Lost your password?

by Amanda Matteo

When I first heard about this event, I couldn’t help but be extremely confused: opening ceremonies for what? What the hell is “Gaypril”? And who are these performers that I’ve never even heard of? However, the 2012 Gaypril Opening Ceremonies proved to be an experience that was not only memorable, but also immensely entertaining and inspiring to all in attendance. Held in the DCC’s own Trayes Hall last Thursday night, the ceremonies were a free event sponsored by the Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities and The Queer Student Alliance of Rutgers University. “Gaypril,” I learned, is the name affectionately provided for the month of April, during which the queer-friendly organizations on campus sponsor a multitude of fantastic events all around the Rutgers campuses. This event served as an introduction into what the month of April would provide, and a fantastic introduction it was: performers Lady Marisa and Alexis Milian stole the spotlight, New Millennium Butch inspired us all, and student leaders made it flow like magic.

The ceremonies began with a brief introduction, through which the main goals of Gaypril were explained: to empower the queer community and its members, raise awareness and educate others, and, most importantly, promote inclusivity within and without the queer community. The goals are not only admirable but reflective of the “safe space” atmosphere promoted by these queer-friendly organizations – anyone is welcome, everyone is safe here, there is no shame in being “you” while with these individuals. Rainbow decorations and round tables around Trayes Hall created an environment in which one immediately felt “at home” amongst good friends. Periodically throughout the evening, student leaders provided introductions into their organizations and their respective Gaypril events, emphasizing the fact that there is literally a group for everyone and an event at which anyone would feel comfortable attending. Organizations include QSA (formerly BiGLARU), Delta Lambda Phi, and LLEGO, among many others. The acceptance was a beautiful feeling that was palpable throughout the room.

Yet this was not just a night of explanation and “warm fuzzies”: this was a night of drag, a night of hilarity, and a night of fashion! The show began with female impersonator Lady Marisa, Miss Den 2012, who looked fierce in a neon tiger print dress, stiletto boots, a rockin’ afro, and fishnet tights. Her performance involved crown interaction and some pretty fierce dancing as well: her cartwheel into a split received a resounding “gasp” from the entire audience! Next up was female impersonator Alexis Milian, a comedian and Den MC, whose glitter-studded pumps, tight one-piece outfit, long curly locks, and gaudy earrings proved that she was a totally saucy diva. Her moves were sexy and she knew it, and she completely owned the stage! Not to mention, these female impersonators were absolutely hysterical, claiming that they were “like P. Diddy up in this mother!” – they had the entire room doubled over in laughter and sad to see them go. They did return, however, for a grand finale performance which topped the first. Alexis Milian returned to the stage in a black corset and tutu with strappy pumps, performing to the likes of Miley Cyrus’ “I Can’t Be Tamed.” Lady Marisa closed the show, wearing an (extremely) shiny one armed dress and even bigger hair than before, channeling her inner Adele while pop-n-locking on someone’s lap. This was my first experience watching drag queens perform, and I can safely say it was one of the most entertaining performances of my life. However, it also opened my eyes and allowed me to gain even more understanding and open-mindedness than I had before.

The open-mindedness continued even further through the video presentation of fashion collective New Millennium Butch. Peggie Miller, the founder of the collective, calls the organization a modeling/mentoring troupe, whose goal is to prove that “aggressive women look good too!” The clothing line is specifically for lesbian (or straight) women who identify as “butch” or do not feel comfortable conforming to typical gender norms in terms of how they dress. The video, to the tune of Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” presented photos of African-American models dressed in such snazzy attire that anyone on the street would want to double-take. Following the presentation was a short introduction by Peggie Miller herself, who emphasized that they are actively recruiting and trying to expand the collective even further, specifically through the inclusion of women from all demographics. The entire concept of this clothing line blew my mind at its bold take on the inclusivity so strongly promoted throughout the queer community. It also opened my mind to the fact that something like this had never before existed: this, for me, is innovation and progression at its finest. Miller’s take-home message was simply the following: “This is safety. You can clap for safety.”

In all, this was an evening of great entertainment, food, and company. Yet to an even greater extent, it was an introduction into the fabulous queer community that Rutgers has, as well as into grander aspects of society through which the ideals of inclusivity and empowerment are clearly evident. This may be my first Gaypril event, but it certainly will not be my last. Not to mention, I need to find out where I can buy myself a pair of those glitter-studded pumps!

For more information about queer-friendly communities around campus or Gaypril events, please visit: