In a flurry of lights, fashion and performances, Vanderbilt's Lambda Association held its 14th annual drag show Saturday night at the Student Life Center.
"This show is the biggest event we do as of now," said Lambda president Klint Peebles, a senior. "What we do is try to cultivate a sense of respect and awareness within the community and a sense of fellowship within the Association. This is much more than entertainment. The value of it is to show that there are people who are not afraid to cross gender boundaries."
According to Peebles, drag is a legitimate art form that spans an array of artistic expression, including singing and dancing.
"Drag is a rejection of the cultural appeal for assimilation and demonstrates the courage and immense talent of each participant," Peebles said.
The show drew a large crowd of students as well as people from the Nashville community who came to see performances by Momentum, Spoken Word, Veronika Elektronica, Champagne Starr and Chyna, among others.
"We recruit student amateurs and we also go around to Nashville bars and clubs to seek out professionals that perform regularly. That's how we managed to get the participation here," Peebles said.
Junior Erica Santiago, who serves as Community Outreach Chair, has been a part of Lambda since her freshman year.
"I think Lambda is an amazing group that supports all kind of people and some of our straight allies are our best friends. It's a necessary group on campus," said Santiago.
Sophomore Jody Kittle, secretary of Lambda, has also been in the organization since his freshman year.
"I'm very excited. This show is a cultural celebration, it's one of the cultural elements of the gay community and it's a way of us celebrating it and raising awareness," said Kittle.
The Lambda Association was founded in 1987 by K.C. Potter.
