NO MORE DRAGGIELAND SHOWS AT AGGIELAND

Texas A&M Board of Regents ban on-campus drag shows

“The Board finds that it is inconsistent with the System’s mission and core values of its Universities.”

 

By Karley Cross

 

KBTX

Feb 28, 2025

 

Drag queens Hanna Santanna and Lily Adonis Kline during the Draggieland show in Rudder Theater on the A&M campus in College Station on March 28, 2024

 

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Drag shows are no longer allowed at event spaces on Texas A&M University campuses after the Texas A&M System Board of Regents passed the resolution Friday afternoon.

In the resolution, the Board of Regents said events held on campus must be focused on promoting A&M’s educational mission. The Board also insisted that some drag shows, which feature performers dressed in “exaggerated” feminine clothing, makeup, or prosthetics, can be considered disrespectful to women or create uncomfortable environments for students and staff.

“The Board finds that it is inconsistent with the System’s mission and core values of its Universities, including the value of respect for others,” the resolution states. It continues to define how drag shows involving vulgar or sexual content do not align with Texas A&M University’s values.

The Board added how there are other event spaces off university campuses where these events can be held, and their decision is in line with President Donald Trump’s executive order issued Jan. 20 called “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.”

This new rule takes effect immediately. University leaders and officials are expected to cancel any upcoming drag shows.

Draggieland is an annual drag show where Texas drag performers compete for the title of “King/ Queen of Draggieland.” It was scheduled for March 27.

Queer Empowerment Council expresses disappointment over drag show ban at Texas A&M

After receiving a notice of cancellation from the Board, the Queer Empowerment Council (QEC) of Texas A&M issued a statement saying it would look for alternative spaces to continue Draggieland. In the meantime, the QEC will begin processing refunds to supporters who have already bought tickets on Monday.