In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Pride Club, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI), Latinos Unidos, and drag queen Valentine Addams joined forces to host “Drag Lotería.” Held on Oct. 7th from 12 to 2 pm. The event featured performances by Valentine Addams and included a fun game of Mexican bingo, bringing together both Hispanic and Pride cultures.
Valentine Addams, who performed at the event, began doing drag at the age of 21, inspired by dressing as their female boss for Halloween. It wasn’t until they dressed as an elf and attended clubs, encouraged by friends, that they decided to pursue performing as a drag artist.
The Drag artist said living your own life is important. Although Valentine was initially afraid of coming out, they have since embraced who they are.
“I expected my immigrant parents to not understand and kick me out when I was young for coming out at 15, but they have shown me that they love me unconditionally,” Addams added. “I will always say to be yourself, be proud of your Latin Heritage!”
Addams says you should practice your art if you’re interested in drag. If you love something, you should be willing to practice it as much as you need to.
One student who attended the event was Adekunbi Aransiola, a Freshman at Harper. Aransiola said events like these could positively impact Pride here at Harper.
“I think they can (have an impact) because it makes people more aware of drag and drag culture,” says Aransiola. “I really liked the event and I want to see [it] more often.”
Dr. Sonnet Gabbard and Sara Lucas, co-advisors of Pride Club, want students to know that Harper is a very accepting community. Pride Club believes they can welcome any difference to make Harper closer.
“The LGBTQIA community is a very rich and diverse space, as such, we want to welcome students who may struggle to find community in their home lives,” Lucas said. “We all come to the table with different life experiences, and we want to honor and amplify those stories,” Dr. Sonnet added.
Pride Club hosts club meetings every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 3:30 to 4:30 and the club supports Trans Tea Time, an event held on the first Wednesday of every month at one p.m.
For future Harper events, follow Harper Student Engagement, Harperdei, and Pride Club. Stay posted on Harbinger’s Instagram, Harbstudentnews.
