Return of annual “Birdcage” drag show at USC’s Russell House ruffles feathers online
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — An annual drag show known as the “Birdcage” is set to return to University of South Carolina’s Russell House next week for the 28th year in a row.
However, not everyone is excited for its return.
On Tuesday, the popular account “Libs of TikTok” tagged the university — accusing the school of using tax dollars to “host and promote this trash.”
U.S. Representative and candidate for governor Nancy Mace then also commented, posting, “South Carolina tax dollars should not go to schools and universities promoting this kind of nonsense.”
However, according to USC’s online response, “This event isn’t sponsored by tax dollars, adding quote “Student orgs host hundreds of events on campus every year and they are free to choose the programming as long as it’s protected by the First Amendment.” In a statement to ABC Columbia’s Lee Williams, USC also added, “Student organizations have hosted this particular event on campus without incident for over 25 years.”
USC has received backlash for other events including Uncensored America’s “Roast of Kamala Harris” in 2024 — in which far right commentators, and the founder of The Proud Boys, an organization labeled as a white supremacist group by The Anti-Defamation League, were allowed to speak.
Williams spoke with two students about the upcoming drag show — hosted by the student organization IRIS.
“I think an event like “Birdcage” is very important for us to have. Not only because free speech is allowed for everybody, but also too, it promotes a space for people who feel isolated and left out for them to thrive and feel comfortable and welcome,” says USC student Leah Thomas.
“It’s allowing different communities to express themselves the same way Turning Point invited the Proud Boy founder (in 2024). I think IRIS should be able to host their drag show without interference,” says USC student Hanna Durst.
Mace also commented “As Governor, I will veto every dollar going to any school that promotes gender ideology over biological science.”
“It’s not a school activity, it’s not the school saying ‘We’re going to make everybody gay here,” says Durst, adding, “It’s more of a “The students wanna see this, so the students should go to this.”
“Birdcage” is scheduled to take place on April 14th at 7 p.m. at USC’s Russell House. The show will feature “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Kenya Pleaser.
