Lights, dance, and music filled the UC Ballroom on Friday as the Stonewall Tigers hosted their annual drag show. The show, which was the first to feature student performers, had to overcome several financial and organizational challenges to host the event, which had over 100 people in attendance.
Uncertainty surrounded this year’s show after the University of Memphis cut the Office of Multicultural Affairs without notifying Tyler Crisp, the Stonewall Tigers president and drag show host.
“We lost Chelsea (the former advisor for Stonewall Tigers), who used to always plan this. Everything fell into my hands, and I was told you and your organization were on your own, and you gotta figure it out,” said Crisp.
Without the support and guidance typically provided by the office, Crisp said there were immediate concerns about funding and logistics.
“I was only able to do this because I had recently gotten into the drag community myself,” they said.
The show was hosted by Bryce the Crispiest, Crisp’s drag persona, and fellow drag artist Juicy Massacre. In addition to featuring professional drag performers from the Mid-South, the event spotlighted four University of Memphis students performing in drag for the first time.
“I worked really hard,” said student performer Olivia Cousar, whose stage name is Oblivion Oblivion. “I listened to the song I chose until it didn’t sound like music, it sounded like noise. I went on stage, and everything went blank until it was over. I’m definitely glad I did it.”
After the student performer part of the show finished, Crisp took a moment to remember Chelsea Liddell, filming a video of him and attendees thanking her for supporting the organization.
The event also featured a costume contest, where students competed to see who had the best costume and strut. It was won by a duo with Luna Snow and Gunsmith B---h costumes.
Despite technical issues and a few last-minute performer cancellations, the Stonewall Tigers’ energy never wavered. When music cut out, audience members filled the silence with cheers and applause, a show of solidarity that embodied the night’s theme.
Through it all, one message was clear: no matter the obstacles, the show must go on.
Mel Eleftheriou can be contacted at mlfthrou@memphis.edu.
