by Laxman D. Satya, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Lock Haven
Pennsylvania 17745
Phone: (570) 484-2696
Fax: (570) 484-2830
Emails: lsatya@commonwealthu.edu
satyalaxman32@gmail.com
In this charming little Pennsylvania town of Lock Haven, April 12 started with cloud cover over the sky. It rained off-and-on all day long. The spring cherry trees have started throwing colors in the fragrant breeze. Wild dandelions are blooming all over the valley. Hordes of geese and ducks fly in and out of the gently flowing river. Far and near the hills and dales roll over the landscape.
To match the charm of Nature, LHU organized a Drag Show this evening. The venue PUB Multi-Purpose Room looked sensational with an assortment of students, staff, faculty, and friends. The atmosphere was jovial and warm. The seating arrangements was such that the dancers could walk around them. Snack bar at one end was loaded with food and drinks. The stage was set below the wide electronic screen that played video music. An armed law enforcement officer was in attendance at the door.
The program started around 8:15 PM with a drag queen on the mike as compere. In all there were six dancers including the announcer. All of them were tall and handsome looking, wearing colorful clothes and sporting a wide variety of hairdo. Their presence seems to have created an atmosphere of relaxation and recreation.
When called out, each dancer came on to the stage to the cheer and gaiety of the crowd that went wild with claps and laughter. All six highly talented dancers instantly captivated the audience. They danced their way into the seated tables toward folks who waved dollar bills to get their attention. It was an electrifying atmosphere of fun and frolic. Many of the gestures were titillating. But only in a manner of light humor and enjoyment.
The audio music beaming from the electronic screen was both soft and fast choreographed as per the song selection of the dancer. The costumes of the drag were probably the most entertaining of them all. Especially when the layers were peeled off during the dance. The crowd went off the roof with an expression of loud appreciation for its grace and beauty.
An event like this demonstrates the importance of recognizing the diversity and tolerance in a politically tense current atmosphere in the country today. More such events will go a long way in making the society a better place where everyone feels welcome, accepted, and safe. And where no one is left behind.
All in all, this was truly an evening of celebrating multicultural gender diversity.
The Eagle Eye is the student run newspaper of Lock Haven University.
