Roman Catholic teachings are against homosexuality, including the act of inappropriately dressing up like the opposite sex. A Catholic college in Ohio, however, allowed men dressed in flashy women's clothes to perform in its campus last Wednesday.
In a surprise move, the University of Dayton hosted an event featuring the so-called "Rubi Girls," which is a group of gay men aged 30 to 50 who supposedly perform "charity-driven, comedic drag performances."
The "drag troupe" is said to be composed of "elementary school teachers, a clinical counselor, a filmmaker and business owners" dressed up as females and wearing heavy makeup to entertain their audience.
The event, entitled "Rubi Girls: Transformation, An Interactive Experience," was advertised as an opportunity to know more about the drag culture.
"Take a behind the scenes look at the transformative process of a drag queen. Get up close and personal with members of the Rubi Girls in an interactive event as you watch them transform before you," a flyer for the event read, as quoted by LifeSite News.
Apparently bothered by this event, the civil society group Cardinal Newman Society, which promotes and defends faithful Catholic education, asked officials of the University of Dayton to explain why it is staging a show featuring homosexuals.
The school officials were particularly asked what value will this show bring to students, and if the event would challenge Catholic Church teachings on gender and human sexuality.
Seemingly unfazed, the university authorities answered by saying that the show will teach students about "drag culture," which is supposedly considered as an "artistic expression."
"This was an educational program — not a show — with learning outcomes that included an educational discussion," the university officials responded, as quoted by LifeSite News.
"The program did not challenge Church teaching; it examined an artistic expression in our culture and conveyed a strong message about appreciation for and respecting of human dignity," they added.
