Homecoming Drag Show Raised Over $10,000

Homecoming Drag Show Raised Over $10,000

Homecoming is always special at Clemson, and the October 19-20, 2018 version did not disappoint as the Tigers thrashed football division rival NC State, the LGBTQ+ Alumni Club exceeded its fundraiser event goal of $10,000, and club members enjoyed good fellowship, BBQ and other tailgate goodies on game day.

Weekend festivities began with a bang on Friday evening as Tigerama fireworks exploded over Death Valley and renowned drag show entertainer and Clemson alum ‘Delighted Tobehere’, Clay Smith, raised the roof at the Alumni Center with her musical talent, comical wit and en femme glamour on full display.

The $10,122.85 raise at the drag show benefited the Clemson LGBTQ+ Alumni Club Endowment, which funds an annual scholarship for an undergraduate student who contributes to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community on campus through leadership, service, volunteering or research.

The evening of fun was preceded by a board meeting at the Madren Center where club priorities and strategies for working with the University to accomplish its inclusion and equity goals were discussed. Alumni Association and University leaders, including Chief Inclusion and Diversity Director Lee Gill and Ciera Durden, Associate Director of Multicultural Community Development, addressed the board and expressed full support for LGBTQ+ initiatives on campus, including the establishment of an LGBTQ+ resource center for students and faculty.

The board identified several key initiatives, including strengthening the club brand, increasing visibility and growing membership, particularly among allies. Strategies discussed included leveraging social media marketing platforms, a greater University media presence, such as promoting LGBTQ+ articles in Clemson World and ECHO and finding ways to increase engagement with current students.

The weekend was capped on Saturday with a great tailgating experience hosted by alum and club member Chip Dukes, and, of course, the Tigers taking care of business to the tune of a 41-7 beat down.   Thank you to all who contributed to a successful weekend of fun, friendship and advancing University inclusion and equity objectives for our community.

Go Tigers!