Introduction to Draggieland 2025
The lights shone bright at Texas A&M University’s Rudder Theatre on March 27, 2025, as the crowd erupted into cheers with the opening beats of "How Deep is Your Love" by Calvin Harris and Disciples. Host Melaka Mystika stepped forward, strutting across the stage in towering aqua-blue heels, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. The audience was a kaleidoscope of sequins and glitter, all united in their excitement for Draggieland 2025, a student-run pageant where drag performers compete to be crowned the winner.
The Journey to Draggieland 2025
This annual event, which has been an on-campus tradition since 2020, almost didn’t happen. Just days before the show, Texas A&M University System officials banned on-campus drag shows, citing that the performances were "inconsistent with the system’s mission and core values." This decision led to a federal lawsuit filed against A&M on behalf of the Queer Empowerment Council, a coalition of LGBTQ+ student groups, arguing that the ban was unconstitutional censorship. Fortunately, a federal judge temporarily blocked the policy, allowing Draggieland 2025 to proceed.
The Show Must Go On
About an hour before the performance, showrunner Kelly Risch expressed the relief and determination of the organizers. Despite the legal back and forth, about 700 people packed the theater, a melting pot of students, Aggie alumni, and community members. The crowd was electric, with each performer bringing their own unique flair to the theme "Slaying the Seven Seas." From Venus Evangeline’s giant shell to Sir Loin Long’s DIY boat costume, every act was met with cheers and applause.
A Night of Resilience and Celebration
For many, the evening was not just about entertainment; it was about making a statement. Co-hosts Petty Brooks and Melaka Mystika threw jabs at A&M officials and Texas lawmakers for attempting to put an end to events like Draggieland. The night was a celebration of queer resilience, with performers and attendees alike standing against attempts to silence them. As Mystika said, "Some of the rights that we have now, none of them were won by being nice. They were won by a little scuffle, a little battle."
The Bigger Picture
The battle for drag shows is part of a larger landscape. Lawmakers have intensified their focus on drag under President Donald Trump, with moves to recognize only two sexes and threats to withhold federal funding from institutions that promote "gender ideology." The University of Texas System has also moved to ban its 14 institutions from sponsoring or hosting drag shows, a ban that currently remains in place.
The Outcome
After a three-hour show filled with passion, performance, and perseverance, two performers were left standing: Natasha Nova and Maria Maria. The crowd cheered them on as they engaged in an impassioned lip-sync battle to Rachel Platten’s "Fight Song." In the end, Maria Maria was crowned the winner of Draggieland 2025, the first person of color to win. "This was gonna be stripped away from us, but luckily, we fought the good fight. We spoke our word like we needed to," Maria said, highlighting the importance of standing up for one’s rights.
Conclusion
Draggieland 2025 was more than just a drag show; it was a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the fight for equality. Despite attempts to silence them, the performers and attendees stood strong, celebrating their identities and their right to express themselves. As the curtains closed on Draggieland 2025, it was clear that the spirit of the event would live on, a beacon of hope and defiance in the face of adversity.
