Texas A&M University prides itself on having over 1,000 student organizations; however, there are only a few organizations on campus that promote LGBTQ+ values. MSC Town Hall orchestrates Draggieland which hosts Texas A&M’s biggest LGBTQ+ event since its origin in 2020. One of A&M’s six core values is respect. Unfortunately, respect from some administration and students has not been given to Draggieland. This organization was met with serious backlash; students have started petitions to convince the President and Vice President of Student Affairs to cancel Draggieland’s annual performance. Ironically, the petition claims Draggieland “contradicts the A&M core values, especially respect and excellence.” If these students really believed every human life is valued, then why have these morals been deemed inapplicable on the basis of race, gender identity, or beliefs? Claiming that drag “confuses people and their identity” is far from respect or excellence. To state that Draggieland goes against A&M’s traditions and values is a hate crime against drag queens and LGBTQ+ students on our campus. This event once held at the MSC building was stripped of university funding last year to the delight of the students and administration in protest of this important event.

We met with Infinity LaVey, who has been a cast member at Halo in downtown Bryan since 2018 after winning Drag U, a competition hosted by the bar. Originally from Dallas, College Station was nothing short of a culture shock when she moved here 6 years ago. She says, “Anything that breaks ‘tradition’ at A&M is not welcome, but here we are, bigger and better than ever as we have never had a bigger presence than now in College Station.” Draggieland holds incredible meaning not only to the university, but to the Bryan-College Station community. Meeting Infinity was an incredible honor, as she exudes confidence despite being in a town that has not always made drag queens feel welcome. In spite of protests and petitions, Infinity holds her head high and can visit her at Halo every other weekend. She will also be at this year’s Draggieland, competing in the show for the second time. Even though hate has been thrown at Draggieland, queens like Infinity are here to proudly say more and more support is being shown to drag queens across this town thanks to those who truly value respect and acceptance.

Unsurprisingly, Texas A&M’s decision to defund Draggieland did not stop students from standing up for their values. Jessy B. Darling, queen of Draggieland 2022 said, “I was disappointed, but I wasn’t really super surprised then whenever I saw how many people were so adamant about bringing it back, it really made me feel super hopeful for the community.” With the trending hashtag, #shinethroughtamu, Draggieland was met with a sold-out crowd last year as students supported the amazing show and beautiful drag queens. Draggieland Executive Showrunner, Daniel Hou, said, “I think the local community has seen the message that we bring, which is just to shine through adversity, bigotry, and ignorance in all forms.” The impact of community and university support does not go unnoticed and is essential to create new and necessary traditions.

Traditions are important, but when they hurt a group of people, there is a need for change. Frey Miller, the President of Transcend and Advocacy Chair for Draggieland, said, “It’s so important to the positive representation of the LGBTQ community at Texas A&M and in the Bryan-College Station area because there’s a lot of people from the community showing up here as well.” Draggieland 2023 will be in Rudder Theater April 6 and you don’t want to miss it. With nine performers and a very special guest, our students need to come together with all the love and support to give our drag queens a sold-out crowd for the second year in a row. RuPaul, America’s most famous drag queen, says, “Fulfillment isn’t found over the rainbow—it’s found in the here and now. Today I define success by the fluidity with which I transcend emotional landmines and choose joy and gratitude instead.” We all need a little bit more of living in the ‘here and now’ and focusing on simply being kind. Even though people tried to shut down Draggieland, the show must always go on. Today we can make the choice to show joy, gratitude, and respect for everyone, and show up to Draggieland 2023 to support our favorite queens.

Written by McKenna Madis, Photography: Krystal Pham , Social Media: Sudiksha Pai

Hate Has No Place On Our Campus