PRIDE encourages acceptance with annual Drag Show

Southeast Missouri State University’s Student Government Association sponsored the annual Semo Drag Show on Friday, October 14, in the UC Ballroom.

The show began at 7 p.m. and was split into two halves with a 15 minute dance break intermission.

The event was hosted by the on campus LGBT+ group, Pride.

“The show allows students who aren’t involved in the LGBT+ community to be exposed to and entertained by a very diverse group of people,” vice president of Pride Duane Jones, said.

Jones said he believes the event encourages the idea of acceptance.

The six kings and queens individually performed choreographed classic musical numbers such as “Mama Mia” and “Sugar, We’re Going Down” while collecting tips from fans. Each song had a theme complemented by extravagant feathered costuming and sparkly makeup.

A drag queen poses for a photo at the annual PRIDE drag queen.Photo by Olivia Harris

A handful of entertainers perform regularly at a local night club called Independence Place. The club hosts a “College Night” every Thursday open to students 18 and older.

“We were really hoping to provide a safe and fun environment,” president of Pride Rane Belling said.

Belling said she was pleasantly surprised at the large turnout of 260 students.

“We don’t want people to be weirded-out by something just because it is unfamiliar to them, so we put on the show to let people know that there is a place on campus where everyone is welcome to come as they are,” Belling said

The performers held a question and answer session after the show.

“You can tell that they actually do have empathy for students who may be struggling with finding their identity, and the show displays six great examples of people who aren’t afraid to be who they are,” Jones said.

Belling said Pride hopes for even higher attendance numbers next year.