Written By Dakota Gold
Photo By Weston Cocklin
Articles & Culture
Students for Justice partnered with the Muslim Student Association to host “Drag4Justice,” a drag show with proceeds going towards the Zakat Foundation of America, which assists with hunger relief in Gaza. It featured loud outfits, fierce dancing, and an enthusiastic crowd.
The show was held on March 26 in Dina’s Place at Winthrop University. Students gathered to watch the performances, with two of them featuring current Winthrop students: sophomores Dee Ateca and Pat Fleming. Ateca performed at Dee Formed and Fleming performed as Dytie King.
Other queens included Winthrop alum Rebecca Stardust, Leonasia Chanel, and Jade Envy. All queens donated half of their tips to the Zakat Foundation.
In previous years, DiGiorgio Student Union held an annual “DragWU” event, but it was not held during the 2025-2026 academic year. Drag4Justice happened thanks to the effort of students who wanted to make sure that this tradition could continue.
Chanel is a local drag artist who performs in the Charlotte area. She has been doing drag for three years.
“I’m fully self taught when it comes to makeup, sewing and hairstyling, so any chance I get to sharpen those tools, I’m excited,” Chanel said.
When asked about what drag means to her, Chanel said it provides an escape from the conformative world around her.
“Drag means the world to me,” Chanel said. “It’s been my escape from the heteronormative world since I was in middle school. It’s not about the money or attention for me because at the end of the day I am a performer.”
She said she does drag because she wants someone leaving the show to feel a little better than they did when they arrived.
“I remember before I drag I would go to drag shows often and every time there was so much joy and freedom felt in the room,” Chanel said.
Chanel said shows like Drag4Justice allow both the performers and the audience to have fun and be a part of a loving community.
“Drag has also taught me many valuable life lessons and it’s helped me grow as a person as well. I feel so much love from this community and I hope they feel the same from me.”