Queen
for a Day
A
DIFFERENT KIND OF BOYS' NIGHT OUT.
BY GEORGIA PATERA
In a flourish of fluid sexuality, the university
community celebrated guys' night out last month in drag. Men dressed
as women, women dressed as men — some defied classification
altogether. The LGBTQA-sponsored show held in the EMU ballroom gave
many a chance to strut their stuff to win prizes and raise HIV/AIDS
awareness.
Unlike the typical boys' nights out, there was no
ridicule or unabashed drunkenness. There were, however, several
catcalls, understandable given sashaying appearances on the catwalk
by Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie (avec chihuahua), Sonny and Cher,
and several other celebrity lookalikes.
But even these stars could not overshadow the main
act, DRED (Daring Reality Every Day), who defines herself
as, "Haitian-American, multi-spirited, performance-artist, poet,
educator, activist, singer, and gender-illusioning woman." In her
solo performance, DRED set the tone of acceptance for the rest of
the show. "We just need to support and love each other," she said.
Judging from the crowd's cheers, the feeling was unanimous.
Not everything, though, was so touchy-feely. Jealousy
among the drag queens and kings — albeit good-natured —
may have been the only pitfall. "I officially hate my legs," lamented
one crowd member. "She's wearing the same hair as I am. I'm so embarrassed,"
noted another.
Despite the petty quips, the show was a huge success.
Just goes to show that for boys' night out, drunkenness and wild
antics are not prerequisites for letting it all hang out.