BREAKING: Boise State University Hosts Drag Show On April 12th, Solicits Student Performances
Part 1 of Boise State Indoctrination, an AF Journalism Exposé
On April 1st, The Boise State University Residential Housing Association announced an upcoming drag show to be held later that month at the Jordan Ballroom. The BSURHA, a officially sanctioned “student-led organization” for anyone living on the BSU Campus,” posted an invitation on their Instagram account for students to join them for the event on April 12th :
The BSURHA functions as representatives for students to university administrators on issues regarding accommodations, serving as the official go-between for these two groups. In addition, the elected “Hall Council” puts on “fun events for students to mix and mingle” for students, such as the drag show.
While it is unclear if the university must pre-approve events set up by the BSURHA, this drag show was advertised by BSU Housing and Residence Life in their official news letter, even going so far as to solicit students to perform at the event. Eager to recruit students to join the drag show, they posted, “Student performers wanted for the RHA Early 2000’s Drag Show happening April 12th! Fill out the form in our linktree to sign up! Application closing soon.” The events page for BSU goes further in detail about the event, by stating, “Join us for a fun evening of performances by local drag professionals as well as some performances by Boise State Students. As mentioned, the performance will be "Early 2000s" themed, specifically pop culture which can include inspiration from "Mean Girls", "Legally Blonde", Britney Spears and more…If you are a drag enthusiast, interested in drag, or just want to see an amazing performance by local talents, then you will not want to miss this!”
To make matters worse, the official BSURHA account re-posted an invitation from drag queen Vice Squiwly Bones, a partner for this event. Bones marketed the event for all ages, stating “All ages. No cover.”
This drag queen in particular has a history of sexually suggestive posts, dances, and behavior. The Instagram feed of Vice Squiwly Bones showcases content not suitable for a school-sanctioned event. While the upcoming event featuring Bones is student-run, they have appeared at a Mexican heritage celebration sponsored by BSU in 2019 as well as at the 2014 “grand opening” celebration for the new and returning students at Diversity Day Defined sponsored by Multicultural Student Services at BSU.
In addition, the Boise State's Theatre Arts Department performed The Drag: A Homosexual Comedy by Mae West in Spring of 2020, with multiple students performing and assisting in production. The frequency of drag events at BSU indicates that drag culture is not only acceptable on campus, but also that all ages should be exposed to them at the expense of the Idaho taxpayers.
These findings raise several questions. Which faculty or administration members had knowledge and supported these events? How much are these drag queens getting paid? How much are tax-payers spending on these events? Were BSU students who are under 21 eligible to perform at this event, and if so, did any of them sign up? Where are the Idaho state legislatures and Republican politicians? Why has BSU not been held accountable for these drag events?
AF Journalism will continue to expose Boise State University in future breaking stories as a part of the Boise State Indoctrination Exposé. We hope that our reporting will shine a light on the issues surrounding liberal universities and make education great again.