Contestants showcase their alter-egos in Ms. Gaymecock competition
USC’s BGLSA (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Straight Alliance) hosted a night of raunchy fun Thursday at PT’s 1109 with its annual fundraiser and drag show, Ms. Gaymecock.
Hosted by drag queen and former Miss South Carolina Gay Pride Patti O’Furniture, who made her drag debut at Ms. Gaymecock 1998, this annual event featured drag queen Miss Diagnosed and drag king Kai duking it out for the title of Ms. or Mr. Gaymecock. KJ Ivery, aka Kai, eventually was named the winner.
“It’s a great way to showcase the talents of USC students, as both of our contestants go to USC,” explains BGLSA President and fourth-year criminal justice student Tyler Murphy. “The show also allows straight and gay students to see their fellow students in a different light. Ultimately, it helps lead to a more accepting environment and promotes diversity.”
Third-year visual communications student and BGLSA Vice President Zac Baker echoed Murphy’s sentiments.
“It’s always a fun night for everyone,” Baker said, “but most importantly it’s an event where whether you’re LGBT or straight, you can be yourself.”
A panel of judges including last year’s Ms. Gaymecock, Veronica la Blank, determined the winners by their performance in formal wear, interview and talent categories.
“Generally, the talent portion consists of a lip-syncing to a song and judged either on dancing ability or connection with audience,” said second-year biology and sociology student Mason Branham, also Miss Diagnosed’s daytime alter ego.
Branham competed in Ms. Gaymecock for the first time at last night’s event and came out with guns blazing, doing an impression of infamous former Miss Teen South Carolina Caitlin Upton during the interview portion of the competition which drew a roar of laughter from the crowd.
The annual event is BGLSA’s main fall fundraiser.