“Fight gay bashing.”
“An injury to one is an injury to all.”
“Beat back bigotry.”
“Stop the attack on gay rights.”
The signs hung next to rainbow flags around Music room 101 on Friday night as DVC’s Queer Straight Alliance hosted its biannual variety show.
“What’s going on DVC?” squealed Kimberly Mendoza, QSA president and show coordinator, at the outset.
“Let me hear you go, ‘Hey, girl, hey,” she urged the crowd, echoing the title of the performance.
The series of acts began with QSA members Rigo Machado and David Carson lip-syncing and dancing to Lady Gaga’s “Telephone.”
Machado strutted along the stage area in high heels, tight pants, and dramatic make-up. He was accompanied by Carson, who stomped through the audience in a black dress and sparkling hoop earrings.
After the crowd went wild for their performance, the show continued with everything from a performance by the DVC dance club moving to a mash-up of popular songs to a solo performance of “Your Song” by Cameron Bean in a top hat and sun glasses, a la Sir Elton himself.
Mendoza said the QSA prepared for the show all semester, while also putting together such events as the Day of Silence and participating in the Inter Club Council talent show.
Mendoza was pleased with the show and the audience turnout.
“If no one’s complaining, homegirl, I’m happy,” Mendoza said, laughing and glancing around the nearly filled room.
Indeed, no one complained. The crowd cheered enthusiastically after each act and clapped to the rhythm of many songs.
“It’s fun,” said Cassie Carsten, a senior at San Ramon Valley High School. “I came last year and enjoyed myself.”
Other groups came out to support the QSA, including the Latino Student Alliance and members of Students for a Democratic Society. Some of these club members –including LSA president Keith Montes and the band, Running Horse, which includes musicians from SDS – performed in the show.
Though most of the performers were QSA members, it was not necessary to be in the club to perform, Mendoza said.
“Anyone can be in it,” she said. “We’ll take anyone!”
Contact Annie Sciacca at [email protected]