Drag show features new performers, gains organization recognition

Glitter, feathers, and dollar bills flooded the MUC Ballroom last Thursday during Spectrum’s first ever spring drag show.

First-year Nate Keane, the newly elected Spectrum: Gender and Sexuality Alliance president, was a three-time performer in the show.

“We had a drag show last semester, and that was the first time I had ever performed,” theater tech design major Keane said. “I was so nervous, but it was during the performance that I realized that this is something I’d like to pursue and keep doing.”

Performing as Venus, Keane’s last routine was done to the song “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga, which received enthusiastic applause.

Drag show host and performer Martina Shakers called Venus her daughter several times throughout the show, which Keane said is more of a drag term than an actual relation.

“She is my drag mother, in other words, my mentor,” he said. “She has helped me grow as a performer by taking me under her wing. I’m her ‘drag daughter’.”

Though he may not make it a career, Keane said he plans to continue drag performing.

“For me, it’s not really about the money, but rather making sure that the audience watches something that is worth watching,” he said.

Keane said during his performance he’s thinking most about the move he’s going to do next.

“I have been in theater for six years, not drag shows, but I have gotten used to being in front of audiences,” he said. “So I don’t really get nervous that much anymore, I usually get an adrenaline rush.”

About 150 people attended the show, which lasted an hour and a half. All six performers had routines for three songs.

Senior Jordy Bachmann, a Spectrum member, said he had a great time at the show.

“It was a good show,” said Bachmann. “I really liked the energy, from both the crowd and the performers. I mean there were people in the audience dancing in their seats. And of course the performers all had great energy, all the numbers were fantastic and kept the crowd interested and entertained.”

Bachmann said being a part of the group is a great experience.

“I’ve been a member of Spectrum since my sophomore year, and one of my friends was involved,” Bachmann said. “It’s been a great experience, welcoming and fun. I never had any LGBTQQIA+ friends, or at least none that were out, until I came to college. It (the name) was only changed to Spectrum: Gender and Sexuality Alliance sometime during the 2014-15 school year.”

A national organization for LGBTQIA+ students, Spectrum provides a safe space for people to get to know one another, Keane said.

Spectrum plans to schedule more events for the upcoming school year, Keane said. Some of these include movies, speakers, pride week, day of silence and drag shows.

“We have had sort of low numbers in the past, but we’re starting to get back on our feet,” Keane added. “We’ve had great turnouts at our shows, so I’m hoping to get more events going these next few years.”

Correction on 4/22/16 at 7:49 a.m.: Jordy Bachmann’s pronouns were changed.