Correct contestants, also known as Queertestants, in the Queer Spelling Bee sponsored by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center danced to "The Hokey Pokey" in victory while the incorrect contestants were banned to the "Corner of Shame."
The spelling bee was held as part of the Pride Week festivities in the LGBT center Saturday night. All words were taken from lists created by the U's LGBT resource center staff and volunteers. The list included words such as debonair, fag hag and Degeneres-the last name of comedian and talk show host Ellen.
Queertestants were asked to say all their words with a lisp. They were also instructed to refer to the spelling bee's facilitator, Kellie Foreman, as "Master" and with each word, say "Master, can you please use the word queerly in the form of a sentence or statement?" The grand winner was Anastasia Niedrich, a pre-law junior at Utah Valley State College.
"I think everyone did a really good job. I'd like to thank the center and the U for funding the event," said Niedrich, who won a $30 gift certificate to Coffee Garden and a mug.
The three judges included the Executive Director for Equality Utah Mike Thompson and board members Brandie Balken and Jim Rengstorf.
h.graham@chronicle.utah.edu
