In MSU Dorm, Drag Queens Read and Dance to Kids,a few Students

"Monet tells the children, 'Everybody say BOO to guns. BOOO."'

Contributor: Grant Layle

At MSU, drag queens read and danced to children, celebrating National Coming Out Day in a MSU dorm with few student attendees.

On the evening of Friday, October 11 in McDonel Hall, drag queens Asio Aviance and Caj Mone read stories to mostly children and parents, celebrating the LGBTQ experience. The event, “Time to Read: Drag Storytelling,” was hosted by LGBTQ Resource Center, MSU Student Parent Resource Center, and the MSU Writing Center.

The night began with a dramatic entrance as Aviance and Monet took the stage in their colorful outfits and style. Aviance described drag as an expressive art form, and compared it to some historical examples.

She said,"whether it's jestors or shaman, every culture has this experience of getting into costume."

The children's books portrayed a message of LGBTQ pride, a love for flare and color, and the hardships people in this culture face. Aviance's book described a pride month parade and celebration, "banners swaying and children playing… love, not hate...these people just got married… isn't that cool, marriage equality… this day in June we're all united."

Monet's story tells of a boy named Gilbert from Kansas who overcomes a gray and dull life. When he refuses to use a firearm in the military, Monet tells the children, "Everybody say BOO to guns. BOOO."

When Gilbert reaches San Francisco, "he could finally breathe, and be his colorful, sparkly, glittery self." But the city's flag "reminded Gilbert's community of evil." When he replaces it with a rainbow flag, Monet tells the children, "say good job, Gilbert! You're awesome Gilbert!"

After the readings, the queens performed a drag show style dance for the crowd and then took questions.

Many questions concerned the queens' stage performances and acceptance of their identity. They both told the crowd it was difficult to come into their true identities, but that they are much better for it now.

Monet said, "I encourage all of you to love yourselves, and live your best life ever. Because you only get one."

When asked about what drag means to them, Aviance said, "moments like these are what make it all worth it… I'm touching people's lives." Monet said, "for many of my friends, some of them suicidal, they say that drag has saved their lives.”

Following the events close, The Morning Watch asked for a statement from Aviance and Monet.

Aviance told The Morning Watch, "my message to the community is to express love, and let it be genuine. Because then I will grow, and take over, and infect us all with this amazing unity. When this is possible, it makes us all better people. I want everyone to be the best they can be, and genuine in their love and acceptance."

Monet added, "Just be yourself, because everyone else is taken."

Author: Grant Layle