Drag is a part of gay culture.
Drag queens helped lead the Stonewall riots, and they undeniably shaped the gay rights movement.
I can understand Jonothon Mitchell’s issue with drag shows and other “effeminate” things.
Gay people grow up with everyone judging them before they even open their mouths.
People assume they know what our hobbies are and what music we listen to before they’ve even met us. Trust me. I understand.
In many ways, I do not fit the stereotypical “gay” image.
My major is aerospace engineering. I play soccer and I wakeboard. I’m also in a fraternity.
But sometimes I also enjoy a good drag show. Or I might want to watch a chick flick.
You should not be pressured into following the gay stereotype purely because you are gay, but you should also not be discouraged from doing an activity just because it seems
“gay.”
I would love to see more gay engineering students but not if it comes at the expense of their freedom of personal expression.
I want people to choose what is right for them, with no thought for what stereotype they need to fit into
or which one they need to avoid.
When we let other people dictate what we can and cannot do, that is when we have lost ourselves.
Pride Student Union is working to make it easier for all LGBTQ people to do what they want to do regardless of whether that is playing football or putting on glitter and stilettos.
Editor's note: This letter refers to this guest column.
