UMW’s first drag club serves as latest scene for students

by ONNOLEE SLATEN

Staff Writer

The 2026 spring semester welcomes a new flair on campus: UMW’s first drag club.

Co-founders of the Drag Club, sophomore mathematics major Jocelyn Borges and freshman Shelby Shepard, had initially met at a drag history event on campus, where they shared the same wish for a community to celebrate and enjoy drag.

“It had been like a seed in my mind,” said Shepard. “And Jocelyn and I both just happened to go to Shenandoah’s drag history event on campus.”

The Club’s main goal, according to Borges, is to educate others on drag as a form of expression and to harbor an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

“It’s a big friendship/family kind of bonding experience,” said Borges. “Everybody gets up and goes, ‘oh does this look nice?’ or ‘can you help me with this?’”

While still in its early stages, the Club’s initial meetings have set the foundation for fun projects in the future. These include a Black Excellence drag show during the month of February and a “Fight Night” that will feature students in drag competing in lip sync battles, talent shows and runway walks.

For its events, the Club plans on partnering with established drag queens in the area, such as Shenandoah, a Mary Washington alum and prominent Fredericksburg performer, to speak at workshops and judge in these competitions.

Borges—drag name is Juicy Cunture—emphasizes that there are no gender, sexuality or ability requirements in order to become a member. Shepard—drag name is Loosey Buttons—echoes this sentiment.

“I want to see drag queens. I want to see drag kings. I want to see drag things all around,” Shepard said.

While the club is currently composed of only a handful of students, Borges has aspirations of expanding outreach and reaching those who may see drag as something inaccessible or overwhelming.

I would like to have a lot more diversity,” Borges said.” There are a lot of women and non-binary people who are in the club, and that’s not a bad thing, but I want everyone to feel welcome.”

Secretary of the Drag Club and junior international relations major Vivian Wilkins—drag name is Clamme Chowda—explains that her favorite thing about the Drag Club is that it allows UMW students to get their foot in the door of a vast community.

“It’s just a way for us to start networking with each other and to get other people introduced,” said Wilkins.

Despite Fredericksburg’s location as a southern city, the drag culture is rich and continuing to grow.

“Every single queen I’ve talked to is so nice around here, and they’re all excited and welcoming and just happy to see more drag in Fredericksburg,” Shepard said.

For Treasurer of the Drag Club and freshman Mary Clare Pelczynski—drag name is Feste Vulva— her favorite thing about the club is the creativity associated with drag.

“Drag Club is finally what pushed me to create my own drag character and experiment with who that character is, what their personality is like,” said Pelczynski.

When asked about any potential setbacks the club had to face when starting it, all the founders agreed that affordability was the biggest challenge when creating a drag look. To mitigate this, the club plans on running excursions downtown and helping others thrift for performance-worthy ensembles.

“I want us to be prepared, I want us to be involved,” Borges said.

Understanding that some students may be hesitant to participate because of potential judgment, Drag Club leadership is taking steps to ensure the comfort of all members, regardless of experience or eagerness to get on stage.

“I want to make sure that it’s very clear that if you don’t want to perform, you don’t have to perform, and if you do want to perform, we don’t have to take pictures of you. We don’t have to post about you,” Borges said.

For anyone who is interested in the art of drag, there will be a seminar on Jan. 26 for creating a drag name and persona. Contact @dontcallmejuicy on Instagram for more information.

“I’m really excited to bring out the drag community and queer community at UMW. I think campus in particular is a really good place for that,” Shepard said.