The overhead lights in Parents Hall flashed once, then twice, before dimming completely to draw the audience’s focus to the glowing rainbow stage. In the center spotlight stood a cowboy dressed in all black: Jo Molina, a first-year student and member of the Rainbow Union.
Students and community members helped themselves to pride pins, stickers, flags and plates of refreshments before taking their seats for the fall drag show. The event, “Suelta la Peluca,” or “Drop the Wig” in Spanish, took place on Oct. 23 as a collaboration between Rainbow Union and La Fuerza Latina.
Entry came at no cost, but guests were encouraged to donate to help raise money for Iowa Safe Schools, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide safe, supportive learning environments for queer and allied youth. By the end of the evening, Molina said the event had raised over $180.
“Iowa Safe Schools is who we usually donate to because they do a lot of good for our community, and some of the people in our organization have been positively impacted by them. It’s just really good to give back,” said Eleanor McCalla, an organizer with Rainbow Union.
Three drag performers took the stage: Drake University alumnus Joey Dickinson, new performer Lady Ostrich and local professional drag queen Dominique Cass.
La Fuerza Latina President Ashley Diaz-Alegria invited Cass to perform after the two met at the Iowa Latino Festival in September. Diaz-Alegria was grateful that Cass was able to come and support such a big cause.
“We know that there’s a lot of stigma and a lot of controversial takes in the Latino community about the LGBTQ+ community,” Diaz-Alegria said. “We just want there to be more of an open mind.”
McCalla echoed that sentiment of collaboration and support between two student organizations. The event’s goal was to promote solidarity with both LGBTQ+ and Latino students.
“Especially during Hispanic Heritage Month, I think it was really awesome that we were able to combine our cultures and produce something that honors both of them,” McCalla said.
Senior Joey Zollar showed up in support of his friend, drag queen and student Lady Ostrich. In one of the first acts, Cass pulled Zollar up on stage with her. Although unsure at first, that apprehension was short-lived, Zollar says.
“Once I was sure, I was like, ‘Okay, no, this is really fun,’” Zollar said. “It was actually really a lot of fun to be able to do that — that it’s interactive as well.”
For attendee Ava Cary, the essence of the event was simple.
“I think it’s really wonderful for anyone, but for me, to experience queer joy and see people, like myself, and people like me, free,” Cary said. “It just feels really affirming, and all I can say is I feel joyful about it.”
Jo Molina is a Times-Delphic staff member.