From 7:00 to 10:00 PM this Saturday, April 15th, 2023,  performers from Fairbanks’ own Klondike Drag will be performing at the Wood Center Pub here on campus. Hosted by Miss Oasis and featuring incredible performers such as IceWatah, Avery Whytman, and Osha Violation, this will undoubtedly be an event to remember.

One thing is certain: this will be fun. The amazing lineup of Klondike personalities will feature a little bit of everything, from camp, to high fashion, to edgy rock and alternative music. Drag is a celebration of queer life, a performance and a party all at once—if you’re going to one event on campus, this is the one you can’t miss.

But even more than that, drag is a powerful method of self-expression that builds community. In the words of the legendary performer and Klondike Drag Coordinator IceWatah: “Drag is an art form to express ourselves and tell our stories of our lives and struggles. I think drag benefits students as creating a safe place for the LGBTQIA2S+ community to gather and just celebrate each other.” 

The community importance of drag is especially important at this moment, said IceWatah, with a high volume of anti-trans legislation coming into national discussion. You can see a map of anti-trans bills in the U.S. from the ACLU here. She writes, “It’s a very crucial time in the world to protect drag as they are trying to remove it from many states around the country, as well as protect our Trans family members in the community to make sure we show we are here to support and uplift them.” One performer, she says, “has dedicated numbers in their performances to show activism for these laws going around the state.” 

For anyone 21+ on campus this Saturday, this will be a great time to come together for a fun night of community solidarity and support.

Tickets are $5 at the door with your UAF ID, or $10 for the general public. Make sure to bring some cash to tip the performers! This will certainly be a night to remember.