 "Photo: Krystal Horne")
 "Photo: Krystal Horne")
UWG’s Department of Housing and Resident Life and Lambda cosponsored one of the biggest events of the semester by creating the university’s first annual Drag Idol. On Monday, April 5, the Campus Center Ballroom was packed with close to 1,000 people in support of the show.
The Drag Show was exciting and kept the crowd interested from the very beginning. Bowdon Resident Life Coordinator Joe Blackwell was the host of the night. Sporting artistic eye make-up, he kept the energy high between performances with humor.
The event featured three professionals from Atlanta, who performed to some of today’s popular songs.
Heather Daniels was a crowd favorite, with colorful and creative costumes and interaction with audience members. There were also some amateur acts performed by student drag kings and drag queens performing to musical artists, including Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, Chris Brown and D12.
Krystal Horne, campus education coordinator for Lambda, was also one of the night’s judges.
“I really did enjoy the drag show!” said Horne. “It was pretty amazing, especially since it was the very first one.”
After the performances, the judges chose the winners for the evening. Stephanie Schuman, performing as “Justin Situation,” won Mr. Flame. The title of Mrs. Flame went to Uriel Moorer, who was also known as “Honeysuckle Rose.” Antonio Washington, otherwise known as “Ginger Snaps,” won Best in Show.
“The amateur competition for both the drag queens and the drag kings was really hard to judge,” said Horne. “Even though it was difficult, it was a fun opportunity to be a judge. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Performing and preparing for the event also proved to have its challenges. Antonio Washington found unique inspiration for his stage name.
“I was at work and I was thinking about sweets,” said Washington. “I turned and saw some ginger snaps.”
Washington, who performed songs by Lady Gaga and Beyonce, said he chose the artists because he liked their songs a lot.
“I did better than what I thought I would [in the competition], but I didn’t really think about it,” said Washington.
Michael Sands, Lambda president, also participated in the amateur contest as “Kitty Love.” He said that he didn’t do it compete, but to represent the organization for all to see.
Many students congratulated their friends after the event was over. This was the first time UWG hosted a Drag Idol, but it will definitely not be the last.
“I’ve never seen so many people that eager to step outside of the box and experience something that they may or may not feel comfortable with,” said Horne.
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