I am going to tell you about Murray State’s Fame Drag Show, but first, let me take a selfie.

As I stood in line, I had second thoughts. I had never experienced a drag show and never really thought that I would want to.

Each second leading up to the introduction I grew more nervous. I was just there to cover the event for The Murray State News, but how could I properly explain a culture I was not emersed in?

I saw students, community members and LGBT members with pockets full of dollar bills flocking to the Curris Center Large Ballroom Thursday night for the Murray State Alliance’s biannual drag show.

And finally, the show began. For the rest of the night, I sat and absorbed the high-energy performances.

Six queens and four kings performed to popular songs like “Talk Dirty to Me,” “Drunk in Love” and “Let Me Take a Selfie.” The lights, the music, the performers and the crowd all brought a certain karisma to the room.

Through the first half of the drag show, I wasn’t sure what to think, but as intermission came around, they invited those who had never been to a drag show on stage to dance. You know, I never pass up “The Cupid Shuffle.” I danced on stage and from there, I was more open to the experience. I even handed one of the lovely queens a dollar bill.

Opening myself up to this experience was something I advise most people to do at least once in their life.

Although this event was out of my comfort zone to cover, it taught me that there are microcultures we may not understand completely, but seeing the interaction can change a perspective.

I have mad respect for the kings and queens who are comfortable performing on stage and to the crowd and LGBT community who joins together to have a good time.

Story by Hunter Harrell, Features Editor