With five South Carolina drag queens, a packed Richardson Ballroom, and a nationally known queen as a host, Winthrop’s drag show has returned after two years. Presented by Prism and DSU, Drag WU brought glamour, fun, high energy and a free cultural event on the evening of Oct. 18. The event was hosted by former “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Jasmine Masters, who is known for the “and I oop” meme. According to Prism president Cody Chester, bringing Masters to Winthrop was an effort by DSU. “We partnered with DSU, so DSU took care of Miss Masters and her contract and everything. Prism helped get all the other local queens. So that was all DSU’s effort of bringing Miss Masters to this event for us.”
Organizers are optimistic about the possibility of hosting more drag shows in the future as a result of the popularity of the event. “I think it went extremely well. We had more people show up than anticipated which is great. The queens loved it, everyone else seemed to enjoy it a lot. Definitely was better than the last time we had it” Chester says. “I do hope there will be another Drag WU in the future. I hope this is one of those events that have been done so well that people look forward to it every single year.”
The performers in the show included Erica Chanel, Ariana Venti, Makaylah Dushot, Kristy Darling and Jade Barbie Dushot. Each queen gave multiple performances in a variety of outfits, and students were encouraged to tip performers during the show. According to Chester, all of the queens are from South Carolina, and most are from around Rock Hill. “Erica Chanel is based in Charlotte, Jade and Kristy are from the Rock Hill/Charlotte area, Ariana Venti is from Greenville, and Makayla was in Rock Hill but she relocated to Myrtle Beach. So they are all from around South Carolina and Rock Hill.”
Many students, such as human nutrition major Rebecca Knockemus, had never seen a drag show before. “I loved it! I definitely want to go to the ones in Charleston that [my friends] were talking about.” Knockemus says. “It was an experience and I’m very happy I went.” Knockemus also enjoyed the “drops” or “dips” that are common in drag shows, when queens jump or fall usually into a split.
For musical theatre major Nevaeh Woolens, Drag WU was her first drag show as well, and she was excited to meet Jasmine Masters. “Oh my god, she’s an icon,” Woolens says. “It was just so fun. Everyone in the room was just full of love.”
In addition to performing, the queens also offered words of encouragement for people feeling oppressed, put down or not accepted by their community. Masters also urged students to vote in the upcoming elections to make their voices heard and protect the rights of marginalized people.
For more information on Prism, follow them on instagram at @wu_prism
Photo: Kevin Seabrook/ The Johnsonian
