American gay and lesbian troops stationed in Japan performed in the first ever drag show on a U.S. military base.
The gay and lesbian troop members performed in drag — wearing full makeup, heels and wigs — while lip syncing to hit songs such as “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” at the Kadena Air Base in Japan, Theweek.com reports.
Navy Lt. Marissa Greene told Stars and Stripes she only expected to sell 75 tickets for the variety show, but ended up selling more than 400 in ten days. The event went through the same approval process as other on-base fundraisers go through, with the only caveat being that it was not allowed to be labeled a “drag show” in its publicity materials. The show was warmly received by spectators, who rocked out to performances by the likes of Manny Nuff and Chocolate Sunrise (“a crowd favorite,” the website notes.)
Just a few years ago, performances like these would have been grounds for a possible discharge. The repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has made it possible for events like this to occur. –Jordan Valinsky Source
President Obama would’ve been so proud.
