The Omega Chapter of Delta Lambda Phi held its annual drag show, Divas in the Desert, which featured amateur drag queens performing to raise money for the chapter. The show, held on Nov. 3, attracted the largest crowd to date. 

This year’s theme was Lip Sync Smackdown. Four groups participated, including members of other United Sorority and Fraternity Council organizations, and took to the stage in between drag queen performances. 

Delta Lambda Phi, a national fraternity that counts gay, bisexual, trans and progressive men as its members, currently has chapters throughout the U.S., and was chartered at the UA in 2005.

“The show is a platform for us to talk about LGBTQ issues with others and introduce Tucson community celebrities to the UA community,” said Erick John Rodriguez, the president of Delta Lambda Phi. 

The show opened with a comedic video showcasing the personalities of the four individuals who would perform in drag. 

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Rodriguez then gave shout-outs to each greek organization in attendance. 

“One of our goals is to make all of greek life inclusive to gay people,” Rodriguez said. “It doesn’t matter what type of organization you are in. The performers were amateurs, some of them on stage for the first time. 

Each took to the spotlight to lip sync a song and collect cash tips while interacting with the audience. The night was lighthearted, but the show presented important issues affecting the LGBTQ community. 

“Under the current administration, there are a lot of people under attack,” said Ahmed Al-Shamari, who performered in the show. “This event is one of the ways to show, ‘Yes, we are here. We exist, and we will not be quieted.’” 

Al-Shamari was joined by a swarm of friends who came to the event to support him. 

The support in the room paid testament to the work LGBTQ groups have been doing on campus.

“This is also to highlight the progress we have made — the outpouring support for the crowd today, the biggest crowd we have ever had at this event,” Al-Shamari said. 

A previous version of this story stated that Delta Lambda Phi was the “nations first gay fraternity.” Membership to DLP is open to all men, regardless of sexual orientation. The story has been changed to more accurately represent that fact. The Daily Wildcat apologizes and regrets the error.

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