In 2014, CWU was given a five-star rating in Campus Pride’s Top 50 LGBT-Friendly Colleges & Universities. That same year, Aquasha DeLusty, CWU Alum and professional drag queen began what would soon become our annual fall drag show. Historically, DeLusty also ran the LGBTQ+ Pride drag show at the end of the school year, however another troupe has since taken over that spot.
This year’s fall drag show, which was on Tuesday, Sept. 24, featured nine performers: Edacious March, Roderick V, Diana Fire, Freedom Rights, Faye, Jazmyn J, Camilla Rayz Summerz, Judas the Beslayer and the host Aquasha DeLusty, all of whom are local to the Pacific Northwest. “Different demographics in different parts of the Pacific Northwest are being represented.” DeLusty said.
The drag show held an air of importance this election year, drag being an inherently political art form. DeLusty announced to the crowd the need to vote in this election, particularly local elections, to ensure the well-being and safety of LGBTQ+ identities. With the recent legislation restricting drag performers and transgender identities throughout the country, DeLusty hopes to spread the message of inclusivity that is inherent to drag.
“Well, I have two kids of my own, and my message to them is always be respectful. Always be loving.” DeLusty said. “I really could care less if somebody’s kid turns out gay or not. I just want them to have a safe place to be loved and to thrive. That’s the most important thing, and that’s what they miss, is they’re painting this picture of a person that doesn’t exist.” DeLusty said. She continues to say that drag queens are not the predators some try to make them out to be.
DeLusty wants her performances to send this same message of love and inclusivity. “Everybody deserves love, and everybody deserves space. And if you can’t play those games then get the fuck out of my way.” She said. During the performance, she chose to tell the crowd that one of the very few rules for the crowd at her drag shows was if you didn’t like someone you saw, mind your business.
Many of the attendees at the drag show were freshmen, experiencing drag in-person for the first time. When DeLusty asked the crowd if this was their first drag show, almost half of the hands in the audience raised. This was no problem for DeLusty, however. “I’m used to 10 years of freshman… It’s so much fun.” She said, “Honestly, they live for it more than some of the people that have been seasoned to drag. Like they get into it. And it’s just, have fun and be respectful is the biggest thing they can take away.”
The excitement from the freshman was evident. Ariana Brown, freshman Biochem major, said “I didn’t think my ass was gonna be out of my seat.” The group around her agreed excitedly. Veronica Yim, freshman Biomedical Sciences major, said “I knew I’d love it, but not this much.” The performance was loud and ecstatic up until the end of the show.
