On July 24, 2024, UFV’s first ever Queens and Cocktails was hosted by Vancouver drag queens Mina Mercury and Sisi Sinatra. Queens and Cocktails is an interactive mixology event, a night of entertainment and banter topped off with delicious drinks and fabulous company. Mercury is an established Vancouver drag queen who is best known for her impersonations and event hosting within the drag community. Sinatra is a Montreal queen who moved her art to Vancouver in recent years. Both of their artistic abilities shone through their physical presence while showcasing the magic of drag.
The evening took place in the Student Union Building’s restaurant space, decorated by the Student Union Society (SUS) to create a vibrant and exciting environment. Snacks, including popcorn and candy, were provided as well as everything needed to create the evening’s signature cocktails, with custom coasters and recipe cards. The queens made a grand entrance performance, strutting to ABBA, exciting the crowd, and setting the scene for the evening. Once the initial excitement settled, Sinatra and Mercury began the conversation through introductions and funny anecdotes that further developed comfort and happiness in the room. Sinatra and Mercury guided the attendees through creating the evening’s two featured cocktails: Rise & Pride and Taste the Rainbow! The drinks were easy to create while being rewardingly delicious and included both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.
The night wrapped up with a surprise performance from a volunteer in the crowd. Pulled up to the front by the queens, our UFV crowd member gave into the stardom and put on a great show alongside Mercury and Sinatra. It was vibrant and brilliantly funny; the whole group was having a good time. The grand finale was not the queens, but more crowd members brought up to the front for an epic dance battle. They lip-synced for their life, and did they ever show us what they got! It was non-stop entertainment and fun from everyone involved. The night drew to a close with a touching speech of gratitude from Sinatra and Mercury. They spoke of how significant it is to bring the drag scene into diverse places, and to spread love and affection toward such a great community.
Reflecting on this night provides me with nothing but joy. Though no plans have been made, it would be fantastic to have this event become recurring. SUS does a wonderful job of hosting events for all students to enjoy, so definitely keep an eye out for what they have next. If you get the chance to attend a drag event — DO IT! Follow updates through the Student Union Society’s website and social media to get your tickets to any upcoming events! Events such as these are special, and I am grateful to have been a part of this one.
