Webster University’s annual Drag Ball turned 16 on March 24 as performers, both amateur and professional, hit the stage in Grant Gymnasium.
Jordan Gelencir, a senior animation major, has attended drag ball since her freshman year. Gelencir, a fan of St. Louis drag, said she came to support the GlitterBomb performers from Attitudes Nightclub, including her personal friend, Rydyr, a popular St. Louis drag king.
“The first drag show I ever saw was four years ago for this drag ball. I don’t know how to really describe (my love for drag),” Gelencir said. “I (grew up) watching ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show,’ Tim Curie in drag and David Bowie. (Bowie’s) style fits the drag culture almost.”
The evening began with a performance from the executive board members of the LGBTQ Alliance. They danced to the remix of Kesha’s “Sleazy.” The LGBTQ Alliance sponsored the show.
Siren, a popular St. Louis drag queen, hosted the show. Siren has hosted Drag Ball in the past. Drag queen Dieta Pepsi hosted last year’s drag ball. Gelencir said she was happy to see Siren host again.
“I’m a big Siren fan to put it lightly,” Gelencir said.
Siren said several times throughout the show that she was also happy to be back hosting drag ball.
“(Sixteen) years of cross-dressing at Webster University — I’m sure that puts other universities to shame,” Siren said.
Tiffany T. Hunter, a professional drag queen originally from St. Louis, traveled from Minneapolis for the show.
“She came all the way back because she loves this show,” Siren said before Tiffany T. Hunter’s performance of “Don’t Cha” by The Pussycat Dolls.
Another first-timer, Erin Coleman, entered the stage as “Cameras” by Matt and Kim played.
“It’s just a really fun song. It’s really easy to get into it and dance to it,” Coleman said.
Before the show, Coleman said she looked forward to performing despite her nerves. Coleman said she decided to become a drag king because she is a fan of androgyny.
“Dressing in drag is a perfect way to express that,” Coleman said.
For the full story, check out The Journal on March 28.
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Photos by Brittany Ruess. For permission to use these photos, contact The Journal wujournal@gmail.com.
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