Drag kings and queens dazzle Meramec’s stage:
By: TYRA LEESMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
On Monday, April 29, Meramec’s Queer Student Union (QSU) hosted a drag show for students, performed by the Haus of Control drag troop. Attendees were treated to a range of music including 80’s pop, rock, and even a theme song or two.
“I like to get people away from their lives and all the unfortunate stuff. Just make them laugh for an hour or two. That’s what our show is all about, really. It’s relief from the day to day. It’s funny and sexy and kind of silly,” said Schuyler Control, drag queen hostess of the Haus of Control’s performance.
At the beginning of the show, rules were laid out that included a no-touch policy for the sake of consent, and a strict “clap for everyone” guideline, so that no one would feel excluded.
“I think the point of the [clapping] rule was to ensure that nobody gets left out, but also to make sure people keep an open mind. You might not be into drag kings, but you can’t just clap for the queens. Or maybe you might not be into the look of someone and think they look odd. The point is that you have to be accepting of everyone’s aesthetic,” said Lauren Kaltwasser, a drag show attendee.
Students were not charged an entry fee, but tipping was compulsory to all performers, so that no one would feel excluded. One dollar bills were extended in the hands of students and attendees as each performer took turns dancing and lip-synching down the aisles. Venmo and other apps for tipping were also available for each performer. Photographs were taken after, and tipping for that was also encouraged.
After the performance, students could be heard thanking the queens and kings for being inspirational to the LGBTQ community. The performers spent time sharing their stories and listening to the stories of attendees, as well as encouraging students to be themselves regardless of gender and sexual preferences.
“I didn’t think there was a place for trans men who look a little fem, but then I went to a drag show. It was amazing. I decided to give it a try and I performed once, and just got addicted,” said Simon Saize, a solo drag performer who took the stage alongside the Haus of Control Kings and Queens.
Following the performance, some students sought out the performers on Instagram and Facebook, and found that most performers were happy to accept friend requests on their performance personality pages.
“(Aiden Control) friended me that night and I was really excited. They liked one of my statuses and it was like being friends with someone inspiring. I will definitely try to go to their next show. I’ve never had so much fun, just being wild,” said Kaltwasser.
