Drag kings, queens make it reign

Performers danced and lip-synched to a variety of music.

By Theresa Berens

Published April 20, 2009

The lights were low Saturday night in Bengal Lair as performer Amanda Lay entered the stage in a pale blue party dress and white platform heels adorned with feathers.

Elizabeth Cook's "Sometimes It Takes Balls to Be a Woman," rang out in Memorial Union as she began to lip-synch and dance.

The performance earned Columbia College student Wayne Boykin II, performing as Amanda Lay, a crown and the title of MU's Miss Diva 2009 in the Missouri statewide amateur Drag Show, sponsored by Triangle Coalition. Freshman Benjamin Vigil, performing as Valenica VonDutch, was the runner-up.

Triangle Coalition President Asher Kolieboi, performing as Ashe Thrash, earned the title of Mr. Diva 2009 in the drag king division. Senior Beverly Rivera, performing as Smack Diaz, was the runner-up.

Boykin prepared for his performances for about two months. He offered a suggestion to anyone in the area wanting to become a part of drag culture: head down to The SoCo Club, a gay club in Columbia.

"Just ask all the queens, all the queens at SoCo are willing to help," he said.

The performers danced and lip-synched to a variety of music, from the Dixie Chick's "Goodbye Earl" to Jennifer Hudson's "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from the Dream Girls soundtrack. Sophomore Alex Johnson, as Naomi Banks, even performed Beyonce's "Single Ladies" dance.

Seniors Kelley Robinson and Joshua Barton were the emcees for the show and filled downtime between the performances with question-and-answer sessions, skits and even a dance of their own. Some audience members asked about tax day tea bagging or complimented their outfits. Others asked for relationship advice, such as how far is too far on the first date.

"I never have sex on the first date," Barton said.

He contended even though alcohol consumption was a factor, he tries to wait.

"He's a lady," Robinson said.

During an intermission for the performers, judge David Ragsdale, as D'Manda Respect Miss Mid-Missouri Entertainer of the Year, treated the audience to a performance of her own. She entered the stage in a black choir robe, which she later removed to reveal a dress with red and black fringe and silver sequins. She danced, lip-synched and performed flips in heels.

Audience members showed their appreciation by giving her tips throughout the performance.

Kolieboi chose six judges to evaluate the performances, picking from a diverse group including MU students, faculty and community members. The performers were judged on both creativity and execution of their performances.

Elisa Glick, English and women's and gender studies professor and first-time judge, said she was most interested in looking at the creativity of the contestants and seeing how they could rework drag.

"Drag is always changing," Glick said. "I'm interested in their creativity and originality."

The drag show was part of Triangle Coalition and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Resource Center's Pride Month 2009. Kolieboi said the event gives people a chance to connect with drag culture and the LGBTQ community.

"I feel like the two communities are separate. I think we need to address issues as a community," Kolieboi said. "We're fighting for equality for everyone."