Howard Community College Produces ‘Dragumentary’ Celebrating Queer Excellence

In the heart of Dragon Country, Howard Community College’s (HCC) second annual Drag[on] Extravaganza took the spotlight with a kaleidoscope of glitter, glamour, and unapologetic self-expression. What began as a celebration of drag evolved into a captivating exploration of LGBTQIA+ History Month, leaving attendees mesmerized and inspired.

The event, held in October, wasn't just a night of fabulous performances. It was a journey into the heart and soul of the drag community that included a resource fair, queer vendors, performances by regional celebrity drag artists, a panel discussion and Q&A, in addition to a meet-and-greet with the performers. The magic, challenges, and triumphs of the talented artists were captured in a short documentary… or dragumentary.

For many attendees, the connection to HCC ran deep, "I used to be a student here way, way back in the day” reminisced Darius McKeiver, codirector, performer and HCC staff member. “I take HCC with me everywhere." Drag[on] Extravaganza became a celebration of growth, and an embodiment of HCC's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

The dragumentary, a visual celebration of queer resilience and excitement, dives into the heart of drag culture. It addresses misconceptions head-on, clarifying that drag is a form of gender expression, not an indication of gender identity. "Do I have to be gay to do drag? No," the documentary declares boldly. It emphasizes the theatrical and transformative nature of drag, where performers sculpt their identities with makeup, costumes, and dance.

But Drag[on] Extravaganza is more than just sequins, high heels, and fabulous wigs. The dragumentary peels back layers, exploring the personal stories of performers who use their art as a vessel for creativity, individualism, and self-expression. It delves into how, for some performers, drag serves as a canvas for celebrating culture and race, and a platform where performers share rituals and routines that precede their awe-inspiring moments on stage.

At the heart of the documentary lies the concept of drag houses; chosen families providing support and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ community members. The performers express the depth of these connections, with one sharing, "Your drag house is just your chosen family. But it got as deep as the house mother and house father, they have homes that these kids actually live in."

Beyond the glamour, Drag[on] Extravaganza highlights the successful fusion of professional lives with drag. Performers seamlessly integrate their diverse skills, whether in theatre, event coordination, or marketing. They create a harmonious synergy between their careers and their passion for drag.

As the night concludes, the audience is left with more than just memories of dazzling performances. Drag[on] Extravaganza instills a deeper understanding and appreciation of drag, fostering a sense of celebration and unity. It becomes a platform for diverse voices to be heard and celebrated, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating the next Drag[on] Extravaganza.