Story by Sara Howell, Contributing writer
Photo by Kalea Anderson/The News
The LGBTQ and ally community gathered in celebration of unity at FAME: Drag and Variety Show on Feb. 28 in the Curris Center Ballroom. Both drag kings and queens took to the stage and entertained the crowd with upbeat, energetic performances.
MC Lampe, LGBTQ coordinator at Murray State, said drag has been an integral part of LGBTQ history. For decades, these shows have been a way of celebrating identity and building community, especially during times when identifying as LGBTQ was seen as shameful or even illegal.
“While we have made great strides in progress for LGBTQ individuals, we still have a long way to go but drag continues to bring the community together,” Lampe said. “Having a drag show on campus communicates the openness and acceptance of our campus community, as well as how much we appreciate diversity.”
The night began on a fun note with drag show virgins, first-time drag show goers, coming onto the stage to have a runway walk competition. Soon after, the show began.
Performers were able to express themselves while they entertained the crowd with lip-syncing and dancing. As many of these kings and queens left the stage they singled out members of the audience to dance with them.
During the intermission, everyone was invited on stage to dance. This proved successful in keeping the feeling of acceptance alive. Those who remained in the audience were just as eager to cheer for those on stage as they were the performers.
Tessa Sipe, senior and performer from Hutchinson, Kansas, said that planning for the show began in January. To her, the show was important because everyone was able to come together to celebrate each other’s differences.
“A lot of the performers are part of the LGBT community and a lot of the allies that are friends with those people will come out and bring hoards of people,” Sipe said. “Everyone comes together to show love and support.”
Students who came to the show were able to have fun while showing support for the LGBTQ community.
Marie Norris, senior from Owensboro, Kentucky, said she has been coming to these shows since her freshman year.
“I think they’re really fun to watch,” Norris said. “This usually draws a big crowd, so it gives people more exposure.”
Norris said she thinks that the more people get exposed, the more likely they are to have accepting views towards the LGBTQ community.
Audience members were able to show their support by tipping their favorite performers. These tips, as well as the money earned from concessions, went to support Alliance, Murray State’s LGBTQ student group.
This organization is for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and ally students. Meetings are held every other Tuesday in the Women’s Center Lounge from 8-10 p.m. to provide social events and support for students.
To find out more about this group join their Facebook group, Murray State Alliance.