Sonoma State is beginning its Queer History Month with a classic tradition in queer culture: a drag show celebrating the art of gender expression as performance, organized by Associated Students and presented by Drag Queen Entertainment LLC. Astala Vista, OnyxBlack, and Vinchelle performed at the Queens on Campus Drag Show on Thursday, October 9th, to a packed ballroom full of excited drag fans, members of the local LGBTQ+ community, and proud allies. Dancing, singing, photo ops, and a Q&A on the life of a professional drag star made for a night of fun.

The three performers are each masters of their craft. Astala, the host of the event, energized the crowd and made the show a welcoming space for everyone. From engaging with the audience using a Kodak camera for a rendition of The Chainsmokers’ “#SELFIE”, to performing a full musical skit based on the SpongeBob SquarePants episode “Sailor Mouth,” she earned her title of the Comedy Queen.

Astala Vista performs at Queens on Campus Drag Show. (Arthur Gonzalez-Martin)

OnyxBlack drew inspiration from Cher and Lady Gaga, glam queens with high-energy songs like ‘Telephone’ and ‘Stupid Love.’ Flipping around the stage with big hair and even taller heels, Onyx had the crowd roaring for more. Vinchelle channeled the strength of some of the biggest names in pop like Arianna and Beyonce in her performance.
The audience was filled with student drag queens, and the Divas hosted a lip-syncing contest where some had the opportunity to perform. Some audience performances even had props, like rainbow streamers and pride flags, and one student performed back flips and cartwheels. Five lucky audience members got to pick out diva names for themselves, including Britney Queers, Wanna Bang, and Miami Shambles. Students cheered them on the whole way through, and the winner got to take home a Halloween-themed fan.
The night wrapped up with a meet and greet and photos. Students asked questions about what it’s like being a drag queen and getting into the industry.

Astala Vista talks to the audience at Queens on Campus Drag Show

“Before Insta, you had to call around clubs and just hope you got a break. Now with social media, it’s been a lot easier to network,” said Astala, leading the Q&A, when asked about getting a heel through the door. 

Much effort goes into costumes, makeup, lip syncing, and acrobatics, all with large wigs on. “Immediately after this is over, we are going to our hotel and sleeping, then at 4 am, we’ll board a plane to Chicago, spend a day to recover, and then do another show and repeat….thank you for reminding me that I’m only going to have 3 hours of sleep tonight,” Astala joked before taking photos with fans. 

In a time of fear and uncertainty for many Americans, especially the trans community, events like the Campus Drag Show offer a space for students to celebrate queer culture and welcome October’s Queer History Month.