 "Photo: David Walters / The Daily Gamecock")
 "Photo: Keri Goff / The Daily Gamecock")
The Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Alliance held its 10th annual Birdcage event in the ballroom Tuesday night.
The drag show co-sponsored by Carolina Productions featured Columbia and USC drag queens and kings onstage dancing the night away to promote diversity in Columbia. This year's theme was fierce and feathered, and was hosted by Patti O'Furniture.
Laura Schneider, a third-year psychology student and president of BGLSA, said the event gives USC a chance to learn about BGLSA in a fun and different way.
"It gives a chance for even the straight community to come out, and have a lot of fun," Schneider said.
Sam Shoemaker, a fourth-year real estate student and BGLSA vice president, brought the event together this year.
"I hope that people come out of this having a good time," Shoemaker said. "I also hope it promotes cultural and diversity of USC."
Shoemaker said that most of the entertainers were invited back from previous years.
The event began with six dancers recreating "Cell Block Tango" from the scene in the movie, "Chicago." Each entertainer then came on stage to dance and sing, and the crowd went crazy with the music that each entertainer brought. The entertainers performed to songs such as "Single Ladies," "I Feel like a Woman," and "I Will Survive."
Nicole Roberts, a Columbia native, performed a Beyonce medley and got much attention from the crowd. She even received many donations from the crowd, tipping her for her wild performance.
Paris LeFaris, who has been entertaining for more than 11 years, is a Columbia native as well.
"I think that this will open up eyes, and let people know that it is not just about going to strip clubs," LeFaris said. "I just want people to see the other side of the drag community."
The birdcage also included acts by Dorae' Saunders from America's Got Talent, Justin Case, Samantha Hunter, Warren Payne, Carla Coxx, Lady La Poodle and Kiki DeVille.
For many USC students, this was their first drag show, and many were very enthusiastic. Lindsey Moore, a fourth-year Spanish student, heard about the show through her Men and Masculinity psychology course, and was really excited to see it.
"I am just excited to see the girls strut their stuff!" Moores said.
Leah Baker, a first-year anthropology student, said that the show was insanely entertaining.
"This was my first time going, and by the end of the show I was up from my seat dancing," Baker said. "I can't wait until next year when they do it bigger and better."
The Birdcage is just one of the events during Homophobia Awareness Week. Today there will be plenty of festivities going on outside of Greene Street, including a banner signing to recognize the diversity of Columbia. The event will last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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