The purpose of Alliance is to provide a supportive and accepting environment for students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and to educate and provide resources to the Wartburg community to encourage open discussion about diverse issues pertaining to sexuality. The group seeks to generate awareness about LGBT issues and advocate for more inclusive environments on campus, locally, and nationally. Alliance is one of Wartburg’s largest student-run organizations and has won the Student Organization of the Year Award.
ALLIANCE
Meetings
Alliance is open to all members of the Wartburg community. You do not need to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender to participate in Alliance.
Interested in Joining? E-mail: alliance@wartburg.edu
2023-24 Exec Board
- President – Liz Ashing and Lennon Schriever
- Treasurer –
- Secretary –
- Activities Coordinator –
- Communication Coordinator –
- Advisors: Richard Seggerman, Dr. Mariah Birgen
Please understand that there are many other resources available than what is provided below. If you need additional resources, please do not hesitate to contact Alliance or the advisors. If you have an emergency, please contact the Iowa Statewide Crisis Line at 1-800-332-4224.
GAYLA WEEK
- All are welcome to apply to perform in the Wartburg drag show.
- You will be notified via email if you have been accepted.
- Performer Application
- Questions? Email alliance@wartburg.edu
What is drag?
Drag is essentially where a person of one gender dresses in a costume of the opposite gender as a means of entertainment. Drag has been used throughout history in various forms. All actors in Shakespearean times were male so female roles were also portrayed by males. The term drag actually comes from this time period, where side notes were written in the script as “Dressed As Girl” or D.R.A.G. Drag should not be confused with cross-dressing, which is not a form of entertainment. Drag in the LGBT rights movement has been used as entertainment for fundraisers for worthwhile causes that affect the community.
Why does Wartburg do a cabaret/drag show?
Wartburg is an inclusive community that encourages education and respect of all members of its community by learning about different cultures. The annual drag show is meant to educate the campus in a fun way about the history of drag and its importance in the LGBT culture in a safe (non-bar) environment on campus. In 1969, police continually raided and harassed gay clientele at the Stonewall Inn, a bar in New York City. In June of that year a local drag queen entertainer was said to have stood up and confronted the officers. This event and the “Stonewall Riots” that followed are considered to be the catalysts that began the gay rights movement in America.
How does the cabaret/drag show work at Wartburg?
A drag show is merely a performer of one gender dressing as the opposite gender in an exaggerated way. Performances are usually lip-synced and audience members are encouraged to tip the performers as a form of appreciation and to help raise funds for local charities. Let us be very clear that a drag show is NOT a strip show. A good drag show should make you laugh and provide an evening of entertainment.