Life can be such a Drag Show

The Pride Network will be holding their spring drag show titled “Life Is A Drag Show” on Saturday. Hidden behind a masked purpose of providing frivolous entertainment is a much more sinister plot, to increase understanding of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.”We’re trying to open up people’s eyes to this form of art that isn’t seen as art yet,” junior and Co-Chairperson of the Pride Newtork Kelly McNamee said. “Drag performers have always been at the forefront of gay movement because of their visibility.”Ever since the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which took place in Greenwich Village, drag queens have been forerunners for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, fighting oppression and injustices and looking great doing so. In fact, it is their noticeability that has been most effective in giving the movement some much-needed recognition. Drag shows at UR turn out huge crowds. Last semester’s “UR A Drag” sold out the May Room.This year’s show may be even more colorful. Crayola is sponsoring the return of a crowd favorite, Ambrosia Salad. Ambrosia, who is seven feet tall, was voted Best Drag Performer of 2003 in the City Newspaper’s Reader’s Choice Awards. Aysha Black is back, bringing with her an untamed diva-ness and soulful lip-synching.Three drag kings will also be performing including 2003 Pride King of the Year Windz. This will be Warren Peace’s second show at UR and he will be joining LL Cool A, who will be making his first appearance.McNamee stressed that the show is all about having fun but indicated the importance of attendees cultivating a sincerely open-mindedness of gender and gender roles.”I hope [the audience] have a lot of fun,” McNamee said. “First and foremost it’s about entertainment but secondly I hope they leave with a more open mind about what they are trying to portray.”The dual purposes of Gaypril to provide entertainment and raise awareness are clearly seen when one looks at a rainbow colored calendar of scheduled events painted on the tunnels that go under the Eastman Quadrangle. The Big Gay Party was held on April 9 in the Drama House and drew quite a large crowd of queers and straight supporters, all interested in dancing and having a good time. McNamee also encourages people to attend Melissa Ferrick’s 1 p.m. performance in Hirst Lounge on April 16, saying “she’s hot and she’ll be here,” reason enough for me.The Pride Network also asks the UR community for its strength and support for the Day of Solidarity and the Day of Silence, scheduled to take place on today and April 21 respectively.The doors of the May Room will be opening this Saturday for people interested in seeing what life is like in drag at 6 p.m. and the show will start at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at the Common Market, $4 for undergrads, $6 for the UR community and $8 for the general public. Patrons are encouraged to bring singles.Goldner can be reached at bgoldner@campustimes.org.