QSA hosts first live drag show since 2019

In front of a packed SUB Ballroom A on Saturday, March 26, the Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) hosted “Awaken,” the first in-person drag show since 2019. Led by local drag queen Hex Shadow, the evening featured ten performers including both drag queens and kings. 

Energizing numbers with props, whips, flying wigs and more filled the evening. Attendees ran to the stage to throw cash to their favorite queens and kings as they performed their dancing and lip-syncing routines. Awaken was an evening of lively participation and camaraderie, an atmosphere missing as of late due to the pandemic.

COVID-19  forced QSA to host the 2020 and 2021 drag shows virtually. Lena Gatner, event coordinator for Awaken, explained why having a live drag show is so important.  “What the drag show means is everyone coming together as a community to have this fun event and also have the greater Bozeman area be exposed to the larger drag scene as well as increasing awareness of our club (QSA),” Gatner said. “My main goal as an event coordinator is to create a safe space for people who feel like they don't belong anywhere. For me, getting the drag show and other events back will help create a space where we feel safe, welcome, and accepted despite who we are.”

In addition to the Drag Show, QSA hosts weekly meetings and other events such as guest presentations and clothing drives. To get involved and keep up to date with future QSA events, follow @qsa_msu on Instagram.