Drag professionals and amateurs take over Grumbacher
Drag kings and queens filled the stage for a night of performing amidst a full auditorium for LAMBDA’s Drag Show on Saturday.
LAMBDA, a student organization which provides support for the LGBTQ+ community, transformed the Wolf Gym in York College’s Grumbacher Fitness Center with a stage, professional sound and lighting, and a crowd of over 300 people for the event.
LAMBDA was thrilled with the turnout, which generated over 200 more people than last year’s show, according to Seven Van Nort, a junior professional writing major and member of LAMBDA.
“The ultimate goal is that people have a good time and that they’re entertained,” said Van Nort.
Kelly Hartigan, a junior education major and member of LAMBDA, announced the highlighted performer as Shangela, from the reality TV show “Ru Paul’s Drag Race,” to host the event.
“I’ve always been inspired by Ru Paul,” said Van Nort, who has been performing drag for threeyears as Killian Wilde. “They’re fabulous. But I’m also inspired by every person who does drag. They all have something unique that makes them outstanding.”
Shangela was joined by amateur student performers as well as local professionals, including drag queens Jade DeVere, Felicia O’Toole, Diamond Taylor, and Sarabesque and drag king LeKross De’Aire.
Members of LAMBDA choreographed a performance to the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” song “Time Warp.”
Following the performance, Shangela stayed for a meet and greet to take photos and socialize with fans and other performers.
The event gave students a chance to express themselves in a new way, such as sophomore psychology major James Borelli.
“I don’t normally do drag but I did in this instance to have fun and express myself in a way that I typically cannot do,” Borelli said. He said that he hopes people could see how much effort was put into the performances.
