By Gabriella Blanco
Spring has truly sprung at FIU as the Student Programming Council kicked off the first week back with a glamorous event you just could not miss.
Following (or shall we say, dancing) after the heels of the Silent Disco on Jan. 9, SPC hosted Drag Brunch in the ballrooms of the Graham Center for a chance to eat, drink virgin mimosas, and party with two of the world’s most iconic drag queens: “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alums Morgan McMichaels and Shangela.
Even before the ladies officially took the stage they had the huge audience in tears laughing at the sound check and it literally only got better from there. McMichaels, who was the first to walk out, warmly greeted, mingled, joked, and talked to the crowd, delighting in seeing how many attendees were first-timers to a drag show.
“You all have some of the best drag queens in your own backyard,” said McMichaels about the local drag scene in Miami. “Go see them…Now.”
Drag, it seems, is slowly becoming more and more popular, thanks to RuPaul, the reality show, and the hilarious, charismatic stars that come from it.
Media Broadcasting Junior, Jeffrey Cotto, told this reporter that RuPaul, the icon himself, apparently feels that drag may never become as mainstream as it seems.
“Even though I love him, I disagree,” said Cotto. “I think it’s amazing that so many people are relating to the show and to drag, itself. You get to express yourself in a way that everyone can see who you really are and I think that’s awesome.”
The stars and the audience certainly seemed to agree that drag really is awesome and special. To be in that ballroom that night and feel that energy, so good and full of laughter, was something just about anyone could take away as being a positive experience that’ll linger, no matter who you are or where you come from.
After McMichaels came Shangela, a three-time-competitor in Drag Race and a fan favorite whose catchphrase is just about as infamous as RuPaul’s “Sashay away.”
Since being on season 2 and season 3 of the show, Shangela has appeared in a number of television shows, reality shows, movies, and music videos, making a name for herself.
One of the most moving moments of the night had to be when Shangela, who is a comedy queen, got serious and talked to the audience about failing and how confidence comes from yourself, not from those around you.
Using the “Little Mermaid” as an example, Shangela got the crowd to say that they are feeling so “fish”, meaning, “even if you are not a drag queen but you are loving yourself so much, you feel like Ariel out on the rock [in the middle of the ocean.]”
“I think Shangela’s words are so important to young people in the age of social media we have grown up in,” said Babara Mosquera, a communications arts senior. “We are constantly comparing ourselves and our lives to the images we see [online] or on TV. Her words remind me that, at the end of the day, I won’t find happiness through ‘likes’ on pictures but in myself.”
As the dance competition that the queens set up with the audience that became a roaring success, this reporter wondered if the university will see this large turnout and continue to host events similar to this that encourage such an embracement of creativity as a part of their “World’s Ahead” initiative.
In a world that shows more and more prejudice against those who are “different”, to see something that has been an art form in the LGBT community for years and in all of its glory, confidence, and fun.
Cotto, who ultimately won the dance-off, remarked that moments like this are what coming together is all about.
“Seeing that [students] can come together as one is what makes a family,” he said. “I enjoyed meeting new people and the atmosphere was filled with love and positivity.”
“I gained an entirely new level of adoration and appreciation for drag,” said Mosquera, who was someone one of the few attendees (and dancers) that has seen local drag shows. “This was the first-time meeting Drag Race girls and it was everything I ever wanted and more. They were so fantastic and I really hope FIU continues to host events like this.”
By the time the evening ended, it was all smiles and, from that alone, was enough to see that the event was a success.
“Love” really was everywhere as people who were hesitant or shy when either queen first approached them were beaming and mingling with others; friends who came in a group were merging with other group and so on could be seen as people filed out of the building for the night.
Self-love and love for others are the perfect messages to start the new year.
In the words of RuPaul, “if you can’t love yourself then how the hell are you going to love somebody else?”
Amen to that.
The views and opinions of the column do not reflect that of FIU Student Media’s editorial board.
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