Drag Show entertains 1,100 as part of Pride Week

The crowd threw money at the host as she pranced up on stage dancing to Jessie J’s “Domino” at Wednesday night’s Drag Show.

Central Michigan University has welcomed the Drag Show as a part of Pride Week for eight years.

Shannon Jolliff, director of LGBTQ Services, said as soon as the doors opened, students rushed in. More than 1,100 people filled Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.

“It’s a time for the queer community and the straight community to come together and celebrate LGBTQ,” Jolliff said.

Sabin, a Detroit-based drag queen, gained the audience’s attention right away as her comical performance was centered on offensive and insulting remarks to audience members.

“B****, I hope someone farts on your pillow,” Sabin said to one audience member.

Sabin introduced six different drag queens and 12 different performances throughout the night. Each drag queen lip-synced and danced to a song. Between each performance, Sabin stole the stage.

“You’d be angry too if your stuff was where mine was at right now,” she joked.

Potterville senior Jordan Lett, an intern for LGBTQ Services, said it was her third time going to the show, and it never ceases to entertain her.

“I like how (Sabin) pushes everyone’s buttons,” she said. “(She) hates everyone equally, just like (she) says.”

Lett said the event is important within the gay community, but it’s fun for everyone.

“You don’t have to be gay to enjoy it,” she said.

Sabin stressed the importance of being comfortable in your own skin.

“There’s not a how-to of a drag queen,” she said. “It’s all about trying on different clothes. “

The host said CMU is her favorite place to perform.

“I’m not just saying that,” she said. “Four years ago, you guys changed my life.”

Four years ago, Sabin did a tap-dance performance and received a standing ovation.

“I feel more love five minutes on stage than most people do in their lifetime,” she said.

DeWitt junior Megan Winans said it’s important for everyone to feel like a part of campus, regardless of their sexual orientation.

“I came to laugh and learn,” she said. “It’s a way to eliminate labeling in this small town.”

Garden sophomore Emily Thennes said it’s hard to capture the inappropriateness of the performance.

“Every other word was profanity,” she said. “But it was funny.”

An audience member asked Sabin if she were a crayon, what color would she be. She replied with, “Neon f****** pink.”