Demarest Hall continues to encourage free expression with drag show

On November 22, Demarest Hall on the College Avenue campus housed a student-run drag show featuring performers both new and experienced.

Demarest has long been emblematic of community, diverse interests and creative expression at Rutgers. Known for its gender-inclusive housing and LGBTQIA+-friendly events, it serves as a quasi-underground queer society on campus. 

One of its standout features is the "free expression room," where students are encouraged to paint or display any sort of expression on the walls, provided it is not offensive or discriminatory. This environment of openness and creativity perfectly set the stage for the drag show, an event that celebrated individuality, art and identity.

Drag as an art form is the epitome of free expression, allowing people to step into an exaggerated, sometimes sexualized, persona. It offers people an opportunity to explore a gender outside of their own or to further embrace their own gender identity. 

Beyond that, drag allows people to embody an alter ego that exudes confidence and commands attention. In other words, it allows people to step outside themselves and become something bigger. 

The performances at Demarest encapsulated all of these elements. The hall came alive with student drag queens, kings and thems who took to the stage with flair. Lip-syncing to their favorite songs, strutting down the runway and showcasing stellar outfits, the performers created an electric atmosphere.

Some of the performances were collaborative and skit-comedy based. One particular performance recreated the Troye Sivan music video for "One of Your Girls," where Sivan portrays a female alter ego. Demarest's performance involved three individuals playing out scenes from the original video. This act poignantly showcased the fluidity of gender expression and asserted the power of queer expression, taking the stage by storm. 

Another act took the form of a murder mystery, featuring a drag king detective and a drag queen perpetrator involved in a cat-and-mouse chase. The theatrical storytelling and humor captured the audience. Performances like these highlighted the creativity and effort poured into each act, leaving the audience mesmerized.

Drag has long been a cornerstone of queer culture, a means of resisting conformity and celebrating individuality. At Rutgers, an event like this in a space like Demarest Hall underscores the University's commitment to providing environments where all students can thrive. 

Demarest Hall's drag show was a testament to the hall's mission of fostering a diverse and expressive community. The energy of the night, filled with laughter, awe and camaraderie, was a reminder of the importance of spaces that allow for true freedom of expression. 

For those who attended, it was not just an evening of entertainment, but an experience that celebrated the beauty of authenticity and the power of art that brings people together. As the fairy lights dimmed and the night came to a close, it was evident that the spirit of Demarest Hall and its vibrant community would continue to shine brightly, long after the performances ended.