Calling all divas

Calling all Divas. East Stroudsburg University's People Recognizing Individual Diversity in Education (P.R.I.D.E.) committee is holding a drag show on Monday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Keystone Room. A $5 suggested donation is appreciated upon arrival, and proceeds go towards the Ali Forney Center.

The Ali Forney Center's mission is "to help homeless LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered] youth be safe and become independent as they move from adolescence to adulthood" (www.aliforneycenter.org). Many LGBT are assaulted due to their sexuality.

The Ali Forney Center opened after Ali Forney, a gay individual, was gunned down on the street for trying to reach out to other homeless LGBT. People realized the importance of a safe permanent or temporary home for neglected LGBT youth.

This isn't P.R.I.D.E.'s first drag show, but it is the biggest one thus far. Previous drag shows were held in dorm lounges, but the club expanded the event and participation increased.

Timothy Hahn, a junior at ESU, is the drag show chairperson. His assistants include juniors Chris Torres and Bobby McGuckin.

If you're wondering about stage names, Hahn will be "Sharon Husbands," Torres will be "April Showers," and McGuckin will be "Roxy Boat."

When I asked Hahn about the show's acts, he laughed and said, "We have a wholeee bunch of different ones."

There are approximately 16 acts, and not all participants are P.R.I.D.E. members. To give you a taste of the lineup, Hahn, Torres, and McGuckin will perform a dance interpretation to "The Greatest Melody Ever Told" from Sister Act 2. Hahn also has a solo Cher performance (of course), and he will sing "If I Could Turn Back Time." Sarah Ricker and Chris Torres will perform Lady Gaga's hit "Just Dance," and Matthew Simmons, Hawthorne's resident director will also perform.

CarolAnn will host this year's show, and DJ David C, from the Stonewall and Candidas, will spin hits all night. P.R.I.D.E. has funding for the event, but the performers bought their own costumes and put a lot of effort into practicing their acts.

Hahn's goal for the show is to "raise money, have a good time, and not break a heel."

He feels that it's important for ESU students and faculty to open up their minds and let loose for a night of drag.

Come support P.R.I.D.E. and celebrate diversity, but Torres advises to "bring your umbrella ‘cause it's ‘gonna rain glitter."

email Stacy at: sem5246@esu.edu