Annual GALA event renamed 'drag show'

By Katie Dooling

For three years, Gay and Straight People for the Education of Diversity (GASPED) has sponsored an on-campus event in which students perform talents in drag. New this year, Santa Clara administrators are actually allowing it to be called a drag show.

GASPED spokesperson Claire Riecke said that Santa Clara administrators previously required the event to be called a "talent show" as opposed to a "drag show" due to concerns expressed by certain alumni and other groups after the first time the event was held. Despite the title of the event, Riecke said the goal of the production has always been the same.

"Whatever we call it, it's still a drag show," Riecke said.

The Nov. 15 event in the Bronco will officially be called a drag show because Riecke, a senior women and gender studies major who both produces and performs in the show, went with others to administrators and discussed the educational importance of the drag show for the campus community.

"It's a drag show, let's call it a drag show. That's the step we're going to take this year," said Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GALA) spokesperson Josh Crosson. "[Administrators] know that they're going to get flak, but that's the chance they're willing to take."

Crosson, who will take Riecke's place as producer next year, said the show is not only entertaining, but a chance for students to learn, as well.

"Through art we can all learn something," Crosson said. "Art and education you can't separate. And so this is specifically seen in the drag show."

To increase the educational aspect of the drag show, Riecke said there will be explanations of the history of drag shows as well as a photography exhibit in Benson. These aspects help reflect the motives of this year's show, Riecke said, in that it stresses the importance of education and activism through art.

Provost Denise Carmody said since the event intends to help educate the community through entertainment, there is no reason not to simply call is what it is.

"Santa Clara really believes in diversity," Carmody said, "because unless you have diversity on campus - you don't reflect society."

Crosson said he feels the university has grown in recent years because homosexual issues are now being dealt with through clubs and other awareness activities. He said he hopes there will be a day when there can be a drag show without controversy, just as other clubs sponsor activities without having to prove their motives.

Riecke said she applauds the administration in their support of this year's production.

"[The administration is] standing behind students and social justice," Riecke said.

Although this year's drag show promotes education, sponsors also promise a good time for those in attendance. Riecke said that in past years, so many people came to the show that they "could've filled the Bronco twice."

Contact Katie Dooling at (408) 554-4546 or at kdooling@scu.edu