Compiled By: Savanny Savath, Staff Writer
Wofford almnus Patti O”Furniture spoke to the OG&B in an exclusive interview.
When and why did you start drag performances?
I started performing on October 11, 1998 at the University of South Carolina. I was the advisor to the USC LGBTQ student group, and they were sponsoring their big annual campus drag show and needed to raise some money to cover the event’s expenses. I told them that if they raised the money, I would host the show in drag – and they had the money the next week!
What does drag mean to you?
Drag literally is an acronym for “dressed resembling a girl,” but to me, it is theatre! I’ve always been an actor (including four shows while I was at Wofford), and by creating this character of Patti O’Furniture, I get to act and hopefully entertain awide ranges of audiences.
When and how did you get involved with Upstate Pride?
I’m a native of Spartanburg, and even though I do not live in the Upstate currently, I kept up with the challenges of the early years of the festival (and the amazing support of Mayor White and other community leaders). Four years ago when the festival moved to Barnet Park, I was invited to entertain based on my connections to the Spartanburg community. And each year, I must do something they like because the board of Pride keeps asking me back!
Describe your experiences at the Upstate Pride march and festival. What has been your most memorable moment?
Easily the most memorable moment for me was the very first year I was the emcee. I performed the opening number, and I walk out on stage and see all these people in my hometown for a Pride festival. I was overwhelmed, and then I looked over and saw my mother in the crowd. It was the first time any member of my family had ever seen me perform. I was so emotional that I don’t know how I was able to perform, but the show went on (and then mom came back stage and hugged me).
Since you are a Wofford alumnus, can you tell me how Wofford was in regard to the LGBT community? How has it changed, if at all?
When I was at Wofford (1988-1992), there really was no LGBT community. No student organizations. No college policies. No open students. Since then, many of us have come out, but it just was not something that was part of the campus culture back then (to put things in perspective, the Olin Building opened my senior year). I remember being invited back to campus about five years ago to speak on a panel about LGBT campus climate, and I was the only alumnus who was not in their 20s, and then last spring, to be invited to perform in a drag show in Leonard Auditorium! For me, that performance rivaled my first time at Upstate Pride (and I applaud Jayce O’Shields, Class of 2015, for coordinating it).
Can you describe Upstate Pride to someone who has never experienced it before?
Upstate Pride, more that any LGBT Pride festival I have attended, is a family-friendly celebration where the people and businesses of Spartanburg and the Upstate come together to show what a diverse and supportive community we live in. There are no big national headliners or drag queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race – we celebrate the variety of talent within our community. I always enjoy seeing my non-LGBT friends in the crowd enjoying the entertainment, vendors and great energy that was perfectly summarized by this year’s theme:peace, love and pride.
Are any additional comments you have?
I am proud to be from Spartanburg (all my family still lives there) and to be a Terrier. I am proud to know that my hometown and my college are creating an environment that celebrates and honors diversity, acceptance and growth. I can’t wait to see everyone next year for Upstate Pride 2016!
To read about Upstate Pride, check out our print edition, or click here!
