QASU’s Drag Show is a valuable form of expression for all
All 11 performers posing for a final picture as the drag show ends. Photo by Abigael Smith
Red stilettos, black lace, fishnets, and corsets - stir it all with sparkling acrylic nails and you have the Queer and Allied Student Union’s (QASU) 2019 Drag Show. Originally hosted by Androgyna Galaxy, a beloved drag performer who’s been to UMD numerous times for this annual event - drag performers hit the stage in vibrant beards and heels (sometimes both) on Saturday, Oct.12, 2019.
Tickets were $5 in advance, and $10 at the door. The show began at 7 p.m. and audience members anxiously fiddled with dollar ones, for the performers, between their fingers.
It wasn’t long after QASU’s Jace Aspling introduced himself that he announced Androgyna Galaxy would not be able to attend the show. “Kit”, “Dino” and “Miss Dayve” hosted the remainder of the night.
Drag queen, Miss Dayve, hits the floor in a fabulous performance that amuses and excites the audience. Photo by Abigael Smith
But even without Androgyna Galaxy, the information didn’t disappoint or dull the excitement of the show.
Jace Aspling now holds the chair in QASU while he previously was positioned as Office Coordinator in former years. He was also the first fill-in host of the drag show.
“The performers make me excited for this show every year,” Aspling said. “All the different gender expressions with a wide variety of music — it’s fun.”
As drag show etiquette states, dollar bills are given to performers as a show of respect and support for their performances. As shown, an audience member hands a dollar bill to a drag king. Photo by Abigael Smith
Aspling also said that this show is valuable to the community here at UMD.
“It’s a valuable form of expression for [all] people,” Aspling said. “There’s all these different ways and different drag you can use to express yourself.”
Aspling said people can present themselves with any form of gender expression they’d like without judgement at the drag show.
“It’s great to see different groups coming together to support this show, it means a lot,” Aspling said.
Madame seducing and amusing the crowd. Photo by Abigael Smith
He also performed at the drag show, twice. Once dressed in a masculine outfit, with a button down and dress-pants — the second time washed in pink, wearing a pink dress.
A variety of different organizations collaborated with QASU to support the drag show. Kirby Program Board (KPB), represented by Azrin Awal as Co-Sponsorship Chair of KPB, was one of them.
“QASU definitely stepped it up this year,” Awal said. “Every year this show has been amazing, and I’ve been to eight to nine of these shows.”
Awal also stated that the drag show allows for complete freedom of expression in a safe space.
“It allows you to be yourself, to be creative in a holistic way and discover yourself,” Awal said the UMD community can explore different identities at the show, either by being on stage or simply watching, learning and supporting.
Awal encourages both the UMD and Duluth community to be open to differences that make us unique.
A performer shocking the crowd in a drastic drop with red stilettos on. Photo by Abigael Smith
The Students Engaged in Rewarding Volunteer Experiences (SERVE) organization was also present as a supporting organization, with volunteers in charge of concessions and selling tickets throughout the night.
SERVE member, Grace Welter, said she loves the drag show.
“I love it all,” Welter said. “I love being here and supporting this show.”
Welter said SERVE’s mission is to bridge the gap between the Duluth and UMD community, and supporting the drag show is just one way the organization accomplishes that mission.
“You’re welcome here. Everyone is welcome here and I love that.” Welter said. “What better way to express that mission we have as a community than supporting shows like this?”
Throughout the night, members of QASU reminded everyone that consent is everything, all are welcome, and that we’re all unique in our own beautiful ways.
“You’re all beautiful,” Kit said on stage. “Every single one of you.”
To learn more information about QASU, SERVE, KPB, or questions about the drag show, visit Bulldog Link.
And who knows, if you make an appearance at the drag show next year, you might just get stung by “Hornet” and her wicked lace dress, but be careful - she’ll want to steal your crown.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story suggested that only members of the LGBTQ+ community performed drag, misspelled “Dayve” and the headline has since been changed to be more inclusive.