Kent Interhall Council welcomed two “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestants at their annual Sex Week’s Drag Show. KIC hosts Sex Week every year; planning events with the purpose of promoting safe sex practices. On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the drag show was held in the Student Center Ballroom, with a large crowd amassing outside the venue in the hours prior. 

The drag show featured talents such as Utica Queen and Deja Skye, both contestants on the show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Other local drag artists performed at the event including: Karat Cake, Asstra, Hazel Hex, Miss Jaye and Fruitisha Punch.

“I’ve been doing drag for about six years,” Hex, an Indiana native, said. “I am feeling a little nervous, it’s technically my first drag show. I started drag when I was sixteen years old.”  

Before the show began there was a meet and greet for students who won contests and awards from other Sex Week events throughout the week. Once the show began there were some technical difficulties from the speakers, but the drag queens continued to perform.

Hex encouraged others to try out the art of drag, if they feel inclined. 

“Try it. We all looked busted for a while, it takes time,” Hex said. “But if you’re a person who loves art and performance, whether you are female born, male born or nonbinary feel free to do what you want and be who you want.” 

Shelby Hoopes, a freshman in psychology, and Josie Linamen, a freshman art history major, both attended the show for the first time. 

“I’m excited; it’s our first drag show,” Hoopes said. “We’ve been to a couple Sex Week events. We went to Sex in the Dark and Nebula Nights.” 

“Kent Sex Week is important because it’s letting students know you should have safe sex,” Linamen said.

Lindsay Collier is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].