An art form is how sophomore Rowan Moore describes drag. With its vibrant splash of colors, variety of performances, and the people that make up the scene, Moore was inspired by their first experience watching a drag show.

Moore was at the Union Rooftop Bar & Grill for brunch one morning when drag queens dressed in Taylor Swift’s outfits performed parodies of Taylor Swift music videos and songs. Besides the brunch, Moore has attended drag shows during Pride.

“It’s a combination of a lot of art forms. There’s performing and drag queens who make their outfits, do their makeup, and style their wigs,” Moore said.

On the other hand, sophomore Taryn Karasti has attended drag events with her parents ever since she was young.

“I’m interested in drag because of the outfits and…the shoes,” Karasti said. Karasti herself is quite the fashionista, strutting platform boots, and the occasional smokey eye and black lipstick to school.

Karasti also notices that many drag shows are for mature audiences because of how late they are held and because they are in venues that don’t allow customers under 21.

However, that hasn’t stopped her from finding all-age shows. Karasti recommends drag brunches like the one Moore attended because “It’s more intimate, and you get to chat with the [drag] queens.”

Moore and Karasti emphasize the ecstatic atmosphere of drag shows and, most importantly, the community.

“It’s always a fun experience to watch a drag show because… you’re just there to have fun and watch someone be in their element, do something that they love to do and perform for people,” Moore said.

Drag has been a heated topic of debate in the U.S. for many years as LGBTQIA+ rights become a larger discussion in everyday life, legislation, and politics. The most vocal opponents of drag events are conservatives. Most notably, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson claimed that drag shows could “indoctrinate” or “sexualize” children. Moore has heard conservative protesters claim that drag queens groom children.

The stigma around the drag scene is Moore’s and Karasti’s ‘why.’

“Because of the stigma around drag, I try to compensate with my support by attending a lot of shows and keeping up with news and media,” Karasti said.

“[Drag is] rooted in queer history and culture, and…I think it’s important to continue to celebrate it,” Moore said.

Surrounded by smiles, song, art and fashion, Moore and Karasti experience femininity and masculinity in its boldest and most extravagant form.