Sophomore Peter Baryshnikov attended Dragfest on Friday, April 4. Here, he describes his gender-bending experience:

Q: Why did you choose to attend this year’s Dragfest?

A: It’s the most fun party of the year ’cause you can just go crazy and be completely loose and no one judges you. Everyone’s just goofing off and having fun, so it’s no pressure.  

Q: Did you feel like you acted differently toward other people when you were dressed in drag?

A: Oh yeah. I was really outgoing for absolutely no reason. I called to a bunch of people on the street while I was walking over there, like “Hey girlfriend, what’s happenin’!” It was like Theta formal times-a-gajillion –– really obnoxious and loud.  

Q: What was your favorite part of the dance?

A: Getting dressed with all my friends. Most of the fun happens before you even get there. Taking pictures and looking at how your friends interpret their roles is really a lot of fun.

Q: What do you think you will do differently next year?

A: I’ve worn dresses for two years in a row, maybe next year I’ll go with a skirt. Maybe even a miniskirt. Also, I don’t wear a bra, but maybe next year I’ll try to get some curves. Like a Victoria’s Secret Wonderbra.  

Q: Is there anything you’d like to add?

A: You should go to the dance to stretch your comfort zone, because that’s very important in college. You will regret it if you don’t go!

A note from Peter’s personal stylist, sophomore Olivia Jones:

“He was wearing a purple racerback dress, and it was a short bouncy little thing, which is why I’m really glad he wore spandex underneath. He had some previous hairstyling prep from a friend, who straightened his hair. But see, his hair is a little short and quite voluminous, so straightening it was just like ‘Bazhoom! Dandelion!’ So I had to use quite a bit of gel to try to relax it a little bit, and it was somewhat effective. And we did a side part, which was kind of cute.”