Logansport Skate World to host drag queens, Peru Pride fundraiser
May 15—Joshua Weber, co-owner of Logansport Skate World & Fun Center, just wants to focus on fun and positivity when the skating rink hosts its Peru Pride Fundraiser and Family Drag Show beginning at 6 p.m. this Thursday.
Some in the community are upset about the event, but the anger doesn't matter, Weber said. Supporting a marginalized community does.
"When people think of drag queens, they think of what goes on in a bar or club," Weber said. "It's a lot more than that. Music, theater, dressing up for Halloween, that's drag. It's literally music and theater and people think it can only be for adults."
Weber said he wanted to support Peru as they plan their first ever Pride festival. He hoped Logansport would one day soon host its own event.
The history of drag spans from before Shakespeare to after David Bowie. Women weren't allowed on stage in the 15th and 16th century so Shakespeare's male actors would also play roles such as Juliet, Lady Macbeth and Ophelia.
The list of modern actors who have donned women's clothing for a role include Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, John Travolta, Johnny Depp, Wesley Snipes and more.
It also goes the other way. Julie Andrews, Cate Blanchett and other women have performed as men.
The 1950's had Milton Berle in drag. Sketch comedy troupes like Monty Python, "Saturday Night Live", The Kids in the Hall have relied on drag for decades. "RuPaul's Drag Race" has been on television for 16 years.
Weber said the drag queens at Thursday's event were "literally putting on clothes and singing."
"There's nothing inappropriate about that," he said. "It's a normalized thing now in most parts of the world. But not Indiana."
Logansport Skate World & Fun Center has hosted events for churches, schools and programs such as Stand Up Cass County in the past and will do so again in the near future. On the second Tuesday of every month the rink hosts a Christian Skate event. They also host adult skate nights.
Despite the negativity, a lot of Logansport has shown support for the event, both by reaching out to Weber personally and speaking up on social media.
Weber said the drag queens at the event will be wearing appropriate clothing and music will include well known Disney songs. There will be a silent auction to help raise funds for Peru Pride. He said those in attendance could expect music, acceptance, friendliness and an positive environment to learn about LGBTQ+ culture
"We want to help the community as much as possible," Weber said. "We want to be a safe zone and for everyone to feel safe and accepted here."
Peru Pride will host it's festival from 1 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Aug. 3. The Kokomo Pride Festival will take place from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on June 22.
