Men in dresses provided both entertainment and political awareness as part of Coming Out Week's annual Professional Drag Show at UB.
The event, hosted by LGBTA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Alliance), attracted a mixed crowd of over 100 straight, gay, lesbian and transgender people to the Student Union lobby on Wednesday.
According to Onel Abreu, LGBTA treasurer, the drag shows offer students a chance to see and understand the gay community by taking part in an activity that involves people who are "out of the closet," and it helps the club raise awareness in the UB community.
"This event is to support those who are struggling to come out, and making it known to the community that...we are here (for support)," Abreu said.
The LGBTA also lobbied UB students to sign a petition for a gay marriage bill, which the club plans to send to New York State Senators Antoine Thompson, Bill Stachowski and Joseph Bruno.
"Our main goal is to bring it out to the State Assembly and bring it to their doorstep in Albany," said Michael Skvarch, vice president of LGBTA.
According to Christian Soto, LGBTA president, the petition emphasizes the importance of providing rights, benefits and protection for gay couples and their families. Soto commented on his belief that marriage is a civil right, and he hopes that a current bill going to the NYS Senate will be passed.
"We hope that people fill this petition to persuade the senators," Soto said.
Michael Korona, a graduate student in the School of Management, thinks the show is a lot of fun and at the same time, it raises awareness and support for issues like gay marriage.
According to Abreu, the LGBTA also focuses on recruiting citizens under the age of 18 when they're petitioning.
"They (people under 18) are typically important in deciding what will happen in the future," he said.
Abreu also thinks that showing the support of future voters will help the passing of the gay marriage bill because it might show senators that even people who can't vote still support this issue.
The event also had a celebratory purpose as it encouraged people to celebrate being themselves and being "true to yourself," according to Abreu.
Dancing on stage to songs such as Britney Spears' new hit, "Gimme More," the local drag queens' talent impressed Patrice Gordon, a junior sociology and human services major.
"This was my first time attending a Drag show, and I'm really surprised to see what men in dresses can do. I think the performances were very entertaining," Gordon said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
