Across the country, fraternities often have a reputation of being hubs of toxic masculinity. A Latino-based fraternity at DePaul University hosted an event on April 2 hoping to change that.
Sigma Lambda Beta hosted the show—Purple Reign Extravaganza II: A Star-Studded Drag Showcase on Dismantling Machismo & Gender Equity—featuring six drag performers and hosted by performer Luna Eclipse. Following each performance, each person spoke about what dismantling machismo means to them.
Machismo, coming from the Spanish word “macho,” describes the stereotypical traditional idea of men needing to be both manly and a provider, but can also reflect ideas of dominance and aggression. As a topic that often comes up in Latino spaces, Sigma Lambda Beta chose to feature it as a topic for the show.
Will Velazquez, the fraternity’s Central Regional Director, said this type of show can bring the younger generation together and make a change. Part I of the program took place in a smaller show two years ago—this year’s larger and more elaborate show was possible in part due to a fraternity event grant he had encouraged the chapter to apply for.
“It opens an opportunity to talk about this on a grander scale,” he said. “Not just a chapter, not just a region, but nationwide. It’s an opportunity for us to grow as a fraternity and grow as people too.”
