The government-funded university responsible for equipping “the next generation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, researchers, and health care professionals” in West Texas is hosting a public drag queen fundraising event open to “all ages.”
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Office of Global Health is partnered with the TTUHSC Genders and Sexualities Alliance, an LGBT student advocacy organization, to present the free “Spring Queening” showcase on the university’s Lubbock campus this week.
Even though the OGH mission pledges to “enhance the education of its students, faculty, and staff through exposure to international health experiences,” the resource office’s upcoming event was created as part of the “Allies Week 2022” to “celebrate and support the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
“Highlighting the perseverance and growth of the local queer community through the art of drag, the event will feature Lubbock drag queens and is open to fans of all ages!” a press release from the university claimed. “The performance focuses on inclusion and accessibility, and encouraging and educating allies in the TTUHSC and Lubbock communities.”
“Cash tips” received by the drag queens at the Thursday night showcase will go to the political action group Equality Texas, an organization that defends and promotes genital mutilation and the use of dangerous chemicals on children as “health care.”
TTUHSC, the parent institution of multiple health and medical schools across Texas which are focused on teaching thousands of students interested in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and more health sciences, did not respond to The Federalist’s request for comment. Despite anger from alumni, the event is still scheduled for Thursday evening.
TTUHSC Genders and Sexualities Alliance President Cole Birmingham said that this is “the first event of its kind on the TTUHSC campus.” While TTUHSC is an independent institution, it is still one of several in the Texas Tech University System. These other Texas Tech-affiliated institutions, including Texas Tech University, have hosted drag queen shows and pageants in TTU residence halls and student union buildings before.
