Sir Vex ends her performance with a bang. Photo by Finlee Matejcek

On Saturday, March 22, attendees of the Queer and Allied Student Union’s drag show were transported into the world of a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. There were playing cards and flowers at every turn filling the room with color and whimsy. With doors opening at 11:30, the brunch was QASU's first daytime drag show in their many years of hosting a drag event every semester.

“We wanted to make an even more special experience for the campus community to come hang out and have a meal and sweet treats on the table and watch a good show during the day,” said R.B. Brooks, advisor for QASU. “They traditionally have always done this as a Saturday evening thing but wanted to try doing a drag brunch because those seem to be really popular in general and so we wanted to try that out.”

It was a hit, according to attendee Lillian Thum, who was most excited for the food (the costumes were the runner up). Thum helped set up decorations for the event and attended last semester's show.

“The one last semester, incredible! The costumes were incredible and I'm looking forward to a similar level of awesomeness,” Thum said before the show began.

Tables decorated and filled with treats. Photo by Finlee Matejcek

This level was achieved through the costumes and stage presence. The show featured performances from More Maeve, who doubled as the host, Roxie Rose, Mx Mercury and Sister Francise Beaverhausen. There was a captivating mix of songs, ranging from “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” by Celien Dion to “The Diner” by Billie Eilish.

Performer Carmen Dioxide performed “Hot In Herre” by Nelly and went on to unbutton their shirt to reveal an homage to their name, hinting at global warming.

The crowd goes wild as Carmen Dioxide preforms "Hot In Herre" by Nelly. Photo by Finlee Matejcek

The show featured a Cutest Mug Contest which, as the host had to clarify, had nothing to do with face cards. Guests were invited to bring their own coffee mugs and during intermission, the crowd got to vote on which mug was the cutest. The winner was a handmade Pikachu mug with a tail for the handle.

The show included crazy dance moves, hilarious crowd interactions and gorgeous costumes. QASU encourages everyone to attend and perform at their shows – students and community members alike.

“It's a combination of students who are interested in performing maybe for the very first time and then community folks who maybe do drag out in some of the local venues in Duluth,” Brooks said.

Near the end of the show, Sir Vex took the stage. She has been a performer her whole life but only recently began doing drag last semester. She has felt a strong sense of belonging since joining the drag community and evidently, brings a lot of confidence to the stage.

“It didn't matter what your experience level was, they were just very open and very friendly and would banter with you, so it's very nice,” Sir Vex said. “Considering I've been performing for a little while now I've found that drag and the people in it, at least here, they're very nice and were very open.”

Though the next drag show won't be until the fall, the next general meeting for the Queer and Allied Student Union is April 16, 6-8 p.m. in the Lakeview Room. Find more information about QASU on its website.

QASU Presents a Drag Show for the Ages