By James Bascom
Preparations for the "Seattle University Drag Show" are underway, according to the Catholic institution's web site. The March 14 event will be the 8th "drag show" on this campus which has thus distanced itself from the ideals of St. Ignatius of Loyola yet still considers itself a Catholic university.
The event is promoted by the pro-homosexual Triangle Club. Previous "drag shows" encouraged students to show up in "drag" for the event, and featured "professional drag queens" (men dressed as women) and "student performers."
Feb. 19 screen shot of SU's event page.
Immorality masquerading as "art"
The university's student newspaper, The Spectator, reported:
"Once upon a time, they might have been called 'freaks.' Because, once upon a time, people might have been afraid or intimidated by a male in a glamorous dress with over-the-top hair and dramatic make up. These 'freaks' are drag queens. And drag queens are now celebrated artists," the newspaper article affirmed.
"As people become more and more accepting of the gay community, the term 'freak' is finally fading into the past, and drag has become a recognized and respected artform."
Drag shows are a notorious symbol of moral depravity, part of the sexual revolution apparatus. In these times, one might expect to find such things on the infamous stages of Broadway or the godless sets of Hollywood. But at a Catholic university?
Training anti-Catholic activists
There are other reasons for concern. Seattle University's Office of Multicultural Affairs promotes "LGBT Programs and Services" on its web site which offers "LGBT Training," described in these terms:
"... we encourage students, staff, and faculty to continue to receive trainings, read recommended readings on LGBTQ experiences, and include other signifiers (rainbow flags), integrate LGBTQ history, writers, artists in your curriculum, integrate LGBTQ-inclusive and non-gendered language in your teaching/ presenting, and constantly create the safest spaces you can for all.)"
The training program titles speak for themselves:
- Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Issues
- Understanding Gender Identity & Sexuality
- Serving Queer and Trans Communities within a Social Justice Framework
- Providing Transgender Inclusive Services
- Creating a Body Positive Shame-Free Environment
- Using a Harm Reduction Approach
- How to Transform Health & Mental Health Services to be Inclusive of LGBT Clients
- Sex and Sexuality Training for Social Workers
- Creating a Welcoming Work Environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Employees
What about Catholic moral teaching?
The SU web site continues: "... please consider contacting LGBTQ organizations and speakers bureaus who coordinate community members who enjoy teaching others."
Other featured resources with live internet hyper links include LGBTQ Scholarships, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Educational Network GLSEN, Queer Muslims, Human Rights Campaign, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and dozens more.
More recently, Matthew Archbold of The Cardinal Newman Society revealed how Seattle University will be hosting an on-campus event for "transgender activists" lead by Prof. Dean Spade, who has been dubbed "America's first openly transgender law professor."
What does Catholic signify to Seattle University? An empty title devoid of moral principles rather than a way of life instituted by Our Lord Himself? What other conclusion can one draw in the face of this Jesuit university’s latest transgression against its Catholic identity?
If Seattle University wishes to live up to both its Jesuit tradition, and its Catholic identity, this is the time for them to show it by publically condemning the drag show event, apologizing for having allowed the scandal multiple times, and banishing it forever.
Join the protest here
Contact information (please be firm and polite)
Fr. Stephen V. Sundborg, SJ
Seattle University, President
901 12th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122-1090
Phone: 206-296-1891
Fax: 206-296-6200
E-mail: SUNDBORG@seattleu.edu
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