Flashing lights, dazzling sparkly dresses and jaw-dropping performances were just a touch of the magic that the Drag U Downtown event on April 9 brought to Arizona State University. With performances by locally-renowned drag queens and kings Kim Etiquette, Espressa Grande, Benaddiction, Kristofer Inez Onyx, Eddie Broadway and Mynx Demilo, the event was a celebration of queer identity.
All of the drag stars showed up in their best outfits and danced their hearts out to queer anthems such as a dance remix of Ethel Cain’s American Teenager and hits by pop breakout star Chappell Roan.
Jesse Baltazar, the president and founder of the Queer Center, said that “seeing all the wonderful young queer people come together and have a good time and really let go and enjoy themselves” was the most rewarding part of his experience at the event.
The event celebrated diversity in every form. The performers were united by their love for the art of drag, specifically in queer communities in Phoenix.
Drag U Downtown supported the Queer Center. The nonprofit organization provides resources for the LGBTQ+ community in Phoenix, including access to sexual health resources and gender navigation services. It partners with Valleywise Community Health Center, RipplePHX, Lambda Phoenix Center and Arizona Trans Youth and Parent Organization to provide the community with accessible care.
The event was hosted by ASU student organizations such as the Undergraduate Student Government, Changemaker Central, PAB Downtown, the Confetti Club, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, the Rainbow Coalition and more.
Watching the magic of the performers interacting with the crowd was incredible. I had never felt so comfortable being myself, with no fear of rejection or ridicule. The music was vibrant, the performers were talented and I felt the thrum of the downtown community spirit throughout the night. Even when the crowd began to tire, the performers never faltered in their enthusiasm for connecting with their art and the attendees.
Scott Darby is a founding member and board member of the Queer Center, and said his favorite part of the evening was “being able to introduce [his] drag-performing friends and family to the next generation of performers.”
Connecting students at ASU with resources within the Phoenix community allows them to feel supported by ASU’s student organizations and the city at large. Events such as this one provide fellowship and friendship for a diverse group of students.
Jade Kreiser, an attendee of the event, when asked about her favorite part of the event, said: “The drag queens, obviously!”