Be Here, Be Queer! A Look at Queer Inclusive Events On and Off Campus

The 15th annual drag show hosted by Spectrum, an organization celebrating gender, romantic and sexual minorities, was an electric event.

Every year, this event is hosted in the University Center Ballroom to fundraise for other queer-inclusive programs and events, such as Queer Prom. This was an all-inclusive event that showcased art, passion, and expression through captivating performances from experienced and beginner drag artists alike.

The hosts of the evening were two local Colorado drag queens, Jessica L’Whor and KHRYS’TAAAL. Both lively hosts brought an incredible energy to the stage that captured the attention of all in attendance.

“I always have such a good time, especially with the college crowd… the energy and vibe are always positive, it's just a good environment,” KHRYS’TAAAL said.

The energy brought to the ballroom by the performers was nothing short of exhilarating. The room was bubbling with laughter and cheers as performances went on. There wasn’t a single audience member in attendance left unentertained.

Matilda Bixby, a UNC student performer and Northern Colorado drag queen, sang her praises for the show as well as its producer, Miss Jewdy, the president of Spectrum.

“This event is super fun…I have loved doing this event…I worked with Miss Jewdy and this is her baby, so I am so happy to be a part of the show…It’s been so much fun I love it,” Bixby said.

Along with providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone wanting to attend, this show highlights the importance that accessible queer spaces and events have on and around the UNC campus. Queer presence on campus is ever-present, and it is wildly important that students have these inclusive and welcoming spaces to freely express themselves. Accessible spaces for queer students on campus are not only important to their identity but also to their mental health.

“It keeps you grounded… Once I was able to find those queer spaces, I was able to ground myself. We’re all able to build off each other and support each other… It builds a network of trust,” Jewdy said.

It isn’t only obvious to the leadership; students are expressing a need for it as well.

“I feel like community is really important for queer people," one student in attendance last night said. "I’m not out to my family, so stuff like this helps me meet people who are like me and identify like me… We should have more, we should do more things.”

Events like the Spectrum drag show allow students in the LGBTQ+ community to thrive on campus. Resources on campus that students should keep an eye on are the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, which frequently hosts queer affinity groups and inclusive events on campus. The Center for Women’s and Gender Equity has a focus on giving support to students of all identities and hosts events that are based on this support.

Locations off campus where students can engage with their community include the Stampede Kava Bar in downtown Greeley, which often has many themed nights and events with a large emphasis on queer inclusivity. The High Brau Taphouse is another great location for students to engage with LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces off campus.