Bobcat Ball dubs circus theme

Nov 2 2009 - 11:40pm | Jovonna Owen

Lions, tigers and queens—oh my!

Members of Lambda, Texas State’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allied community group, ushered in a circus themed Bobcat Ball Saturday at Bar One41.

Bar One41 was transformed into a red and yellow balloon- filled circus ring.

Students broke out top hats, whips and parasols to step out for the night as clowns, ringleaders and mimes. Other students added to the atmosphere by dressing as lions, tigers and zebras.

Disc jockey Ritchie Wallace spun techno tunes that led to an impromptu break dance-off. Guests were treated to mystic tarot card readings by a fortune-teller before drag queens took the main stage to perform and raise money for Lambda.

Amber Rain, Texas State alumnus, hosted and performed at the drag show.

Rain, dressed as a bearded lady, performs and hosts at both Bobcat Balls annually.

“I was part of Lambda many years ago,” Rain said. “Many, many years ago. It really holds a special place for me.”

Anita Mann Hughes, Texas State alumna, performed to Rihanna’s “Disturbia” and later gave a crowd-roaring performance as Tejano music star Selena.

Scott Schoenmakers, former Lambda president who was bare-chested in beige shorts and an unruly lions mane, said he was having twice as much fun not having to worry about Bobcat Ball this year.

“I can relax and have an awesome time,” said Schoenmakers, exercise and sports science senior. “Everyone’s been doing a really good job. We’ve had some really good performances.”

Jeremy Mosby, international studies senior and Lambda member, said the best part of his night was being able to have fun while raising money for the organization.

“I’m having a lot of fun,” Mosby said. “One, because it’s gay people, and two, because it’s the organization I’m in and benefits our service.”

Mosby dressed in sparkly Lamé hot-shorts said his favorite part of Bobcat Ball is the costumes and drag show.

“I am very thankful the (drag queens) are here,” Mosby said. “They show us so much support.”

Kyle Hennings, social work senior and president of Lambda, said the money raised from Bobcat Ball would be used for events on campus that would promote education about the Lambda community.

Hennings said they raised about $1,300 from tickets sales and tips collected by the performers, which he helped contribute to after being ordered to undress on stage by Rain.

Hennings said he was worried about having Bobcat Ball on a Thursday night but overall felt things went successfully.

“The community was able to have a great night in San Marcos and not have to drive to Austin or San Antonio,” Hennings said. “The turnout was local, but we did really well.”

Hennings, dressed in a red and black vest, red bow tie, white gloves and black top hat, said his goal for Bobcat Ball was getting the community together for one night.

“My favorite part is seeing everyone in the community having fun and being able to express themselves through all the different costumes,” Hennings said.

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