The Goshen College Advocates’ fourth annual drag show took place in the Umble Center last Saturday. All students were welcomed by the Advocates affinity group to attend the free event and enjoy the performances. Four drag queens, Lily J. Extravaganza, Cherice Alexandria Samore, AfroDytee and Natosha Salad collaborated with Advocates to perform.
Cherice Alexandria Samore Sarah Miller, a senior music education major, has been attending since the first drag show and said, “It’s been fun to see it each year.” Miller described the performances as “stunning” and said that “Everyone did such an amazing job.” She also appreciated that events like this give students on campus the opportunity to “have their voice heard.”
Miranda Pfahler, a senior social work major, has also been in attendance since the first drag show. Pfahler said, “A lot of the student body are represented in the LGBTQ+ community and having this event really shows that we’re a community and we support one another.”
Lexie Coburn, a senior special education and elementary education double major, and Maija Short, a senior environmental science and ecology major, found out about the event through friends. “I feel like [the event] has a positive impact on the campus,” said Coburn. Short added, “I feel like it creates a really safe environment and fosters connection and bonding between people.” Both seniors described the night as “Vibrant and lively.”
Lydia Esh, a senior social work major, is one of the leaders of Advocates. Esh got involved with Advocates last year and said the leadership role “Is a good opportunity.” The event planning began in the fall and Esh commended Peace Muhagachi, a senior sociology major, in the process. “Peace has really done a lot of the heavy lifting and I give her a lot of credit for the drag show.” Esh described Saturday night as “fabulous” and “so powerful.”
Advocates is looking for potential leaders who may be interested in joining the affinity group in the near future.
