The controversial cross-dressing “Draggieland” competition was hosted in Texas A&M University’s Rudder Theatre by the Queer Empowerment Council Thursday evening, after a federal judge’s decision earlier this week allowed the event to take place.
Texas Scorecard reported live on the scene at the event, where men dressed as women and vice versa.
In the main exhibition hall, vendors set up booths promoting various aspects of radical gender ideology. Among the vendors was a private library providing copies of LGBT books such as “Gender Queer” to students.
“There’s definitely a lot of queer joy in the air of getting to be here and do this event,” a library spokesperson told Texas Scorecard. “There obviously is a lot of work still to be done.”
When asked what some of the most popular titles were, one of the library vendors said that her favorite genre to read is “gay horror.”
Following the vendor fair, attendees filed into a theatre room where a series of drag performances commenced. The acts were evaluated by a panel of judges, who were also drag performers and former “Draggieland” competitors.
One of the drag competitors, called Venus Evangeline, said that he began participating in drag because he was always the “creative little gay boy” growing up. He then said he made the decision to channel his “sass” in a more “useful” direction.
The event also featured so-called drag kings, who are women pretending to be men. “Sir Loin” was one such performer at “Draggieland,” who said that her drag style was that of Peter Griffin from popular television show “Family Guy.”
The Texas A&M Board of Regents banned drag shows across all 11 campuses in late February, citing compliance with executive orders from President Donald Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott.
However, federal judge Lee H. Rosenthal blocked the regents’ decision last week, allowing “Draggieland” to proceed as planned.
Several TAMU alumni took to social media to express outrage over the performance.
“Ugh…. how can I stop my payments to ATM University?” asked one individual.
Another posted “@AggieNetwork I don’t know about y’all, but watching this makes me feel like the morals, values and tradition are being drained from the institution I loved.”
“Furthermore, the @12thManFndtn won’t be receiving another dime from our family for a while,” he continued.
“@AggieNetwork the alumni need to stop any and all donations!” posted a third user.
