A night of drag

Elizabeth Duvall, Noel Bynum, Justin Natvig and George Drometer perform on stage for ‘Lipstick and Mirrors' DTH/Jeremy Bass

Despite setbacks hours before the curtains were raised, performers in Thursday’s drag show decided the show must go on.

The drag show, titled “Lipstick and Mirrors: A Show of Gender Transcendence,” featured its first all-student cast after the planned guest act canceled on the day of the production.

The twice-yearly shows typically feature numerous professional drag queens perform ing alongside UNC students.

“It was even better without the professional headliner. It’s more about the students,” said sophomore performer Brandon Ring. Ring’s stage name is Pepper Colbert.

The cast performed to songs from Miley Cyrus to Madonna. To the cheers of the crowd, students donned flashy costumes adorned with feathers, glitter and tassels, and several women showed up in loose-fitting male clothes.

Audience members were able to vote for their favorite performers — not by a show of hands, but by waving “drag dollars” from the side of the catwalk during each act to tip them.

The drag show was sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Straight Alliance.

Senior Justin Natvig, coordinator of the event, stepped up to fill the title of headlining performer. With 12 years of drag experience, the 28-year-old stepped into the role easily.

Natvig also said he only agreed to help if the proceeds from the event benefited the Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina. This is the first year the event benefited any sort of charity.

“We need to create alliances,” Natvig said. “We want to reach beyond the campus.”

Emcee Kirsten Hill, a UNC graduate, said the drag show was a safe place for all people.

“We got a sanctuary here,” Hill said.

Hill also praised President Barack Obama’s recent work on passing hate crimes legislation. The laws provide protection for people in the GBLTSA community.

Whitney Cox, a freshman from Las Vegas, said she had never been to any kind of drag event before and enjoyed the experience.

“The lines were blurred between the sexes,” Cox said. “I think that was the point.”

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.