Stories

An Interview with CAH event organizer Dr. Danielle Morgan

By Clara Helm ’25

In a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and artistic expression, Santa Clara University’s Center for Arts and Humanities (CAH) hosted “Queening Out,” a drag queen performance and Q&A session featuring local talents Alpha Andromeda and Jah Jah Feel. The event drew inspiration from CAH’s mission to harness the transformative power of the arts and humanities.

“One of the major goals of the CAH is creating an on-campus space that underscores the transformative power of the arts and humanities,” says Dr. Danielle Morgan, Associate Director of CAH and one of the event organizers.“Engagement with the arts offers us a way to embrace the Common Good, fostering a more beautiful and inclusive world.”

Dr. Morgan emphasized that “Queening Out” provided students not only the opportunity to witness the dazzling performances but also to engage in meaningful dialogue with the queens. The event was structured to highlight underrepresented voices, allowing the performers to discuss the personal and political significance of drag.

Both Alpha Andromeda and Jah Jah Feel, hailing from the thriving South Bay drag scene, brought their unique flair and humor to the event. “I was definitely star struck,” Dr. Morgan, recalling previous experiences watching Alpha Andromeda perform. “They were both so kind and talented; it was a real treat to work with them.”

Both drag queens put on events in San Jose, and post their instagrams at @alpha.andromeda and @JahJahFeelMe when and where they’ll be performing next.

Despite coinciding with midterm exams, the event saw a commendable turnout. “It was a joyful, inclusive, and educational experience, which reflects the spirit we seek to inspire,” Dr. Morgan notes. Attendees were enthusiastic, engaging in thoughtful discussions on topics ranging from beauty standards to political issues, all facilitated by the charismatic MC, Bernell Nevil III from the Office of Multicultural Learning (OML).

Dr. Morgan reflected on the significance of such events in shaping students’ understanding of gender and art, particularly in today’s societal climate. “Both gender and art are social constructs that invite play and invention,” she explained. “It’s about deciding how to conform to or defy the rules.”

On a personal note, Dr. Morgan was proud of the excitement generated within the campus community. She highlighted a memorable piece of advice from the queens: “If you want to do drag, you have to accept that you’ll be terrible at it until you aren’t. Just do it and keep doing it.” This resonates deeply, reinforcing the importance of authenticity and the courage to take risks.

With hopes for more such events in the future, the professor encourages students to stay engaged and explore the rich tapestry of art and community that events like “Queening Out” create.