UMD’s Queer and Allied Student Union’s Spring 2023 Drag Show
Student organization QASU held their semester drag show on March 18, and the theme for this semester’s drag show was space.
The QASU Executive Board, from left to right, Izzy Scozzari, Program Coordinator; Jane Fuhrman, Financial Coordinator; Katt Kaufman, Office Coordinator; Ti Tait, Chairperson; Emma Kenkel, Publicity Coordinator; R.B. Brooks, ODI Advisor
The Queer and Allied Student Union is the main organization on-campus for queer identifying individuals, and their focus for programming throughout the academic year is solely focused on providing a safe space for those who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies of those identities. Their mission is to celebrate the diversity and culture of the queer community, create a sense of belonging among members, educate themselves and the campus community on queer related issues, empower queer individuals and organizations, and advocate for inclusion, equality and social justice.
Each semester, the student organization holds a drag show in the Kirby Ballroom for students to attend and experience an aspect of queer culture. The executive board members include Ti Tait, Chairperson; Emma Kenkel, Publicity Coordinator; Jane Fuhrman, Financial Coordinator; Izzy Scozzari, Program Coordinator; and Katt Kaufman, Office Coordinator. All students, faculty, staff and the public are invited to experience the show and to support the performers and QASU.
Performer Roxy Toxin performing "This is Why." Photo taken by Jude Bass.
“After all the work we put into this show, seeing it all come together was amazing. I’m so proud of our board and our members,” said Katt Kaufman, QASU’s office coordinator.
Each performer is in charge of their own act and the performance that they give. The performers include both students and outside performers that are welcome to perform how they please. The main act is usually lip synching to a song, however, one participant performed a rap poem piece and another sang for theirs. Ticket sales go towards QASU’s funding, paying for the decorations, performers, host and food for the show, as well as future programming for the organization.
Performer and Host Baby Cakes performing "Starstruck." Photo taken by Jude Bass.
The ballroom was filled to the brim with audience members and volunteers that helped during the show as well as before and after for setup.
“I’m very glad we can offer such an inclusive event for all LGBTQ+ people, allies, those learning about our community and anyone who attended the show to get a glimpse of LGBTQ+ culture,” said Kaufman. “We do our best to provide a supportive environment for all, including new drag performers getting their start and those attending their first drag show or LGBTQ+ event.”
QASU will be holding their next show during the Fall 2023 semester. They meet every other Wednesday from 6pm until 8pm in the Multicultural Center, Kirby 268.