The show was a brainchild of Sandy Kamerling of the Butterfly Bar, which can be found on the first floor of the ISS building. “Sandy initiated the show and worked with the communications department to get everything organised”, Josh explains. “We wanted to end the Pride Month with a bang.”

drag_show_iss_30_june_2023_Aysha Gasanova (35)
Sandy Kamerling (left) is the initiator of the show. Image credit: Aysha Gasanova

Josh describes the show as: our very one way of celebrating pride. “Normally, this kind of show would be called a drag queen show. We wanted to break away from the original concept, so we changed queen, which refers to feminine characteristics, to queer. The show was for everyone.”

drag_show_iss_30_june_2023_Aysha Gasanova (34)
Josh enjoys a cocktail before they work their magic at the party. Image credit: Aysha Gasanova

Karaoke is an absolute must

Karaoke is a bit of a tradition at ISS. “We never have a party without karaoke”, Josh explains. That meant the show featured karaoke as well. The party opened with a lip-sync battle and concluded with the familiar round of karaoke.

drag_show_iss_30_june_2023_Aysha Gasanova (53)
Dancing to Cardi B.’s WAP. Image credit: Aysha Gasanova

Glam corner

Showing up in drag or a costume was not mandatory. “We understood that this might be a bridge too far for some students,” Josh says. “So we told them they could wear whatever was comfortable for them.” For those who wanted to add some make-up, the organiser had prepared a glam corner. “Eyeshadow, glitter, stickers, we had it all!”

drag_show_iss_30_june_2023_Aysha Gasanova (44)
You can do your make-up in the glam corner. Image credit: Aysha Gasanova

Josh emphasises that the show was not just about external appearances but also about inner freedom. “We wanted students to be free to be themselves and to express themselves. Ultimately, the aim was to foster self-acceptance and self-confidence, since to be queer is to be confident”, they say with a wink.

drag_show_iss_30_june_2023_Aysha Gasanova (47)
Helping each other with makeup. Image credit: Aysha Gasanova

First contact

Josh looks back on an evening filled with joy. “Everyone loved the show and went completely over the top. Some students had never been to a queer show before, but they were very open and curious about queer world.” They add: “We need more queer parties, not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year!”

Lees meer

Campus as catwalk: ‘When I’m studying, I choose comfort over chic’

Which outfits do students go for when spending the day studying in Polak or the…

Read 2 comments