Drag queen Jackie Layshun engages with an audience member during a drag performance on Jan. 23, 2026. **(Elaine Zhang/The Santa Clara)**

Sparkles, glam and jaw-dropping performances filled the Paul L. Locatelli, S.J. Student Activity Center on Jan. 23 as the Santa Clara Community Action Plan and Rainbow Resource Center hosted their annual drag show. The event drew in the Santa Clara University community for a night of celebration, filled with electric energy and fierce performances.

This year’s drag show was themed The Great Gatsby and was free and open to the public. The event offered food for guests and a variety of seating options, including an interactive seating area and a designated “no-interaction” zone for attendees who preferred a more observational experience. While some audience members chose to remain reserved, the performers themselves were anything but bashful, commanding the stage throughout the night.

Jasmine Vu, as Usher, performs for an audience member during the drag show. **(Elaine Zhang/The Santa Clara)**

The event’s performers included Tori Tia, Jackie Layshun, Manang, Alpha Andromeda, and a complete, yet unforgettable performance by SCCAP Associate Director Jasmine Vu ’26—aka Usher.

While performers prepared backstage, event coordinators and students shared their perspectives on the show and discussed how drag performances can serve as a space for community building and connection on campus.

Drag and Social Justice

Before the show began, Liv Alleyne ’26, host and organizer of the show, gave a brief introduction to the history of drag. They mentioned how drag evolved from male actors playing female characters during the Shakespearean era.

Due to discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community based on their sexuality and race, drag was often forced to remain out of the public eye and even “white gay” spaces were separated from other minorities. However, despite this lack of acceptance, drag shows continued to take place. In 1869, the first drag ball, known as the Hamilton Lodge Ball, was held in Harlem, New York.

“A drag show is a way of showing appreciation for who you are, which is something I think, when people think of social justice, they think of the sadder sides of social justice—of fighting for equal rights—but you also have to appreciate the inspiration that comes from dark times,” said Malia Hardy ’27, SCCAP department coordinator for on-campus advocacy. “It sucks, but it’s a way of us all coming together and appreciating the differences in each other, because these differences make us all so unique.”

“I truly think it’s just a way for everyone to be themselves and not be afraid to perform,” said Chloe Bryant ’29, a member of On Campus Advocacy and Feminist for Justice. “So I think it can bring social justice by just making a very inclusive and open environment for all.”

The Show

The audience responded enthusiastically throughout the performance, as each performer brought energy, charisma and humor to the stage. Performers captivated the crowd with high kicks, confidence and expressive stage presence. Audience members and event coordinators shared their thoughts on what they enjoyed about the performance and drag shows more broadly.

“It is so much fun. They’re literally amazing. I can’t stop laughing and screaming, popping my hands,” said Sam Anderson ’26.

“The queens—they’re the greatest part. All their dancing and everything is just amazing,” added Bryant.

From Top Left: Tori Tia, Alpha Andromeda, Jackie Layshun and Manang. (Elaine Zhang/The Santa Clara)

The Future of Drag at SCU

For those who missed this year’s drag show, there is no need to worry. Drag performances have been held at Santa Clara University for years, and students are already looking ahead to what the Santa Clara Community Action Program and the Rainbow Resource Center will host next.

“I think it brings people together, which is really nice,” said CJ Jenkins ’26. “Every time I come here, I feel a sense of community that I don’t normally feel on campus.”

“I literally had never been to a drag show until I came to Santa Clara, so this is an amazing experience. Also, the community it builds, because you see people around you who believe in the same things that you do and also accept people,” said Hardy. “We have them every year, and I hope it continues from years to decades to come.”