OtterDrag reinforces empowerment of LGBTQIA+ community with Met Gala theme

Otterbein’s annual drag show production OtterDrag features students embodying acceptance and individuality while performing in the spotlight for the Westerville community. The production has a Met Gala theme for the upcoming show, which is set for Saturday, Nov. 8 at 8:30 p.m.  

The overview of the show says how attendees will "spend the night celebrating with music, dance, glamour and pride." The annual production offers interactivity and participation, encouraging audience members to "bring your singles for the Kings and Queens on stage".  

Sammi Robinson will be a king in the production. Robinson came up with this year’s Met Gala theme with a group of friends.  

Robinson described how "our cultural relevance comes from these big celebrity events," similar to the Met Gala. She elaborated how the roots of the Met Gala are inspired by "queer culture and celebrating queer people who are big in the industry." 

"A big part of drag culture is dressing up flashy, and a red carpet event to celebrate it seemed like the best idea," Robinson said.  

Robinson described how drag is about "giving people the opportunity to be creative and feel like they are in a space where who they are is celebrated."

“Otterbein prides itself on diversity and our differences, and I think drag is a statement to that on our campus," Robinson said.  

Robinson stressed how audience participation is huge to OtterDrag. "It’s who supports the creators, it’s who amplify the voices that want to be heard. It’s our gift to the audience that they should feel like royalty as well."  

Simone Gelety encourages attendees to dress up to "create the vibe of being at the Met Gala."

Gelety will be a queen in the production. Gelety said how the Met Gala theme can help people "feel empowered and beautiful at a time when political media is very demonizing." 

OtterDrag provides "representation for people who are feeling scared right now" and feel the need to "hide in their expression because of fear of backlash and repercussions," according to Gelety.  

Gelety described how OtterDrag represents "resistance to the backlash" and how our culture is "seeing a backwards swing" with oppression of progress the LBGTQIA+ community has made.  

"It’s important that we are vocal and visible," Gelety said. "Queer people still have power, even if it feels like you don’t right now."