MSJC Hosts 6th Annual Drag Show
10/25/2024
Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) proudly hosted its 6th annual drag show, drawing a lively crowd of 120 attendees, predominantly students. This year's event marked a unique twist as it was held near Halloween, featuring a popular costume contest with 23 enthusiastic participants. The top two winners received $100 gift cards, generously provided by a mini-grant from the MSJC Foundation.
The drag show continues to be one of the college's most anticipated events, with many attendees experiencing it for the first time. Each year, a significant portion of the audience raises their hands when asked if it's their inaugural visit, highlighting the unique opportunity the event provides to celebrate the artistry and joy of the LGBTQIA+ community.
This vibrant celebration of Pride also serves as an educational moment for fellow students. President/Superintendent Dr. Roger Schultz and Vice President of Student Services Rebecca Teague addressed the crowd, reinforcing the college's commitment to inclusivity. Evan Tucker, co-chair of the LGBTQIA+ Advisory, noted the importance of leadership support: "I can see on our students' faces how much it means to them to have the leaders of our college tell them that we value their success and that we prioritize creating inclusive spaces where they can thrive."
Ryan Sullivan, past co-chair of the LGBTQIA+ Advisory and a driving force behind the drag shows, shared his insights: "I think one of the reasons the show means so much to so many is that we don't really have access to queer spaces like this in our area—students would have to travel to find events like this, so bringing them to us allows students to see what is out there, find community, and know that more exists in the world. When we started this event, our college had very little to affirm gender and sexuality—at that time, sexuality wasn't even part of the equity charge. It is wonderful to see how much progress we've made in such a short amount of time."
With a legacy of support from the Board of Trustees, which was among the first in the California Community Colleges system to affirm its commitment to LGBTQIA+ students, MSJC continues to expand its efforts to celebrate and uplift this vibrant community. This year's drag show was not just an event but a heartfelt reminder of the unity and creativity that define MSJC.
