MSU Student Drag Show Celebrates Self-Expression

Annual event encourages students to explore gender identity through performance art

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a drag queen's wig in a repeating grid pattern, capturing the energy and creativity of the student drag show at MSU.The annual student drag show at MSU celebrates self-expression and gender diversity through vibrant, unapologetic performance art.Moorhead Today

The LGBT center at Minnesota State University (MSU) hosts an annual student drag show in Ostrander Auditorium, providing a supportive space for students to express themselves through fashion, song, and dance. The event, which is free for students to attend and participate in, has evolved from a small showcase to a fully student-run production featuring a diverse array of performers.

Why it matters

The student drag show at MSU offers a rare opportunity for young people to explore their gender identity and expression in a judgment-free environment. As drag culture continues to gain mainstream popularity, these types of campus events play a crucial role in fostering self-acceptance and building inclusive communities.

The details

Organizer Graeson Quast, who also emceed and performed as Venom Valentine, spearheaded the shift to a fully student-run drag show. Previously, the event had featured a mix of student and professional performers, but Quast wanted to create a space where more students could try drag without the pressure of competition. The most recent show featured student performers such as Multi Tool, Dez, Sugarcane, Gwen Facine, Queerly Blind, Cerulean Sunbird, and Tara Foo Foo, as well as MSU alumni Wanda Gag and Miss Avo Cado.

  • The annual student drag show at MSU has been a tradition for many years.
  • The most recent show, which was the third edition featuring only student performers, took place in April 2026.

The players

Graeson Quast

The organizer of the MSU student drag show, who also performed as Venom Valentine.

Andrew Hipsher

A student who made his drag debut as Tara Foo Foo at the recent show.

Tyler Hillukka

A student who attended the drag show for the first time and was impressed by the student performers.

LGBT Center at MSU

The campus organization that hosts the annual student drag show.

Ostrander Auditorium

The venue where the MSU student drag show takes place.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's just really cool to see all the different styles and interpretations that people have. It's just really cool to see how people express themselves and what songs they choose, and if there's a reason why. It's just really fun … I love being connected with my community, and being able to have a space where people can have fun for a night is really important to me.”

— Graeson Quast, Organizer and Performer

“I wanted to try something new and explore my gender expression. I have always enjoyed drag shows and drag culture, but only from an audience standpoint. I have always been a performer … drag is the exact kind of performance that I have wanted to experience.”

— Andrew Hipsher, Performer

“I'd never been to a drag show before, so this was my first time. I don't know what I was expecting going into it, but I do know I was blown away, especially by the student performers. The quality of the costume work that they put into it was really cool to see. I also really liked the song choices that they chose to lip sync along to, and I was overall really happy that I actually ended up going to it.”

— Tyler Hillukka, Audience Member

What’s next

The LGBT Center at MSU plans to continue hosting the annual student drag show, providing a supportive platform for students to explore self-expression through performance art.

The takeaway

The student drag show at MSU represents a growing trend of campus events that celebrate gender diversity and foster inclusive communities. By creating a judgment-free space for students to experiment with drag, the university is empowering young people to embrace their authentic selves.