Sometimes even Queerguru’s Editor-In-Chief who, lets face it, has “been around the block a few time‘, gets quite shocked when he discovers the content of our online in-box.  Take this morning for example. There is a Press Release announcing the creation of a DRAG UNIVERSITY!   In Texas no less!

Its being created by The Normal Anomaly Initiative, a trailblazing nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the Black queer+ community,  and who are offering an innovative program empowering drag performers while fostering community connections.  This is an extremely bold move which we heartily approve of especially now in the present political climate where drag and gender expression face increasing scrutiny.  And undisguised hatred.

This very unique initiative is offering participants masterclasses in makeup, hairstyling, stage presence, and more, while also incorporating HIV education and community outreach.  And there’s more …….this program that reflects a shared mission of equipping marginalized communities with resources to thrive is backed by the mighty Gilead Sciences…. the leading biopharmaceutical company that focuses on researching and developing antiviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS,

Its following in the footsteps of a Drag University run by the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) at Princeton University in New Jersey  which was a major success story earlier this year 

The Texas program is open to anyone across the gender spectrum and is open to people whose drag is across the gender spectrum. Participants will receive essential skills to thrive both on and off the stage, including:

• Masterclasses in makeup artistry, hairstyling, beginner garment tailoring, and stage presence.

• Community empowerment initiatives and HIV education, nurturing deeper connections with themselves and their communities.

Ian L. Haddock, Founder of The Normal Anomaly Initiative told QUEERGURU “Drag University is the manifestation of liberation, which is especially important in the time and place this program is set. As drag and gender expression become more and more politicized, we are here to protect this historic art form and uplift drag for what it is: a powerful platform to celebrate individuality and break boundaries. At the same time, this program offers an opportunity to build a career and a strong network of support.”

Supported by Gilead Sciences, Inc., Drag University underscores a shared commitment to equip communities with resources that empower their lives and that provide an opportunity for community outreach, reduction of HIV transmission, and ecosystem development.

“At its core, Drag University is more than a program; it is a movement,” Joelle Espeut, Advocacy Director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative emphasized. “We are bringing together art, education, creativity, activism, and healthcare to nurture a new generation of drag performers in the South.”

The inaugural cohort of Drag University will require a commitment of 4 bi-weekly sessions, a weekend retreat, community outreach, and a digital media project over the first six months of 2025, culminating in an exciting on-stage pageant finale. Participants must be Houston residents and able to attend in-person sessions.

The program offers significant benefits and rewards, including:

• Grand Prize: A package worth up to $5,000 in cash and prizes.

• Second and Third Runner-Up Prizes: Packages worth up to $1,000 in cash and prizes each.

• Participation Reward: Each cohort member will receive $250 for completing the program.

Participants will be evaluated based on their mastery of the course curriculum, community outreach, digital media projects, and finale performance.

You can APPLY TODAY! For more information about Drag University or The Normal Anomaly Initiative, visit https://www.normalanomaly.org/luminate/.