UWM Drag Show returns to Milwaukee Theatre Saturday

It’s been some 20 years since he first dressed in drag, and about eight since he last did so for a performance. But Jazz Nance is ready to hit the stage again when the UWM Drag Show returns to the Milwaukee Theatre Saturday, Feb. 27.

Nance, a senior majoring in social work, is co-hosting and performing in the annual show’s 2016 edition. It’s his first appearance in the UWM event, which has a 15-plus year history as one of the LGBT Resource Center’s most popular happenings.

UWM’s Drag Show offers free admission and regularly draws more than 1,000 people. It attracts participants and audience members from across the state, making it one of the Midwest’s largest shows of its kind. That level of popularity is a big reason why the show moved to the Milwaukee Theatre in 2015, and why it’s back there again.

Nance is eager to be part of it. His introduction to drag came when he still lived in Miami and worked at Disney World. To his surprise, he was assigned to wear the Queen of Hearts costume, and though he felt weird doing so at first, he eventually felt empowered by the experience of embracing another personality.

“That’s what brought up my alter ego, Lady J,” Nance said.

Performing as Lady J allows Nance to shed his normally introverted ways for the extroverted diva that is Lady J. Now, the character sometimes feels more natural for Nance than his everyday self.

“I guess when I’m Lady J, I don’t just think about it; I am,” he said.

As an adult returning student, an African-American and an introvert who identifies as LGBTQ, Nance sought a university where he wouldn’t stick out for any of his identities. UWM’s diverse range of students and experiences attracted him.

When he came to UWM in 2014, Nance made his first group of friends at the LGBTQ Resource Center. He lauded Jen Murray, the center’s director, for working to create a space for students to engage with each other.

“I don’t think I would be as active on campus if it wasn’t for that center,” said Nance, who peer mentors adult students and transfers. He’s also a Student Association senator.

UWM’s Drag Show is also centered on inclusion, he said, noting that it’s about the experience and performances, but mostly, it’s about entertainment.

“If you don’t understand drag, and you don’t identify with the LGBT-plus community, just come out and enjoy the show,” he said.

Attendees are encouraged to donate to some of the event’s beneficiaries. For 2016, those include Project Q, a youth program at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, and an initiative called Pathfinders that helps homeless LGBT-plus youth.

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