and has also found people to be a part of the show.

“The Drag Show is an opportunity for those who want to dress up and entertain a crowd in a way that they can’t do on an everyday basis. It’s also just a fun event that is both scandalous and funny to be in or just watch. It’s also the event that Q&A holds to get our name out and to raise awareness about GLBT issues,” Baden said.

Sibley Mattson, a junior English major, is also helping to coordinate and set up the Drag Show.

“The show is a blast! The Drag Show is a great opportunity for us to all just break out, relax and have a great time. Men in heels, girls in bling, likely some Lady Gaga. I need not go on,” Mattson said.

“You don’t have to be gay/queer/bi or whatever to come. Everyone would enjoy watching it. It is one of the most popular events at Gustavus,” Baden said.

The show will consist of a variety of performances from individuals, duos and big groups. It will have music, dancing and glamorous outfits that everyone can enjoy.

“Students should go [to the Drag Show] because it is a lot of fun to watch and a great opportunity to support your fellow Gusties who are being brave and getting up there and strutting their stuff. Plus a drag queen from the Gay ‘90s is hosting, and she is always great,” Plattner said. “I worked behind the scenes to set up our fantastic panel of judges. Of course, I might be performing as well. Who knows?”

There is only one way to find out who will all be performing tonight and that is to go to the drag show with your friends and find out for yourself.