Last Friday night a mob of students flooding ATS beckoned drag queens and kings with fistfuls of dollar bills in hopes of receiving a lap dance.

A group of local drag queens and kings, headlined by Mrs. Kasha Davis, showcased their talents of singing, lip-syncing and dancing while sporting full makeup and platform heels. Performers included: Jade DeVere, Betty Whitecastle & Lizzie Beaumont, SirBeauty, Belladonna, Chocolate’, Felicia O’Toole, BIGDADDY, Diamond Taylor and Skarlet Overkill.

Davis has a prestigious career doing drag shows – she was Ru Paul’s Drag Race season seven star. The reality t.v. show documents season-long competitions to determine the who is the winner among a group of drag queens.

The event was cosponsored by MOB and Dickinson’s Office of LGBTQ Services.

Erica Gordon, director of the Office of LGBTQ Services says the timing for the drag show was “meaningful given how much has been happening not only on our campus but nationally as well.  From national tragedies like the Pulse Night Club shooting to on-campus microaggressions against our own students – we really needed a night full of fun and community.”

Prior to the show, there was a bake sale to benefit the survivors & victims of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub shooting. Proceeds went to the OneOrlando Fund, an organization “committed to providing 100% of all money being raised directly to victims’ families and survivors,” according to their website.

Gordon says the office was “OVERWHELMED by the number of individuals who donated to our Bake Sale.”

The performers, who represented diverse racial, ethnic, age and body type groups, sported elaborate and creative ensembles – anything from an Ouija board corset to red thigh-high leather boots.

“For many performers, drag is an art form; a means of expression without obstruction or definition; a way to push back against societal expectations of gender; a moment of visibility,” says Gordon. “The drag community most often consists of artists that care for and lift one another—something that is really needed within the LGBTQ community right now.”

“It was exciting and hilarious and really fun!” said Maia Baker ’19. “I thought it was amazing, it was such an experience to attend a drag show. ATS was almost full which was really wonderful; I’m so glad so many people came out… I’d never been to a drag show before and I loved it”

“Not only was this event super entertaining, but it was super important and educational for the student body,” says Olivia Greenleaf ’20. “It helped to both break down the sexual taboo we cling to in America and also normalize LGBTQ+ identities. My favorite part was when the one queen’s hair fell off twice and the crowd kept clapping louder for her. In that space, I felt really safe and I felt as if the Dickinson community may be heading in a positive direction.”

The general reaction of attendees was overwhelmingly positive. “It was funny and beautiful. I especially loved how Mrs. Kasha Davis incorporated the election into her performance,” said Sachi Kurup ’19.

“I never really thought I’d be able to see [a drag show] unless I was in Las Vegas,” she continued. “We’re just a teeny little liberal arts school in the middle of Pa. but we still get to have these really cool experiences and opportunities.”

Addie Downs ’19 said the show was an important show of support from the college. “It was really important for Dickinson to do something that really shows that we are inclusive and accepting. Of course there are exceptions, but I’m glad Dickinson supports everyone.”