Think runway show at its core; the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Alliance’s (GLBTA) 2nd Annual Drag Show was the epitome of style, diversity and “ferociousness.” Irrespective of designer clothes, shoes; NEIU’s very own GLBTA found a way to keep true to the message they convey, and successfully produced yet another amazing show that kept viewers gasping for more.
A combination of performances by professionals, a standby DJ, a rock band and an enthusiastic crowd, were just a few of the things that made this years drag show a whopping success. Laura Carmer, an English major and supporter of the GLBTA organization, described the show as best it has ever been.
As the show began, Matt Schlagel, president of the organization, welcomed the crowd and introduced a performance by “The Moves,” a Chicago based rock band that performed seven of their hits including “Drama Queen,” “Always, Make it Sexy” and “Alright, Alright.”
Right after the performance, fashionable Eric Sanchez dressed in a yellow short strapless dress, gold gladiator heels and accessories, cat-walked the stage, introduces herself and then Sebastian, the first professional drag performance of the night. Dancing to “Save the Last Dance,” Sebastian engaged the crowd by giving private lap dances to audience members, which included twisting, rubbing and serenading as no one expected. Laura Carmer also received her own lap dance and exclaimed cheerfully at how exciting it was.
An eye-catching moment of the show was when Evelyn Babcock, an 84 year old audience member and grandmother of Schlagel got a lap dance. Babcock described the experience as “the best thing an 84-year-old woman could ask for. I am here to support my grandson and this has been a great show,” said Babcock. Icesis, the fourth performer, dressed in leotards, fish nets, over the knee length boots and great amount of dazzle, gave a new definition to fierce as she strut back and forth accross the stage, jumping on and off of the stage and dancing with a full range of hair movement to the song “Diva” by Beyonce. Before a five minute intermission during the show, Sebastian gave the audience one more taste of his entertaining, yet erotic, moves with individual lap dances to the song “The way you make me feel” by Michael Jackson. Nicolette Dibudio and Amy Gonzalez could not get enough of the show. The students from Lane Tech, who drove all the way to support their friend, a drag amateur, Zumiyah, expressed their disappointment in the performance by The Moves, but were quick to address that the professionals were amazing and Sebastian was definitely a favorite. The second half of the show, the Amateur Drag contest, began with Aleyna Couture, performing to “Videophone” by Beyonce, featuring Lady Gaga. Destiny Caro, the second contestant, performed to “Run the Show” by Don Omar, however, it was her calisthenics moves that earned her popularity with the audience. Karese gave more of the Latina flavor with her “Hips Don’t Lie” moves and continuous belly dancing.
Sanchez announcing “Are you ready for the Bieber Fever?” was the climax of the show, as they took the event to a different level of fun and entertainment. Performing to Justin Bieber’s hit single “Baby” featuring Ludacris. Erin Hamilton as Ludacris, Bieber and Heather, brought back the amusement of the show as it streamlined prior to the amateur’s contest.
Christine Fulara, a freelance photographer and graduate from NEIU was all smiles during the Bieber Fever performance as her camera took shot after shot of the fantastic duo. final amateur performance was by Zumiyah, performing “Fame.” The model figured performer exuded charm and beauty, as even her friends Nicolette and Amy could not stop screaming. The screams paid off as Zumiyah was crowned winner of the contest.
In a group interview with the professionals on the messages such events pass along, they all collectively agreed that drag is up and coming and it is their job to make it known to the ignorant. They expressed their desire to do this again and congratulated Sue Mayer on her well deserved win.
Schlagel, who expressed great stress, since planning the show did not come easy, was glad everything was a success. In a final word to naysayers and those who disagree with his organization/movement, Schlagel had one word, “Respect”. He said “You might not agree with us and everyone is entitled to their opinion, but please just respect us, as we also respect you and the choices you make. It’s a free world. This is how we express ourselves.”