Luke Taylor: Illini Union hosting first drag brunch today

Dec. 2—Welcome to "Illini Insider," your regular dose of University of Illinois news from beat writer Luke Taylor. Fresh out of college himself, he's always looking for story tips, photo ideas and social media mentions. Email him at ltaylor@news-gazette.com and he'll give chase.

The Illini Union will host its first drag brunch today, thanks to UI student and Union Board health and wellness director Noelle Johnson.

The Union has hosted spring semester drag events in the past, but Johnson wanted to make one happen in the fall, too.

"That idea stems with the desire to create spaces for events like this year-round," Johnson said.

Having a brunch instead of just a performance made it distinct from the other event.

Rather than finding individual performers herself, Johnson reached out to Kelasia Karmikal, a drag queen who the Union has also worked with on previous shows to book a whole group of performers.

She'll be there along with Jess Schlipf, Anja McClain and Ceduxion Carrington and more.

Johnson will have some informational booths set up to bring her health and wellness role into the event, but she didn't choose a theme for the show.

"One of the best things about planning events is seeing the creative freedom given to our performers. I am always blown away by their craft," Johnson said.

The show starts at 11:30 a.m. but day-of tickets are available starting at 8 a.m. when the Quad Shop opens.

Student tickets are $15 and general admission is $20; buffet-style brunch is included.

If brunch isn't your style, Karmikal and crew will also be heading down to Eastern Illinois this evening for a 7 p.m. performance in that Union.