Campus Queen Hosts Drag-uation

Newly Elected Ms. Mason, Reann Ballslee, Performs her Final Drag Lesson

By Broadside Style Editor Emily Sharrer

After Allen’s drag alter-ego Reann Ballslee was crowned Ms. Mason at the annual Homecoming game on Feb. 14, Allen’s life has been a little out of the ordinary. But despite a schedule full of interviews with news outlets from all over the world including MSNBC and The Washington Post, Allen hasn’t let it go to his head.

“I never thought that my running—or winning—would make it past the pages of
Broadside or Connect2Mason.com,” said Allen, whose story was also posted on popular celebrity gossip site PerezHilton.com. “It’s been really exhausting doing all
the media stuff. You know, you hear celebrities say how exhausted they are—and it’s
true.”

For Allen, entering the annual Homecoming Pageant was just for fun; a run at the
title before leaving Mason at the end of this semester. Many more, however, see Allen’s win as a role-model move that has proven Mason truly is one of the most diverse schools in the nation.

“The most touching notes I've gotten are from other college students who said that I've inspired them to be themselves. I never meant to inspire anyone, I was simply running in the pageant for fun,” said Allen.

“We’re incredibly proud of her and I’m incredibly proud of the students,” added Ric
Chollar, associate director for LGBTQ Resources.

“To have such a longstanding tradition such as homecoming and to have LGBTQ folks warmly received and actually win the prize is quite a great statement,” said
Chollar.

While most students are fairly familiar and comfortable with the sassy queen who
emcees the annual drag show each year, some media sources tried to tell a different story of a campus divided along diversity lines.

“One of the things we noticed from the Post interview was they stirred up controversy,” said Chollar. “I think in some ways it’s less of an issue than what the press and media have made it out to be.” After all, Allen is not the first student to enter the homecoming pageant and run in drag.

Three years ago, Claire Gault, known in the drag community as Oliver Clothesoff,
ran for homecoming king. But with most of the press focusing on the positive, Allen
hasn’t let any of the negative comments take away from his achievement.

“Mason is a school that celebrates its diversity,” said Allen, who says that after his
win, drags queens across the country have added him on Facebook and MySpace, showing their support.

“I know there are plenty of people who disagree with my running and winning. Those people are entitled to their opinions.”

Last Tuesday, Ballslee was back in her element. Away from all the cameras and reporters and armed with highlighting powder and lip liner, Ballslee gave her last drag lesson, Drag 499, at Pride Alliance’s weekly meeting.

Ballslee demonstrated to her audience how to put on drag make-up by painting senior Robert Crofton while answering questions about shoes, wigs, stuffing and tucking along the way.

Tossing off her wig, Ballslee covered, shaded and brushed Crofton’s face to deep bronze perfection and shared the tips and tricks behind applying the perfect pout and dramatic eye lines.

Ballslee, wearing her homecoming sash and tiara, also shared her favorite drag
moments and personal story with onlookers.

Each year since he was a freshman, Allen has been schooling students on the ins
and outs of drag in his comprehensive courses. As Tuesday’s class drew to a close,
Ballslee congratulated everybody on “drag-uating” with a kiss on the cheek.

“I hope that in those four years, I’ve answered a few people’s questions about all
things drag,” said Allen.

Though Chollar says it will be sad to see Ryan, and subsequently Reann, leave
Mason, Allen’s work expanding the drag scene at Mason will continue after he graduates. Allen leaves behind several drag daughters that he mentored over the last couple years.

“It’s really bittersweet . . .we’ve gotten to know Reann,” said Chollar. “We will continue to follow in her footsteps. She’s trained her drag daughters very well, but we will absolutely miss her.”

As for Allen, he hopes to get a job working in advertising, promotions or special events. Reann’s future, however is a little less clear.

“I’m not totally sure if Reann is going to go with me,” said Allen, “It all depends on
where I end up going and if the drag scene there is large enough for one more queen.”