SDS8 celebrates love and acceptance
The Supreme Drag Superstar event highlighted the value of authentic individuality
Hannah Sonberg / Managing Editor / The USD Vista
The University of San Diego’s 8th Annual Supreme Drag Superstar event opened in Shiley Theater in a cascade of color and an air of acceptance. Though some protestors lined the entrance reciting prayers, that could not stop the excitement and buzz that filled Camino Hall the night of Friday, April 5. This year’s theme was authenticity and chose to focus on gender expression as an individual process that by no means needs to fit into the stereotypes the world has constructed for gender.
The show opened with Mayhem Miller, a contestant on Season 10 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and the show’s host, who gave a fiesty entrance and led the show with the elegance and sass the audience craved.
The show proceeded with a healthy mix of drag kings and queens, from the USD community and beyond, who took the stage with the purpose of making an impact. Alumni, guest speakers, performers like Stella Vanilla, Paris Sukomi Max, Brennda Joyy, and Amber St. James took the stage individually with unmatched confidence and flair.
Among the speakers were USD’s very own Greg Prieto, Ph.D., and Martin Repinecz, Ph.D., who joined the stage in drag and gave a joint speech about accepting individual gender expression and the importance of safe outlets, like this show, for the LGBTQ+ community. They were welcomed on and off stage by uproarious applause and support from their students, coworkers, and fellow drag lovers.
The contestants’ performances ranged from spoken word to choreographed dance, but the clear commonality among these pieces was a passion for identity. Drag king Art Emix gave a powerful spoken word piece entitled “After Inauguration” emphasizing the discontent with the United States’ current political climate, while queen Xitiana gave a lively performance called “Latina Goddess” that celebrated the importance of diversity and protecting the lives of minorities. A particularly noteworthy performance among the undergraduates was Boy Trolton’s rendition of “Bet On It” from the Disney film “High School Musical,” accompanied by choreography that aligned with the iconic movie scene.
At the end of the show, Xitiana was crowned the winner of the 8th Annual Supreme Drag Superstar and was met with uncontrollable approval from the crowd.
This night fostered acceptance and love among a community that tends to go unrecognized or ignored.
With the growing support and unparalleled commitment from the LGBTQ+ community, Supreme Drag Superstar was, and will continue to be, a successful celebration of authentic individuality.