On Friday, Nov. 15, EMU hosted its second annual drag show at Common Grounds. The space was packed with an incredibly enthusiastic crowd full of energy and excitement. It was clear that for some students, this was a much-anticipated return, while others, like myself, were there to experience their first-ever drag show. And it did not disappoint; the show was certainly an unforgettable introduction to drag and I, like a lot of students, am excited to see if this event will continue to be hosted in the years to come. 

I was really impressed by the attention to detail that went into making the event feel truly special. From the carefully curated refreshments filled with edible glitter to the runway setup, it was clear that those who coordinated the show wanted to create an experience that went beyond just the performances. The show opened with some inspiring words from Jayda Knight, a local drag queen from the Harrisonburg area, which set the tone for the evening. Jayda shared their personal story of growing up in a rural, conservative town and how they helped bring drag culture to a city that had never fully known it before as well as how it is alive and well in Harrisonburg today. 

The show featured three incredibly talented drag queens from a few different areas in Virginia, each of whom performed two sets that really showcased their talent. What really stood out to me was how each performer transformed their look in between their routines. With every set, their outfits and hairstyles seemed to get more glamorous and more elaborate. It was fascinating to watch how quickly they could switch up their entire appearance, each transformation was like a mini-reveal, which really worked in keeping the audience on the edge of their seats and excited to see what was next. The students were incredibly immersed in the show and even got to get involved with the performances. 

The drag queens who performed did an excellent job of keeping the audience on their toes. Between the cartwheels, death drops, and sheer charisma, it was hard to tell what was coming next, which, paired with the music and the overall energy being exuded, made the crowd incredibly excited. By the end of the night, the drag queens gave students the opportunity to put on a performance of their own. Students showcased their best runway walks, competing to see whose was the best. There was a really good amount of student participation and by the time the drag show came to a close, the student body had chosen a winner via the loudest applause. Afterwards, the drag queens gave everyone the opportunity to stick around and chat and get pictures. Overall, the night was a massive success and I really hope to see it continue and flourish in the future. It was an overwhelmingly positive first experience with drag and one that I would highly recommend to students, even if they’ve never really interacted with these kinds of scenes and spaces.