The Barometer Online

Issue date: 5/15/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Cory Reed Laura Harris, a sophomore in English, and Padrai McGraw, a freshman in computer science, wrestle in a swimming pool of lubricant Thursday afternoon in the MU Quad.

Anyone walking through the MU Quad Thursday around noon probably noticed an increase in the number of cross-dressers present and the unusual and unavoidable presence of lube.

That was because the Lube Olympics were being held in the MU Quad as part of Pride Week.

The event featured a large kiddy pool filled with a mixture of lubricants and water. Two contestants would then get in the pool and attempt to pin each other.

"You know the slime that you see in movies?" said Brittany Duffy-Goche, co-director of the Pride Week planning committee. "It's basically that."

It may sound simple, but anyone brave enough to try admitted that it was not as easy as it looked.

"[It was] probably not a good idea to do it only an hour after I gave blood, but it was fun, very slippery," said Josh Gardener, who was on his way from the Red Cross Blood Drive when he decided to participate.

"Pride Week always has the best events. They're not afraid to get crazy," said senior Ashley Jarrett. "The campus enjoys it."

Passers-by gave in to their curiosity as they walked through the busy area to witness the flying slime.

"I had to stop by the MU. Now I'm on my way to work," said Eric Betts, a graduate student in computer science.

"I figured it would be a good place to stop and kill some time."

After the Lube Olympics came drag racing, but not the kind most people would think of.

This kind of drag racing consisted of two participants being given one minute to dress themselves and put on make-up.

Then participants would run around an obstacle course with a water-filled condom before ending at the graffiti wall to create whatever masterpiece they could in one minute.

"It was fun. I think I added a little more flair than my rival," said Alex Nguyen, who was able to gracefully recover from a stumble during his turn on the obstacle course.

The winner received two free tickets to the sold-out Drag Show, which is taking place tonight in the MU Ballroom.

Most would agree the events are very light and entertaining, but the true purpose of activities like these is to raise awareness around campus for the LGBTQ community.

"I feel like the institution is willing, but I feel like the awareness of queer issues is not there," Duffy-Goche said.

Pride Week is coordinated by the Rainbow Continuum, a social organization located in the Pride Center.

"We are a safe place to go and hang out," Duffy-Goche said.

Rebecca Johnson, senior reporter

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231

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