News Summary
On April 18, 2022, Jessy B. Darling was named the 2022 Queen of Draggieland in College Station, Texas. The event was marked by glitz and glamour but overshadowed by controversy regarding Texas A&M University’s funding pull for the campus drag show. Despite legal challenges, the drag show affirmed its right to express itself under the First Amendment. This event highlights ongoing tensions between university administration and student groups advocating for free expression and LGBTQ rights.
Jessy B. Darling Named 2022 Queen of Draggieland Amid Funding Controversy in College Station
College Station, Texas – Excitement and drama blended beautifully at the Rudder Theatre on April 18, 2022, when Jessy B. Darling was crowned the 2022 Queen of Draggieland. The crowd gathered to witness the official passing of the crown from former Queen Cora Cadette to Darling, marking a night of glitz, glamour, and triumph amid controversy.
However, the ceremony unfolded against a backdrop of conflicts concerning Texas A&M University’s decision to pull funding from an annual drag show on campus. The cancelation of the highly-anticipated event raised eyebrows and stirred strong opinions among students and LGBTQ groups, who had spent countless hours organizing and securing funds for the drag show.
A Strained Relationship
The challenges faced by the drag show organizers reflected a deeper issue between the university administration and student groups. Over the past months, students and LGBTQ advocates banded together to battle against what they perceived as unilateral decisions imposed by Texas A&M administrators, which significantly impacted their ability to freely express themselves through events like the drag show.
Adding more excitement to the event, performer Lily Adonis Fables also showcased her talents by competing in the Draggieland drag pageant, celebrating the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ community. Even amid the turmoil, the pageant has continued to thrive and attract attention, selling out seats with eager attendees.
The Legal Twist
In a surprising turn, a U.S. district court judge came to the rescue for the drag show. The judge ruled that an LGBTQ group at Texas A&M had the right to hold their annual drag show on campus. This decision was celebrated as a significant win for First Amendment rights across public universities in Texas, noting that state university officials cannot simply block performances based on claims of them being “offensive.”
Following this ruling, the show “Draggieland” was confirmed to take place at an A&M venue just a few days later, underscoring the importance of free expression in artistic performances. Additionally, the ruling emphasized how it is prohibited for universities to ban events merely for offending certain individuals within the campus community.
Conditions and Concerns
Despite the legal victory, officials within the Texas A&M University System were still assessing the implications of the judge’s opinion. The system’s Board of Regents had expressed concerns tied to President Donald Trump’s executive order that recognized only two sexes. They described the drag shows as potentially involving “sexualized, vulgar, or lewd conduct” and claimed these performances could even “demean women.”
In response, the Queer Empowerment Council—a coalition of LGBTQ students—filed a lawsuit against the Texas A&M University System’s board members, arguing that the ban on the drag shows infringed upon their First Amendment rights.
Judge Lee H. Rosenthal stepped in to grant a preliminary injunction against the ban, allowing the drag show to proceed under the premise that it constitutes expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment. The board, however, struggled to provide sufficient justification for labeling the Draggieland show as “lewd.”
A Community of Support
Despite facing protests and a barrage of controversies, Draggieland has built a loyal following since its inception, often hosting shows that sell out quickly. However, the previous decision to suspend the event resulted in almost 170 tickets being refunded, disappointing many eager students.
As supporters and detractors alike continue to voice their opinions on the situation, it remains unclear how this ruling will impact other institutions within the Texas A&M and the University of Texas Systems. The leadership expressed their commitment to reviewing the recent decision and considering the next steps in this unfolding narrative.
Ultimately, this saga demonstrates a critical chapter in the ongoing dialogue about free expression on campus, as universities grapple with the challenge of fostering an environment where diverse ideas and performances can flourish—even if they ruffle a few feathers along the way.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
College Station Stands Against Drag Show Ban
Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle
- Wikipedia: Drag Show
- Texas Lawyer
- Google Search: Texas A&M University drag show
- Courthouse News
- Google Scholar: First Amendment rights public universities
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Freedom of Expression in Universities
- The Battalion
- Google News: Texas A&M Draggieland 2025
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
