Pattirini Pageant
2023 — Divine Dynasties
Contestants
Fanny Fiction
April Flowers
Starlett Mars Magazine
Plexi Glass
Rovie Wade
Background
In 2023, we hosted the "Pattirini Pageant: Divine Dynasties," highlighting ancient queer history. Through deep research, we discovered fascinating stories and created a series of videos, which you can find in this YouTube playlist. Our message for the night emphasized that queerness is a timeless aspect of the human experience, celebrating the legacy of our queer ancestors to inspire a more inclusive future.
History Told
Some of the stories included Sappho of Lesbos' poetic celebrations of same-sex love and the Sacred Band of Thebes, an elite military unit of gay couples. This year we also explored the burial of a seemingly non-binary Viking leader. We hoped to demonstrated the diverse expressions of gender and sexuality across different cultures and eras.
2022 — Let Live
Contestants
Lexi Gold
Jaliah J
Charity Heels
Chris Tall
Background
In 2022, we presented "Pattirini Pageant: Let Live," an event that focused on telling the stories of the queer BYU community over the course of several decades. Highlighting our own history and the history of BYU's queer community is vital to us, and this year we produced and published a series of historical context videos which told the incredible story of resilence of our community at BYU
History Told
The stories included the experiences of Earl Kofoed, who recalled a thriving gay community at BYU in 1946, and the shift in the 1950s and 60s when public opinion turned hostile and BYU began harmful policies and projects such as aversion therapy programs under Ernest Wilkinson's administration. Despite the hostile environment, queer students continued to form tight-knit communities, showing remarkable resilience and camaraderie until the present day. Please take some time to watch these historical context videos to learn more.
2021 — Pioneer Realness
Contestants
Lizzie McQueen
Veronika DaVil
Madazon Can-Can
Mya DVRSTY
Nancy Raygun
Background
In October 2021, we hosted our first-ever drag show, "Pattirini Pageant: Pioneer Realness." This unique event celebrated the rich history of early queer pioneers in Utah. Our goal in creating this event was to foster a connection between the BYU community and the drag community, and we believe the creation of the Pattirini Pageant was instrumental in achieving this. We are so proud of the Pattirini Pageant and it all started in 2021.
History Told
With immense help from historian Connell O'Donovan, we were able to compile several stories of queer pioneers in Utah. Louie B. Felt and May Anderson, who lived together and who many historians believe were a lesbian couple, were highlighted for their founding of the LDS Primary and the Primary Children’s Hospital. Another fascinating story was that of Eva McCleery, one of Utah's earliest known transgender people, who lived as a man for many years before revealing her true identity as Eva McCleery, despite societal pressures and personal struggles.
Performers brought these stories — and many others — to life with performances; the event was a poignant tribute to Utah's queer history. The Pattirini Pageant not only honored these historical figures but also provided an entertaining and educational experience, celebrating the resilience and contributions of the queer community.