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Slice of Life

‘Queer excellence’ celebrated at SU drag show

Rocky Eclipse, Lizanga and Luck-Sherri (left to right) were the show's judges. The show began at 9 p.m.
Rocky Eclipse, Lizanga and Luck-Sherri (left to right) were the show's judges. The show began at 9 p.m. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
"RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 9 finalist Shea Couleé hosted the event and appeared as the opening act.
"RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 9 finalist Shea Couleé hosted the event and appeared as the opening act. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
When she came onstage, Couleé was introduced as, "This is Shea Couleé, and she didn't come here to stay, she comes here to slay."
When she came onstage, Couleé was introduced as, "This is Shea Couleé, and she didn't come here to stay, she comes here to slay." Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Drag kings Mike Hunt and Neil Down during their performance.
Drag kings Mike Hunt and Neil Down during their performance. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Tipping was very much encouraged at the show – $1 bills were the most popular.
Tipping was very much encouraged at the show – $1 bills were the most popular. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Neil Down and Helga Felga tangoed onstage Friday night.
Neil Down and Helga Felga tangoed onstage Friday night. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
The two drag kings shared a kiss at the end of their performance.
The two drag kings shared a kiss at the end of their performance. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
A pair of drag queens that went by BellaDonna also performed.
A pair of drag queens that went by BellaDonna also performed. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Javier Jugador – which translates to Javier the Player – during his performance.
Javier Jugador – which translates to Javier the Player – during his performance. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Javier Jugador got up close and personal with the camera Friday evening.
Javier Jugador got up close and personal with the camera Friday evening. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
The audience reacts to the judges' comments during the show.
The audience reacts to the judges' comments during the show. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
One of the judges, Rocky Eclipse, performed after a 10-minute break.
One of the judges, Rocky Eclipse, performed after a 10-minute break. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Show participants were encouraged to interact with the audience.
Show participants were encouraged to interact with the audience. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Shea Couleé returned to the stage for a second performance later in the show.
Shea Couleé returned to the stage for a second performance later in the show. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Fans react to Couleé's performance.
Fans react to Couleé's performance. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Couleé reaches out to touch a fan while onstage.
Couleé reaches out to touch a fan while onstage. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Christine Danielsson performed to "First Be A Woman," originally sung by Gloria Gaynor. Gaynor is also known for her 1978 hit "I Will Survive."
Christine Danielsson performed to "First Be A Woman," originally sung by Gloria Gaynor. Gaynor is also known for her 1978 hit "I Will Survive." Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Danielsson was told by the judges that she "worked the crowed very well."
Danielsson was told by the judges that she "worked the crowed very well." Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
At one point during her performance, Danielsson's wig fell off.
At one point during her performance, Danielsson's wig fell off. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Otto Body, who performed the last act, surprised the crowd with his dance moves.
Otto Body, who performed the last act, surprised the crowd with his dance moves. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Otto Body struggled to collect tips while keeping to the beat of the music.
Otto Body struggled to collect tips while keeping to the beat of the music. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Lizanga, another judge, came up to the stage to tip him, and Otto Body thanked her with a kiss.
Lizanga, another judge, came up to the stage to tip him, and Otto Body thanked her with a kiss. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
SU Bhangra, a traditional Punjabi folk dance team, also performed during the drag show.
SU Bhangra, a traditional Punjabi folk dance team, also performed during the drag show. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Christine Danielsson receiving her third-place crown.
Christine Danielsson receiving her third-place crown. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Otto Body receiving his second-place crown.
Otto Body receiving his second-place crown. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Mike Hunt and Neil Down won first place. Neil Down was congratulating Otto Body and had missed the announcement, so it came as a surprise.
Mike Hunt and Neil Down won first place. Neil Down was congratulating Otto Body and had missed the announcement, so it came as a surprise. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
The first-place kings walked the catwalk together, overjoyed.
The first-place kings walked the catwalk together, overjoyed. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
The show concluded after one last group photo.
The show concluded after one last group photo. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor
Neil Down reacting to the duo's win shortly after the conclusion of the event.
Neil Down reacting to the duo's win shortly after the conclusion of the event. Kai Nguyen | Photo Editor

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By Kai Nguyen Staff Photographer

UPDATED: Feb. 18, 2018 at 6:46 p.m.

Goldstein Auditorium at Schine Student Center was filled with people celebrating “queer excellence” at Syracuse University on Thursday night at the drag show finals, hosted by SU’s Pride Union. Check out the best shots from the evening’s show here.

CORRECTION: In a previous version of this post, the date of the drag show was misstated. The show was held Thursday. The Daily Orange regrets this error.

Published on February 18, 2018 at 4:54 pm
Contact Kai: atnguyen@syr.edu

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