Drag performer and activist Xinistra Gl’amour emphasized to a group of about 25 students attending “Get Ready With Me: Drag Queen Edition” on campus last week to know their audience, make connections and personalize their performance.
Hosted by the Otter Cross Cultural Center and Rainbow Raft Pride Center, last Tuesday’s event held just outside the Pride Center on campus was arranged to help students prepare for the ever-popular, upcoming “Werk Witch” event.
“Drag is expression. It doesn’t always have to be happy and joyful. It can be political,” Gl’amour told the students. “ If you have a message to put out there and drag is your outlet for it, put it out there. Some people might like it, some might not; it doesn’t matter. It’s about putting yourself out there and sharing your message.”
Gl’amour (she/her) the house mother of Haus of Gl’amour, drag performer, activist and vice president of the board for Pajaro Valley Pride, joined Jairo Delight (he/him), a drag performer and makeup artist, to showcase step-by-step techniques for achieving the drag makeup look.
The session began with discussions about makeup and skincare, followed by tips on wigs, accessories, outfits and how to embark on a journey as a drag performer. Gl’amour emphasized knowing your audience, making connections and personalizing your performance. She encouraged attendees to pursue opportunities and build confidence, saying, “Drag is expression. It doesn’t always have to be happy and joyful. It can be political. If you have a message to put out there and drag is your outlet for it, put it out there. Some people might like it, some might not; it doesn’t matter. It’s about putting yourself out there and sharing your message.”
Both Gl’amour and Delight highlighted the importance of community—not just within the drag scene but also in the LGBTQ+ community. Jairo added, “We’re very lucky to be in a community that’s really accepting and embracing of all kinds of drag. In the Bay Area and Central Coast, there’s a lot of acceptance for genderqueer drag and traditional pageant drag.”
After covering all the steps to prepare for showtime, the two opened the floor to questions. They provided tips on keeping wigs in place during cosplay or drag, as well as techniques for gluing down eyebrows based on their experiences.
When asked about their favorite aspects of drag culture, Delight said, “I love how much it pisses people off. I love that it’s confusing and that it’s not for everyone. The specific people I’m trying to reach—by looking and acting this crazy and queer—are exactly the ones I want to connect with. That polarization is what I love about it.”
Attendees also learned about “Werk Witch,” set for Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. in the OSU Ballroom. To cap off the event, Gl’amour surprised everyone with a performance in full makeup and wardrobe, offering a sneak peek of what’s to come at “Werk Witch,” which will feature student performers as well.