By Kelly Waldron
Calling all drag lovers, performers and supporters to join Susquehanna’s new River Queens Drag Club.
Founded by a small group of students in early October of 2024, stand-in president Sophia Lozada-Delzell is helping lead the charge to gain attention for this all-inclusive club that will begin weekly meetings in the spring of 2025.
“[River Queens] is meant to be a club that empowers drag culture,” said Lozada-Delzell. “Performing drag for the first time gave me a lot of confidence and it was really empowering, and I want that for other people.”
The River Queens Club is open to all people interested, and membership isn’t exclusive to only performers. People interested in costuming, stage crew and supportive member positions are also encouraged to join.
However, any member who wants to perform will have to undergo a simple audition process to ensure they are comfortable on stage. But the club will focus on building confidence, experience, costume design and makeup skills to help performers on and off the stage.
“I want us to be different and I want us to stand out,” said Lozada-Delzell, “but I want people to know they are safe here.”
Although River Queens is still waiting to appear before the summit on Nov. 11 to, hopefully, be officially recognized by the Student Government Association (SGA), they already have multiple fundraisers and events planned to gain student attention.
On Nov. 4 the club hosted a Halloween costume drive where students can donate their old costumes for the club members to reuse.
River Queens is also planning professional workshops with Trixie Valentine, the host for SGA’s fall drag show this year. As well as movie nights, crafting sessions at Creative Space in November, big stage performances at TRAX with concessions and small stage performances for the spring 2025 semester.
Lozada-Delzell explained the importance of advertising for this club and spreading the message that River Queens is a safe space for all. So, its current members are moving quickly to make as much progress and gain as much interest as possible before the spring.
The River Queens Drag Club will officially begin weekly meetings in the spring of 2025 on Thursdays from 6p.m.-7p.m. in the LGBTQ+ Resource Center classroom. However, the location could potentially change.
For all updates and events follow their Instagram: @river.queens_su.drag.