Protestors at Catholic University of San Diego call Drag Show “Sexually Perverse”

A University of San Diego (USD) alumnus is protesting a drag show scheduled at the university, calling it “sexually perverse”.  The show is set for Wednesday with the drag queen Tootie as emcee.

The University of San Diego is a Catholic institution, which Charles LiMandri believes that such shows should not occur at such institutions.  LiMandri was so upset that he started his own website in an effort to protest this event and supposedly started a petition, in which he says he collected 7600 names for his cause to stop the drag show.

"The teachings on Catholic social justice do not align with this event, and anyone with a formed Christian conscience cannot approve an event that is sexually perverse," said lawyer Charles LiMandri, a Rancho Santa Fe lawyer, USD graduate and former member of the alumni board.

LiMandri has called on the USD administration to cancel the show.

However, the University President Mary Lyons stated in a letter, published in the California Catholic Daily, that she believes the show will "foster students' understanding of, and empathy for, the complexities of gender non-conformity." Lyons also believes that show, hosted on campus, does not imply that the school advocates or promotes a lifestyle and behaviors inconsistent with the teachings of the Christian church.

One letter to the USD president Lyons stated that people should accept the gender they are and the men who dress as women should be lifted up in prayer for their “disordered passions” and will even keep Lyons in their prayers too.

"Every man and woman, should acknowledge and accept his sexual identity. Physical, moral, and spiritual difference and complementarity are oriented towards the good of marriage and the flourishing of family life. " (CCC 2333)

One of the pages on LiMandri’s site links to videos of a drag queen as Lady Gaga at DePaul University and another show at Santa Clara University with both drag queens and kings.  The site also gives the Catholic Church’s stance on homosexuality and cross-dressing, as well as the roles of men and women.

There is also a counter movement called USD for Everyone, which started on Facebook in support of the drag show.  Episcopal priest and San Diego council member, Todd Gloria, joined USD for Everyone, as well as alumni board members and former student government officials.

Nicholas Severson, a USD Alum, Class of 2007, and former Associated Students Vice President, said he has never been prouder of his USD community:

“I am not only confident that this event will be informative to all students,” he said in a press release, ”but I also believe it will help the LGBT students know that their identity is affirmed by the community.  I am inspired by their spirit of inclusion and hope we will see a conversion of heart so that all of members, both past and present see the beauty of a diverse and celebratory community.”

LiMandri has a radio show, in which he talks about the “gay agenda”, same sex marriage, and the supposed consequences of it.

According to a news video, USD will still host the drag show, despite protests. Students hope to make the show an annual tradition.

LiMandri told Fox 5 news San Diego that he is not a prude, but there are certain moral ways to act sexually.

"You've got men up there bumping and grinding and girls putting money in their underwear that's not appropriate," he said.  "I went to USD during the 70's and the sexual revolution. I'm not a prude about these things, but there's certain ways to act in regards to sexual morality on a Catholic campus."

However, many students enjoy the show and think it is not directly influencing the Catholic Church.

"I don't think it's bad, I do realize this is a Catholic campus but I don't think it's effecting Catholic beliefs directly anyway," said Mario Ramirez, a student.  "I think it's awesome. I think it's great. I would never think that USD would have that."

Mriana

Mriana is a humanist and the author of "A Source of Misery". She has two grown sons and raises cats. She enjoys writing, reading, science, philosophy, psychology, and other subjects. Mriana is also an animal lover, who cares for their welfare as living beings, who are part of the earth. She is a huge Star Trek fan in a little body.

More Posts - Website - Twitter - Facebook