The first news article released about Friday’s drag show at Newton North High School came out about a week ago. And in those seven days of suspense, quite a few different narratives about the event emerged – near total support from students and local activists, to anticipation from parents of those attending, as well as some concern from others.
In a school-wide email, NNHS principal Henry Turner described the drag show as a performance, “planned appropriately” for the audience’s age and nothing more. The event was to be held in a way that benefited its viewers, teaching the students of Newton North High School about a more inclusive approach to gender.
However, Principal Turner did note that some online sites and social media had presented different ideas – decrying the school administration for sponsoring the drag performance, and stating that the performer was a self-described whore and also a “stripper.”
To be clear, there is absolutely no evidence that the performer is in any way a “stripper.”
But for the handful of people that protested at Newton Centre Green last Thursday, the idea of gender expression in a place of learning still seemed to create some concern. Greg Kaidenov, a Newton grandparent, said on that day that the drag show “could be inappropriate for younger-aged people.”
Kaidenov stated that some students might just be too young for gender education, and too young “to permanently decide their orientation.” Conversely, many of those demonstrating in support of the drag show were in fact students. Of the several speeches given Thursday evening, one in particular, delivered by NNHS student Amiya Smith, an officer of the school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance, noted that she helped organize the performance to provide “a fun experience,” and to “really show that LGBT and straight people are together through and through.”
Of the statements made by protestors on the opposite side of the Green, Smith said that they were “disappointing, and disheartening for trans people.” According to trans advocate and fellow speaker Soren Austinfield, the drag show is needed as “a flourishing of the comfort folks have in their bodies – it’s all about flexibility and openness to gender.”
“In general,” Austinfield continued, “young people need to figure out what we’re going to be and what we’re going to do in the world, and it’s wonderful that we can have modeling by adults who see drag as a part of creativity as needed.” Creativity and color were two elements that were practically omnipresent through the whole of the pro-drag gathering. All over the Green were vibrant flags and banners that screamed support for the LGBTQ cause. “Trans rights are human rights,” “teach love in our schools,” and “go home haters” all struck the same message.
It was a beautiful moment, said Laura Towvim, an NNHS parent and an organizer of the counter demonstration, “when we heard people protesting ToBeGlad Day and the drag queen, Newton came together to celebrate diversity.” The protesters “have a right to their opinion and a right to what they think, but we have the right to show what most of Newton really thinks.”
“We’ve woken up,” said a supporter of the ToBeGlad event, “They are not going to get us.”
And there was a cry: “Local Action!” “Local Action!” “Local Action!”
Suddenly, a child turned to her mother, and told her that there was a sign on the other end of the field saying that “kids should just be kids.” The mother responded, “Well, what they’re saying isn’t true, and why not go over there and tell them?”
If Thursday’s protest proved anything at all, it’s that there wasn’t any reason to oppose the drag show that happened just the next day. Newton supported the performance, and that was an unchangeable and expected fact. And really, to those who attended the drag show, everything just seemed to come together: The color, excitement, and vibrance of the LGBTQ community was focused into a single moment.
The moment began with a small speech by the drag performer:
“My name is Missy Steak and I almost didn’t come today. Some folks aren’t happy that I’m here, and that’s okay because I’m used to it. The America we live in today is plagued by a culture of fear. It’s a fear from people that are powerless, scared, and vulnerable, and are willing to redirect that fear and hate to create a source of comfort.”
But despite the anger and oppression directed at Missy Steak outside the school, the performer was still able to come before Newton North High School and present to a crowd of eager and supportive students. The performer made audiences laugh and cry, and taught the assembly gathered in the big Lasker auditorium that they could be anything they wanted to be in life.
“Over the years, I’ve done some wonderful drag events for children,” the drag queen said, “I did one just last summer where I made the connections so I could be here today.” To young people interested in drag, Missy said that there isn’t anything wrong with the idea, and that anyone could start just like them, “doodling in notebooks, costuming, and dancing.”
The last word – dancing – had something of an emphasis on it, and everyone in the audience laughed dutifully. Interestingly, rather than having a career in the big drag industry, Missy was perfectly fine in working with local communities to hold drag race shows.
“I’ve performed at a few city prides, a few at local events, and some at brunches. With your parents’ permission, you can check my website if you’d like to hold an event.”
What followed next would be mostly free of charge – free for students, but $200 paid to the performer by the school. Viewers were treated to a rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” with slightly altered lyrics. It was an uplifting number, complete with lots of positive gestures and sashays up and down the stage.
Considering everything that had occurred up until that moment, this “drag queen, activist, and friend” really did please all with their safe performance.
It was inoffensive, harmless, and innocuous, and likely returning to area schools on the next ToBeGlad day – just one short year away.
Andrey Sarkanich is a sophomore at Newton North High School. See this article for further Fig City News of the Thursday night protest.
