Kierra Hunter
The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), in collaboration with the Student Government Association (SGA), celebrated their second annual “Drag-u-cation” event in the Barn of CCBC Catonsville on Thursday, Nov. 9. The doors opened at 2 p.m. and the show started promptly at 2:30 p.m.
Drag-u-cation opened with an introduction from GSA secretary Skylar Delgado and performers Anita Minette and Genivah Diamond. Between performances, hosts interchanged duties.
Unlike most CCBC events, students who attended could tip the performers. GSA advisor, Brian Gunn provided change for attendees who wish to do so.
Minette jokingly stated in her introduction that, "If you like what we are doing and you like our song, our left boot, our right eye lash, please show your appreciation by tipping $1, $5, $10 and up. If you do that we will go home and sleep with your significant other, so you don't have to."
Anastasia Belladona, Anita Minette, Genivah Diamond, Jada B, Gabrielle Remsen and Washington Heights each carried out two high energy acts which mostly consisted of lip syncing and dancing to classic hits like Celine Dion's “My Heart Will Go On” and modern chart-toppers like Cardi B's “Bodak Yellow.”
The comedy was incorporated throughout the event to alleviate time for performers to change costumes. For Anita Minette's introduction, Diamond stated, "The one (performer) I'm about to bring to you is very old. She is very old. She was here when CCBC first started, but she is pretty and I love her...Her name is Anita."
Attendees were sometimes unknowingly incorporated into performances. Performers would enter into the audience and provide up close personal attention with the guest. One ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter found herself unexpectedly dancing with Anastasia Belladonna in her performance of Beyoncé's "Love on Top."
The event closed with a Q and A section, allowing the audience to ask questions to the queens. The guest was requested to not ask questions related to “Rue Paul's Drag Race” because "there is way more to drag than just one person."
Many of the questions for the queens related to their beauty regimen and upcoming shows.
When asked how long does it take you to get ready, answers varied depending on how long they have been doing drag. However, not all the queens were open to revealing their regimen, Anastasia Belladonna said: "I woke up like this."
For all the performers, drag is not their only means of income. Jobs ranged from athletic directors to event planning.
For more information on any upcoming drag shows with the performers of Drag-u-cation, you can go on their Facebook pages. There is also a drag show in Towson on Nov. 30.
CCBC student, Sierra Hunter, reflected on her time at the show compared to the other drag performances she has been to. She said "This show was a lot more intimate than the previous show. The previous venue, had such a huge crowd, that interaction with the audience was difficult. There was also a huge difference in production value, however, it doesn't take away from the show."
Food and refreshments were provided in the form of a nacho bar, sweet tea, cookies, and water.
GSA advisor, Brian Gunn wanted people to "… be happy and enjoy events without being in an environment of discrimination. They can be open and be themselves."
*Articles reflect the views of the author and or those quoted and do not necessarily represent the views of CCBC or the CCBC Connection.
