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By Brenda Renteria and Karla Sosa
Staff writers

A drag show, that included a colorful presentation about the history of drag culture by Associated Students President-elect Simon Fraser, was held in the Creveling Lounge on Friday.
The drag show was one of three Intersectionality Week events sponsored by ASPCC Cultural Diversity Committee and the PCC Cross-Cultural Center.
Students and guests mingled and praised social differences hoping to better understand other cultures at a three-night event celebrating intersectionality last week at the Creveling Lounge.
The Reunited Organization of Filipino Americans and the Yankuititl Aztec Dance Group performed at the Multi-Cultural Gala on May 22, presenting cultural dances and even giving the audience a chance to participate in them.

“Both groups put on a great performance,” said Samantha Torrez, English major. “I have never seen anyone dance like that, and their garments were so colorful, and ornate,” she said.

Also at the gala, Los Angeles artist Lilia Ramirez was the guest speaker where she recited some of her poetry. Ramirez is an artist and educator working with adolescents in arts education as a tool for healing and transformation.

On May 25, a workshop entitled “Racial and Responsible Gender: Feminism, Masculinity, Misogyny & Femininity” was given by Sinclair Sexsmith from Sugabuch Chronicles.

The interactive workshop covered topics like what are gender roles and stereotypes, and how men and women can break these roles and then only to build them back up responsibly. “There are many ways to do gender outside of society norms – I hope we can expand our gender roles in society,” said Sexsmith, regarding the workshop.

Sexsmith majored in gender studies and creative writing at the University of Washington, because she was trying to figure out her gender. She later found out she was “trans-butch”  – between male and female gender roles.

Sexsmith hopes that with the talks she gives, people can understand their sexuality better.

“It’s always good to take a gender studies class. There are a lot of things you can learn about yourself,” said Sexsmith.

Sexsmith has gotten emails about how she has changed peoples’ lives after the workshops.

“It feels great reading the email I get, and knowing how you can change someone’s life by them reading my blog or going to the workshops,” said Sexsmith.

At the last event of the week on Friday, students and faculty learned more about the culture of drag and were given a chance to dress in drag for a competition. Participants dressed up as the Queen of England, Jason Mraz, Tom Cruise and Britney Spears.

“There weren’t many participants that dressed up. However, all of the participants won a $10 gift card to Target, iTunes and Starbucks,” said Victor Vazquez, AS Vice President for Cultural Diversity.

 

 

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