UCF’s LGBTQ Services hosts first campus event since start of pandemic

Above L-R; Myki Meeks, Cara Cavalli, Waka Shame and Victoria Cage. (Photo by Skyler Shepard)

ORLANDO |Since the University of Central Florida shutdown events back in March­­, the Pegasus Ballroom was again filled with the voices of eager students on Aug. 26.

LGBTQ Services held its first major event since the university shut down from COVID-19, “Lavender Brunch” featuring drag performances as well as an LGBTQ resources fair, and it was a major success for the committee as over 100 students were in attendance.

Before the drag show commenced, scholarships were awarded to LGBTQ students who have excelled in their studies. Booths were set up for students to learn about LGBTQ resources available on-campus. Tables like Pride Student Association, Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) and Peer Support Space were in attendance.

There were four queens in attendance:

– Victoria Cage — winner of Divas Drag Race (season three), a UCF alumnus and host for the event.

– Myki Meeks — winner of Orlando Drag Race Live (season seven) and UCF alumnus.

– Waka Shame — Mother of Hell Haus.

– Cara Cavalli — known as Orlando’s pop princess.

The Queens did two rounds of performances — each round showcasing their strengths as performers and their unique personalities. The crowd went wild as Victoria Cage lip synced “Satisfied” from the Broadway musical “Hamilton”— she later noted how surprised she was to hear so many “Hamilton” fans singing along. Myki Meeks performed dressed as popular “Star Wars” character Darth Vader — leaving audiences astounded. Waka Shame did a phenomenal lip sync to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” in an outfit similar to the one Gaga wore at the VMAs in 2009. Cara Cavalli ended the show with Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend,” living up to her name “pop princess.”

Gracie Gomez — a recent transfer from UCF and attendee — expressed her appreciation for LGBTQ-hosted events.

“Events like these are important because whether you’re a student or incoming student, you know that there are places here that accept you,” Gomez said. “It’s important to know that you’re not alone, and you have a chance to bond and make friends.”