Now is a very good time to be gay at Kutztown University. The (KU) Allies activist student union just celebrated its 20th anniversary of supporting and advocating for the school’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, questioning and straight-ally community.
The university is also celebrating another milestone: the 10th anniversary of KU Allies’ annual Allies Drag Show. The internationally renowned Alyssa Edwards (of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fame) will perform along with noted drag queens Elektra Fearce St. James, LeKross DeAire and Aida Stratton. The show will also feature many other professional and student drag performers. The event is open to the public.
“As one of the advisers of the Allies, I can say that the students look forward to presenting this mix of professional and amateur drag performers, as well as identifying worthy local charities,” said Christine Price, director of both the Women’s Center and the school’s GLBTQ Center. Price is also advisor to the Allies Club, and in charge of curating, managing and promoting each event. The Association of Campus Events got involved as a sponsor of the annual Allies Drag Show, and, starting in 2017, helped the Allies pursue top-billed drag performers for the first time.
“Last year we brought in Shangela Laquifa Wadley, and absolutely that helped with attendance,” said Price, recalling that the recent “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” contestant drew more than 600 attendees last year. “There was huge energy last year.”
This year, the Allies Club and the Association of Campus Events went back to the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” well by hiring Season 5 and All Stars 2 sensation Alyssa Edwards, an American drag performer and choreographer.
All donations collected at the event will benefit Valley Youth House and Lambda Legal.
“Every year the Allies Club students and board members choose where the charitable monies go,” said Price, noting that Valley Youth House provides homes for vulnerable, abused and homeless youth, and that Lambda Legal is committed to the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV by impacting litigation, education and public-policy work.
“We give them the freedom to make those choices of charities, and I’m proud of them for making such wise ones.”
The Allies of Kutztown University’s annual charitable Allies Drag Show will be held 7p.m. April 5 in Schaeffer Auditorium 15200 Kutztown Road, Kutztown. For more information, go to www.kutztown.edu or call 610-683-4655.