Traditionally, drag and transgender individuals have been a taboo topic—one easily cast into the back alleys or gay-friendly sections of large cities. Yet anthropology students learned from David Aruquipa Perez, National Director of Cultural Patrimony in the Bolivian Ministry of Education and Culture and drag artist, that drag can also be used as a form of social protest.

Perez’s performing troupe Familia Galan is a group of individuals who fight to transform Bolivian society: to allow people to express who they are and to break out of the boxes and cultural categories/labels that are placed upon people. “We [Familia Galan] fight to allow people to express who they are…to expose a moment of fear that forms a cultural boundary…this, we must tear down,” Perez said

A Drag Workshop offered by Perez Wednesday, Oct. 28 was attended by nearly sixty people. On October 30th, he presented a lecture “Drag in Bolivia & the U.S.” in the Hertage Room of Shriver Hall. A Friday night drag show was attended by more than 160 students, faculty and staff.

The events were organized by anthropologist Susan Paulson, director of Latin American Studies, and sponsored in part by the anthropology department.

In addition, Perez visited several classes and spoke to, and performed for, gatherings of students.

Traditional Bolivian dance has been heavily influenced by the role of transvestites, males playing “female” roles, Perez told his audience Friday. In many important Bolivian celebrations, men have worn flagrant costumes and high heels—often impersonating women and their traditional roles as mothers and homemakers.

Familia Galan is part of a movement to end the hegemonic separation of different identities in Bolivian society, not just straight and gay or male and female, he said.