Divas, dancing and drag tore up the stage for a little Pride-fest.

UNI Proud’s annual Drag Ball took place in Maucker Union Tuesday night for Pride Week. Festivities included drag queens from UNI and Kings and Queens bar taking the stage to raise money for Community AIDS Assistance Program. 

Courtney Michaels, a  drag queen and regular performer at the K&Q bar in Waterloo, hosted the event. Michaels serves as the president of Community AIDS Assistance Program.

For some, the event was inspirational, as it raised money for the Community AIDS Assistance Program. Ella Daft, sophomore political science major and president of UNI Proud, said the turn-out this year helped create a positive environment.

“You can really feel the community in the room,” Daft said “This was the last show for several of our drag performers and it’s sad to see them go, but we are excited for all the new performers to join the team and continue the tradition.” 

Those helping put on the event said the Drag Balls get better each year.

Alieda Torres, sophomore history major, helped with the show last year and said Courtney Michaels did a great job entertaining the audience.

 “There is never a dull moment,” Torres said. 

Michaels took lead right away and started announcing the queens. Between the acts, Michaels would play around a lot by ‘match-making’ and throwing candy into the crowd. 

Daft said the drag show tips totaled to $167, which will go towards CAAP in helping HIV/AIDS positive people in the community.

Bianca Calzada, sophomore family services major said she comes to the shows to support everyone as it pulls together people in the community.

“A lot of barriers are broken,” said Bianca Calzada, sophomore family services major. “You never have a moment where things are weird or uncomfortable, the whole thing is very out going and all the Queens are all really great, open people.”