Professional drag show entertains and raises awareness of gay marriage issue
By CHENG CHRONG | Oct. 12, 2007Men 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.
