Finally Legal! Pride’s Annual Drag Finale Celebrates a Fabulous 18th Year!

Pride Union’s 18th drag show finale swept away an enthusiastic crowd in Goldstein auditorium on Feb. 20. Hosted by Manila Luzon and London Cider, drag queens and kings dazzled the stage with performances ranging from acrobatic, to raunchy, to downright hilarious. Luzon, a three time contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race, was dressed in a sparkling gown adorned with participation ribbons (a play on the millennial need to be rewarded for everything). Crider, who resembled a muscular, devilish Drag King, and Luzon kept the crowd laughing the entire night. There were performances from three queens and one king, all competing for the crown.

Velveeta, the first contestant, seductively crawled her way across the stage in a baby pink skirt and black lingerie combo following her grand introduction where she played a Velveeta ad.. Her stage presence was clear as she had audience members diving for sliced cheese from minute one. She managed to keep both the audience entertained and her wig on for the entire performance as the song “Work this Pussy” filled the room. She fucking nailed her spoken word, even receiving compliments from Paris LaRux herself. It was amazing to watch her work the stage- probably because she radiated such positive energy and it was obvious just how excited she was to be there. The next performer was Javier el Jugador which translates to “the Juice Maker” (and boy did he make juices flow)! He came out in a bathrobe, but it wasn’t long before he stripped down to bright red boxers with the word “horny” on them, quickly followed by a pair of cheetah print, speedo cut underwear. Jugador kissed multiple audience members- more than one at a time we might add- and gave a saucy lapdance on stage to The Weeknd’s sexual smash hit “Often.” His confidence was clear and contagious and Jugador successfully maintained the audience’s attention.

The quick intermission kept us enthralled with numerous dazzling guest performances. LaRux was the first of the guest judges to take the stage, showing off her gymnastics skills. The crowd went wild as she took over the stage in her glittery and feather-adorned baby blue bodysuit. Her body was talking and the crowd was listening. Next up was judge Daphne York who had the crowd going with her Mean Girls / “#SELFIE” mashup. York worked the stage with the attitude of the most popular girl in school. Her bad bitch energy was clear and made you feel like you loved and envied her at the same time. Her Mean Girls themed outfit accessorized with a Louis Vuitton purse was to die for- especially her tiny, pink skirt. Along with the judges, Cider got the crowd's attention with a creepy act featuring Billie Eilishe’s “Bad Guy.” It was sinful and cynical in all the right ways. His costume had devil horns and it was clear that he had spooked and wowed crowds before. Finally, before we saw the last few contestants, we got to see Daddy C-Zor take the stage. His hip thrusts turned heads as he seduced the crowd. It was a great way to get the crowd pumped for the last two contestants.

Our third contestant, Sangria, came out in a bathrobe singing into her hairbrush. What started off as a simple, cutesy performance turned into a Legally Blonde extravaganza. There were nipple tassels, a baby pink corset and a full proposal gone wrong scene- not to mention fake blood and a severed penis prop. Her performance shocked and amazed the crowd and her level of emotion was unrivaled. There were so many twists and turns in the performance that there was no choice but to stay engaged. It was super professional and her moves and theatrics earned roaring applause as well as high marks from the judges.

Vita Vanitea was the final contestant of the night. She performed a breathtaking ballad in Cantonese that brought tears and smiles to many faces. She gave a passionate kiss to an audience member and showered the crowd in beautiful, red flowers. Her long, brown hair was glistening as she managed to rock not one, but two glittery numbers. Oh, and how could anyone forget the dildo pulled out from a hiding spot in her ensemble before the curtains drew closed.

Before the winner was crowned, we got to watch two more guest performances. One was New York City’s own Jasmine Kennedie. She rocked a sparkly red and black outfit and a pair of fire over the knee boots. Her big hair, big, high kicks and big moves, like her back handspring, had people on the edge of their seats waiting to see what she’d do next. Last, but not least, Luzon took the stage for her own creative take on “Colors of the Wind” from Pochahontas. The song was shrill yet moving and it was clear why she had been invited to compete on RuPual’s Drag Race so many times. It was a great way to wrap up a glorious night.

The drag show was epic, but what was even more epic was the tangible feeling of love and acceptance in Goldstein. We were reminded of how strong the LGBTQ community is and that even if you’re not accepted by your blood family, there is always a family to be found within this community. We toasted to equality, black history month, and a new generation of people who are ready and excited to accept all types of people. The Pride Union and everyone in attendance made it clear that they stood in solidarity with the NotAgainSU movement and for equality among all people. Sangria ultimately took home the crown and her excitement was met with a standing ovation. It was truly a fabulous night for celebration, and one can only imagine what next year will have in store.