Brian Buford, the director of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) center at U of L, described Friday evening as his “long time dream.” He referred to the LGBT program as a second home for himself. As it has been apart of the campus community for nearly 20 years, it has not surprisingly become one of the best rated college LGBT regions in the country. This year, the program has especially reached out the the transgender community. U of L will be the first university in the nation to graduate the “most well equipped” doctors to serve transgender people in health care, and in the field. For their most “drag-a-licious” night of the year, PINK, is the longest running student fundraiser, this year’s being their 18th year of the event, as it celebrates the U of L’s diversity.

“It’s like a little slice of my own life, in my real life. It’s one of the most liberating things to do, ” Russel Underwood, a student who goes by Regina Knotts onstage, said. “I haven’t thought about work, or anything stressful in like five hours. I identify myself as a guy, I work a normal job, but here I can be somebody else and have the opportunity to work with all of these amazing performers.”

Another student interrupted, giving him a hug and a complimentary “you’ve improved so much! You did great out there!”

Back inside, the second half of the show continued—there was a short intermission to catch up on basketball scores, an idea Buford had so “world class basketball can live in world class drag.”

Ms. Reva Devereaux opened the second half, “How are y’all likin’ the chandelier tonight?

She is known as the show’s “House Mother,” and her longtime friendship of the LGBT community has made her a veteran emcee of PINK for nine years.

Strands of diamonds were the obvious center piece of the night, held above the many VIP tables that evening. Rosey hues reflected the dimly cast lights. Devereaux stunned as the opening act, to “Queen of the Night.” She dressed the part with white feathers as her royal collar, and sequined flowing sleeves that, obviously, matched her lipstick.

photo by Zade Nabi

 

Kimora St. James sang Beyonce, a man wearing a “Trans Men Are Hotter” v-neck performed Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” and a  a mashup of fiery songs by Fall Out Boy, Katy Perry, and F.U.N. made the lineup too.

This year’s Making Change winner, medical faculty member Amy Holthouseran, performed an Animal House parody. The Making Change award determines the “guest drag-ess” of the year. She wore a lamp shade, white sheet and beard. After her rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” a standing ovation of tippers flooded the stage. Her reaction was perfect: sprawled across the platform  while dollar bills were dropped from the hands of her generous audience.

photo by Zade Nabi

photo by Zade Nabi

The director of the evening went onstage as “Jessica Silvers,” but remained Jahnna Hawkinson offstage. Hawkinson identifies herself in the LGBT career realm as a transgender woman and entertainer. Hawkinson is a trained classical dancer and has been dancing professionally since the 8th grade.

“I begged for the position, and haven’t regretted it since,” she said. “Never doubt yourself. Whatever that is, whatever identity you wish to pursue. For a long time I was living for others. I’m still working some stuff out but I am proud of myself for how far I’ve come.”

photo by Zade Nabi

 

As freshmen tour the University of Louisville as a future choice for their collegiate careers, they have the option to see the campus through an LGBT lens, thanks in part to the funds PINK raised. Andrew Downey, the President of LGBT alumni association announced for the first time, LGBT scholarships to undergrad students, as well as the new “Lavender Graduation,” sponsored by Comfy Cow and will be held sometime in April for seniors.