CASSIE TOMLIN/Arizona Daily Wildcat Drag queen Ajia Simone, "The Black Cat of Tucson," struts on the catwalk at Diva La Paz in the Sol Courtyard at La Paz Residence Hall last night.

'Female Illusionists' wow UA students

Diva La Paz once again entertained UA students last night, by showcasing various female illusionist acts, including dance and lip-synching performances.

Diva, which was organized by El Mundo Diversity Initiatives in conjunction with the La Paz Staff and Hall Council, is a special event aimed at raising awareness about homosexual and gender issues.

The event was hosted by Ajia Simone, whose real name is Jerrold Whitfield, and concluded with a question and answer session with the performers.

Leo Federico, a political science freshman and the executive director of La Paz Residence Hall said the program is very important to the UA community because it brings about diversity awareness.

"Diva is an event to express gender diversity on campus," Federico said. "It raises awareness towards homosexual and bisexual issues, as well as entertains."

Federico also said that Diva has a long-standing tradition with La Paz, and is extremely popular.

"With Diva in it's ninth year, it has always drawn large crowds, and continues to be a great resource for raising awareness towards gender issues," Federico said.

Students who go to the show will walk away with a better understanding of those different from them, Federico said.

"Diva will spread a message of tolerance and understanding," Federico said. "Students who come to the program will become better aware of the LGBT community and what concerns them, as well as promote acceptance of their lifestyles."

Brendan Raybuck, a biology freshman and member of the La Paz Hall Council, said he helped plan the event and thought it was a great way to promote different points of view.

"You are supposed to get different points of view in a university," Raybuck said.

Raybuck also said there may be people who oppose the idea of a drag show.

"Nine years ago there was almost a riot, from what I hear," Raybuck said.

According to a November 1996 story in the Arizona Daily Wildcat, the Diva La Paz show drew severe protests and eventually led to a few protestors throwing eggs onto the stage.

Today, things are different, Raybuck said.

"Now its kind of tradition," Raybuck said. " There are a couple of people that (may be) uncomfortable with it, but all those people are here to check it out anyway, so that's kind of a good thing."

Students in the audience did enjoy the performance and laughed along through the acts.

Chris Burnham, a theater arts sophomore, was excited about the event.

"I'm here 'cause I am interested in seeing a good show," Burnham said.

Stefanie Weiser, a journalism freshman, said she heard about the show and thought it would be fun to attend.

"I heard about it from a friend and I thought it would be really interesting to check out," Weiser said.

Weiser also said she thought it was a great way to bring about tolerance and acceptance.

"I think it's a really good idea," Weiser said. "I think it'll promote awareness and I am hoping that it will open a few eyes that need to be opened."

Dana Jacobs, an architecture freshman, said that her favorite performer was Ajia Simone, who pulled her on stage.

"(Simone) was the most friendly," Jacobs said.

Overall, the show was very beneficial, Jacobs said.

"It opens people's eyes to experience new things," Jacobs said.

UA basketball player Daniel Dillon, an undeclared freshman, also stopped by the show at the end.

Dillon said he didn't see much of it, but he thought it was unique.

"It's alright," Dillon said. "It's kind of different."

Eugene Jackson, a pre-med sophomore, said he thought the show was phenomenal.

"I definitely think it's good because it (has) variety, and it allows people to be more open to it," Jackson said. "They didn't force anyone to come here."

Jackson said the main message of the show was about having fun and being tolerant.

"I think it's all positive," Jackson said. "It's about like having fun and dancing and dressing up and appreciating the different lifestyles."