The kings and queens of Auburn's drag scene brought glam to the AUSC ballroom stage Saturday, Feb. 22, raising $1,043 in donations through tips garnered during stage performances.
"Since we're the most conservative campus in America, it's very weird that we're having this, and it's been going on strong for six years," said Daisy Pukes, otherwise known as Ryan Anthony, senior in building science.
There were 12 performers, including a few first-time performers, from Auburn and Southern Union, and their characters varied with their song choices.
Jo Ann Peachtree said he had been to What A Drag in the past and attends Spectrum meetings, but this is his first time performing.
"I feel like a lot of the time with events like these this is sort of a reverse of how things are," Peachtree said. "This community is sort of secretive or underground or cautious, but here everyone can just sort of let loose and be themselves."
For the more experienced performers, setting the stage living up to the pressure can help strengthen your performance said Femma Nazi, otherwise known as Joey Falcon, senior in psychology
Nazi was recognized as the highest earning drag queen that night.
"There's a lot of powerful women that I think are in complete control of their sexuality, and it's not even about being attracted to men," Nazi said. "It's about being attracted to yourself."
Past What A Drag shows served a dual purpose by giving money to charity and raising awareness for the petition to change the anti-discrimination clause in the University's constitution.
Falcon said since the constitution has been amended, the event is strictly for charity.
The teams split between the three charities to compete for the most donations raised.
At the end of the night the highest-raising charity win everything in a surprise donation to that organization.
Representing Equality Alabama was Nazi, Boricua, Joan and Izzy Woody.
Representing TransLegal was Julian Salvatore, Andrew D.K., Ms. Jo Anne Peachtree and Sativa.
Polly Anna Peker, Daisy Pukes and the Phantom of the Opera, featuring Ms. Christine Daae represented the Trevor Project.
"Don't be afraid or nervous to not fit anyone's standards of what you're supposed to be doing," Falcon said. " It's all about us being silly and putting on a costume."
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