Show raises money for USD’s 10% Society

The Muenster University Center Ballroom was packed with students, teachers and members of the Vermillion community where drag queens dressed to the nines took the stage for night of dancing and comedy for University of South Dakota’s 10% Society 3rd Annual Drag show Oct. 19.

At 8 p.m., drag queen Martina Shakers, a USD alumni, hosted the show. The show included 10 professional queens from all over the Midwest and three student queens performing at no cost, with occasional tips from students. About $1,000 was raised to go toward bringing educational speakers to campus and funding other small expenses for the 10% Society.

“The number one goal I have is really just to entertain the student body and the community of Vermillion,” said senior Calli Oberembt, President of the 10% Society. “In addition, I want to raise awareness about 10% and about diversity in general and how important it is to universities.”

USD’s 10% Society is dedicated to helping raise awareness and LGBTQ equality at USD.

According to the organization’s website, they welcome everyone of any sexual orientation or students who are just curious to ask what they are all about. The meet every week and encourage others to stop by.

Junior Denise Plagmann, vice president of the 10% Society, said the drag show is an important part of what the group does.

“10% is important, because it is one of the only student groups on campus that focuses on bringing the student LGBTQ community together to spread awareness on campus about current LGBTQ issues,” she said.

The packed house applauded enthusiastically throughout the entire drag show and tipped drag queens regularly as they performed a number of sexually driven acts throughout the two-hour show. Some entertainers, such as Martina Shakers, donated all of their tips to the 10% Society, while others had the option to keep their earnings.

Previous years performances have also been successful, even though there was no show put on last year, Oberembt said.

“The last time we did a drag show in the MUC ballroom, it definitely filled the house,” she said. “We’re always able to fundraise part of it for 10%, and it’s always a really fun event.”

First-year Leah Johnson attended the show and said she enjoyed the new and exciting experience.

“I used to think drag queens were really scary, but watching the show I actually learned a lot and it was actually great entertainment,” Johnson said. “It gave me an open mind. I will definitely be going to next years.

Reach reporter Madeline Tesch at [email protected]