Annual drag show to fundraise for Milwaukee LGBT charities

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s 19th annual drag show breaks out the sequins and spandex, dance moves and feel-good grooves on February 24 at the Miller High Life Theatre.

The 2018 UWM Drag Show will feature more than 20 drag performance artists, special guest Jaidynn Diore Fierce of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” two emcees and an intermission performance from a rising singer-songwriter to be announced next week.

A family-friendly, all ages pre-show will run in the theater’s rotunda. The 2018 UWM Drag Show will be emceed by celebrated drag performers Lady J (aka Jazz Nance, a UWM alum and current graduate student) and Montell Infiniti Ross.

The event, which is open to the public, takes center stage during an important year for UWM and its change-making LGBT Resource Center. The center celebrates its 15th anniversary this academic year, and in August UWM was named one of America’s most welcoming universities by Campus Pride. The national nonprofit placed UWM among America’s Top 25 LGBT-friendly colleges or universities.

“The UWM Drag Show is a celebration of LGBTQ+ communities, culture and pride in keeping with the work that has earned UWM national recognition for being a welcoming and friendly LGBTQ+ campus community,” said LGBT Resource Center Director Jen Murray. “It might be our biggest event of the year, but it’s not a stand-alone event. It’s one in a series of experiences that we present by and for UWM and the surrounding community. We are grateful for the financial support from the UWM Student Association and the Campus Activities Board that makes this event possible.”

The UWM Drag Show doubles as a fundraiser for local nonprofits that support and serve local LGBT+ youth. Donations can be given at the door or during intermission via cash or credit card. Lady J, reprising her emcee role for a third time, also encourages attendees to tip their favorite artists.

“You are going to be amazed and dazzled by UWM student and professional performers in 22 acts,” Lady J said. “I would say that this is some of the Midwest’s finest talent.”