Drag queens strut their stuff at Read today

Drag queens are often perceived as only men dressing up as women for a show, but a program called “Viva la Viva: Identity or Art” will come to campus today to tell of an alternate meaning of what it means to be a drag queen.\nThe event, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Read Center Lounge, will showcase three drag queens who will perform and discuss various issues involving what they do.\n“Being a drag queen doesn’t mean you’re gay. It’s a way of art,” said senior Jhomar Marquez. “The audience will learn to differentiate between art \nand identity.”\nAfter the shows, the three drag queens, all of whom are former winners of the Miss Gay IU pageant, will explain why they perform, how long it takes to get ready and what it’s like to dress as a different gender.\n“I want to minimize the different stereotypes that are associated with drag queens and gay subcultures,” Marquez said. “Many people think they are all transsexual and that’s not true.”\nThe event will also have a contest in which students can dress in drag. First place will receive a $100 Visa gift card, second