Im----act of Drag Culture:  From Underground to Mainstream w/ Ryan Thoroman

Bio:  Ryan Thoroman (he/him) serves as the Bursar at Salt Lake Community College overseeing the Office of the Bursar, which is responsible for managing the College’s billing, collecting, refunding, and cashiering functions. Ryan started at SLCC about 3 ½ years ago as a part-time employee. Along with his official role, he acts as co-chairman for the Queer Employee Association and co-advisor for the Queer Student Association. He has served on a variety of College committees including Pride Parade, Drag Show, Inclusive Restroom, People & Workplace Advisory, and Outstanding Staff Awards Selection. Ryan graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Illinois and a Master of Education in Higher Education from Texas Tech University.  

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Drag has a rich cultural history dating back to Ancient Greek tragedies and Shakespearean plays. Over time, drag has transformed from a theatre practice to a political stand against fixed roles of gender and sexuality. Drag culture has become a vital part of the LGBT+ community acting as a form of expression, activism, artistry, and resistance. Drag queens played a central role in the Stonewall Riots in 1969 and have remained a galvanizing force for LGBT+ rights ever since. In the past two decades, drag has slowly folded into mainstream society, particularly with the phenomenon of RuPaul's Drag Race. The multiple Emmy award winner has brought an art form traditionally only seen in bars or clubs into the homes of millions of people. Yet, despite drag’s burgeoning status, it has recently faced significant political and social attacks, including attempts to ban performances or limit their visibility in public spaces. Join me to learn more about the origins of drag, its significance to LGBT+ people, and its current state both riding a wave of popularity and facing political backlash.