UIndy hosts eighth annual Drag Show
To raise money for Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS, the UIndy PRIDE organization and Alpha Psi Omega hosted their eighth annual Drag Show event on March 30.
The fundraising goal for the event was $1,000. The Drag Show raised more than $1,130.
Guest Chad Lee performed in drag as Chanel Cartier to Jessie J’s song “Domino.” The drag show raised more than $1,130 for Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS. Photo by Kelbi Ervin
According to UIndy PRIDE Secretary Brittney Woods, planning for the event begins almost immediately after the previous year’s Drag Show ends. Some of the planning includes advertising, finding performers, choosing judges and buying costumes.
“We must create a run-through of what happens during the night of the Drag Show, so everyone behind the scenes knows what to expect and prepare for,” Woods said.
UIndy PRIDE and Alpha Psi Omega have discussed other organizations for which they might raise money. However, Woods said that they decided to continue to raise money for Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS because of their involvement in both the LGBT and the Thespian communities. According to its website, Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS has raised $195 million for amenities for individuals diagnosed with AIDS or other serious illnesses.
“We’ve researched and been in correspondence with Broadway Cares officials, and we feel very sound in the impact the proceeds will make,” Woods said.
For the Drag Show, performers dressed in their opposite-gender identity. Drag queens are males who dressed and performed as females, and Drag kings are females who dressed and performed as males.
The UIndy Drag Show featured performances such as Justin Bieber’s “One Time,” by Alison Resnik and “Gimme Everything,” by junior psychology major Abby Krug as Papa Cherry. The show also featured popular music such as LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It” and Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.”
“Most songs are LGBT friendly and upbeat. Common practice for drag shows is to tip at least $1 to performers,” Woods said. “Audience members could give their money to the pinup girls throughout the auditorium or walk up toward the stage and hand it to the performer. Every year, we have at least one professional from central Indiana grace our stage.”
Freshman Spanish major Sarah Ninde said her favorite performance was He-yonce and Them Thangs’ “Single Ladies.”
“They were the sexiest dancers I have ever seen,” Ninde said.
Woods said this fundraiser differs from others because PRIDE and Alpha Psi Omega do not keep any of the money from the event for their organizations.
“Fundraisers for disaster relief are common and a wonderful cause, but the AIDS epidemic is a continuous disaster that cannot be kept in the shadows,” Woods said.
Woods said that this show could potentially open a person’s eyes to a subculture he or she may know nothing about.
“We’ve been told this is the best annual performance at UIndy,” Woods said. “The audience can rest assured knowing their money is going to a great cause.”
