The Oberlin Review \\ Arts Article

Post Ball Reflections

Ed Pelz is a college junior:

It was my first time. I thought it was quite the spectacle.

Marc Callahan is a conservatory sophomore:

There were too many straight people dressing straight. It wasn't drag ball, it was like trashy ball. People didn't go all out like they used to. There were too many guys with just a dress and then their sneakers and facial hair. There needs to be something to bring it back. It can't be treated like the 'Sco, it has to be treated like a ball.

Malakia Mata is a college junior:

I thought it was good. It was the first time I wore something I liked. And I was really drunk. I also shaved my legs; went all out and looked really pretty. And it was my birthday!

Dea Lunsford is a conservatory sophomore:

The vibe wasn't good oberall. It could have been a lot better. It didn't grab you when you walked in. When you walk in, it needs to be fierce. There weren't enough people in drag, granted it's harder for women to dress in drag.

Nathan Dore is a college first-year:

I thought it was run really well. I think it needs to be held at a different spot thought, like Hales Gym. It's bigger, you can pack a lot more in there and then you have the Cat if you need it. Otherwise it was great, although about halfway through I got really cold.

Adam Smith is a college sophomore:

I didn't like the runway show. There wasn't that onslaught of drag queens to make it really great. It also felt more crowded than last year.

Douglas Gerlach is a college sophomore:

I really like what they did to Wilder. I didn't even recognize it! It was really impressive.

David Hartman is a college senior:

The costumes were less outlandish than they've been. I was expecting Spice Girls. I didn't see Spice Girls. I also didn't like the runway, it wasn't directed well. It needed to come out into the audience. But you know what's cool about Drag Ball? It's a big party where you get to see people you normally don't party with. I don't know why people don't like it. It's a very horny crowd.

Becky Heller is a college first-year:

I thought it was great. People you thought you'd never see in drag were absolutely gorgeous. Everywhere I turned there were gigantic breasts at eye level because you had these huge guys dressing in drag.

Jason Corff is a college first-year:

I've heard it wasn't as good as it was last year. But I thought it was fabulous, it was an evening of total fabulousness. The runway needed to be longer, that's my one complaint. But if you came, were comfortable and had a good time, what more could you ask for? 2000 people in drag? It doesn't get any better.

Eric Lamb is a college sophomore:

It was fabulous. Some people blow it all out of proportion for themselves and then are disappointed when they get there. I thought it was a true gender bending experience. The problem I had was with straight boys who wanted to be all gay for one night and then the next time I see them they're butch? Anyway, it's all what you make of it. Fabulousness is within. And for those of us who shaved all our hair off, beauty is pain and I was going to have a good time, dammit. And this is Oberlin for shit's sake, you couldn't do anything even close to this anywhere else.

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