The University of Southern Maine (USM) is hosting what it describes as “the largest campus and community drag show in Northern New England” later this month as a fundraiser for “LGBTQIA+ programming” at the state-funded school.
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Maine’s taxpayer-funded USM will hold the 26th Annual Royal Majesty Drag Show on its Portland campus in Hannaford Hall at the Abromson Community Education Center.
According to the event’s promotional material, it will take place on November 21 and will be hosted by men using the drag names Arabella the Goddess and Gigi Gabor.
Disabled drag enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the show with help from an American Sign Language interpreter who will be present.
Students can purchase discounted tickets for just $5 in advance, while other attendees will have to shell out $20 online or $30 at the door to see the show.
According to marketing material, ticket sales will be used to fund LGBT programming at the college, though it is not clear what that entails.
The Maine Wire reached out to USM, asking whether university funds would be spent on the event and whether it would be open to minors.
“The Royal Majesty Drag Show is supported and funded by student organizations in alignment with Student Government policy. Funding sources include the Gift Fund account, which receives donations specifically designated for this event, as well as proceeds from ticket sales. The Women’s and Gender Studies department is a co-sponsor and is also utilizing its Gift Fund account to support the program,” said USM director of communications Marissa Bodnar.
“The event does not have any age restrictions. In the past, most who attend are traditional-aged college students and community members, who do not typically bring children,” she added.
