The Queer Student Alliance (QSA) at Cleveland State University held its cabaret on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in Berkman Hall Auditorium, featuring performances that highlight the importance of protecting queer art, culture and identity.
The event delivered a range of entertainment, including drag, singing, violin and a comedy act, all presented by LGBTQ+ students and allies. The cabaret was organized by QSA to create a space where students could freely express themselves through art and performance.
QSA Vice President Maggie Natt, who performs under the drag name "Butch Thespian" served as the event's host, providing humor and charisma while keeping the audience engaged when transitioning between acts.
Following the performances, QSA leaders reflected on the purpose of the cabaret and its impact on students. QSA President Hope Rogers and Vice President Maggie Natt organized the event with the goal of creating a welcoming space for students to connect through art.
“It was an idea that Maggie and I had to try and bring people together,” Rogers said. “I was hoping for people to be able to come to the show and just exist together for a while.”
Natt, who also hosted the event while performing two drag numbers, said the cabaret plays a key role in fostering safety and connection for queer students and their allies.
“I think they can help create creative and meaningfully safe spaces for queer students,” Natt said.
Natt added that the performances were meant to show students that queerness and self-expression can take many forms.
“You can be openly and visibly queer in so many different ways,” said Natt.
Rogers said organizing the cabaret required coordination and flexibility, particularly after the event date was moved and some performers dropped out. She ultimately added another performance herself to fill the program.
“Our number one goal is to be a safe place for queer people and allies alike,” Rogers said. “I hope people who came to the show enjoyed it and feel inclined to get more involved with QSA.”
With drag, music and comedy, the cabaret left students inspired, entertained and reminded of the importance of queer creativity and community.
Recent News
CSU and regional partners host 3rd annual College Fest
More than 900 students from 30 different regional institutions networked with around 80 employers at the 3rd annual College Fest, held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Sept. 9, 2026.
Rhode Tower library gets a facelift after flood
While access to the library remains temporarily restricted, multiple resources are still available to students as the semester winds down. The library thanks FAST and its own employees who worked so hard to restore the library to full functionality, which is expect by the start of the fall semester.
The Stater Scoop - Women's History Month
In this Women's History Month edition of The Stater Scoop, Cleveland Stater staff members Nicole, Kirsten and Morgan discussed how their identities as women have impacted their lives.
The Stater Scoop - Episode 1
We’re excited to announce a new podcast from The Cleveland Stater – The Stater Scoop! Each episode, we’ll welcome different guests from around campus to talk with members of our newsroom.
Cleveland’s best-kept cultural secret returns to the stage at CSU
Cleveland State in April hosted for the 48th time the nation’s largest Carnatic music festival, one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in the world.
The Stater Scoop - FUBU: For us, by us
Built on the spirit of “For Us, By Us,” a phrase rooted in culture and legacy, this episode opens by honoring Queen Latifah’s powerful track 1993 anthem “U.N.I.T.Y.” Host Alexis Stradford welcomes reporters Aria Ruiz, Alonzo Anderson and Derek Williams to the podcast studio for a thoughtful conv
Don't miss the the student-run CSU Chamber Collective
The concert March 6 in Drinko Recital Hall will showcase student initiative, creativity and collaboration across the School of Music.
CSU grad builds a brand and career in music marketing
Alexis Figlar graduates from Cleveland State in 2023. Since then, she's turned internship connections, a self-made portfolio and a personal art business into a growing career in Cleveland’s music industry.
CSU graduate leads civic growth for Cleveland’s Latine community
Cleveland State alumna Selina Pagan has transformed the volunteer-led Young Latino Network into a growing nonprofit while advancing civic engagement, cultural education and leadership opportunities for Latine residents.
Safety inside an urban university under scrutiny
CSU’s open Student Center exposes contradictions between accessibility and security as students and the public share space on a downtown campus.
When the tennis gets petty, the petty turn pro
What do tennis players and their coaches make of the histrionics we see on court these days?
I’m graduating, now what?
Cleveland State University students preparing to graduate gathered at the Student Center Innerlink April 14-16 for the "I'm Graduating, Now What?” event, hosted by Career Development and Exploration, to gain career guidance, resources and connections for life a
Kent State honors fashion icon, Fern Mallis shows what CSU could have
When fashion icon Fern Mallis is inducted into Kent State University’s School of Fashion Hall of Fame this May, students there won’t just be reading a
CSU students give the dining hall mixed reviews
With the updates to the dining experience at Cleveland State over the past couple of years, especially the revamp of the dining hall, The Stater thought it was time for a restaurant review – and not everybody is happy.
CSU student films to show at this year’s CIFF
Film and media arts students Elliot Lanzer and Malakee McGuire will see their student-produced works on the silver screen at this year's Cleveland International Film Festival, the 50th anniversary of the renowned regional showcase.
Cleveland Magazine staff share industry insights with CSU students
Cleveland State University students got an inside look at the evolving media landscape when staff members from Cleveland Magazine<
CSU hosts Special Olympics basketball event for local students
Volunteers and athletes connected through inclusive activities, building skills, confidence and community ahead of future events in Cleveland.
Rising student demand and the CSU Counseling Center
As mental health needs grow on campus, CSU officials outline how students are prioritized and connected to care.
CSU senior to host benefit show at Treelawn Social Club
“This concert has become a way for all of us to come together for one night and carry on the music in their honor,” said Anna Skalicki, a senior CSU studio art major.
CSU graduate student’s research offers hope for blood disorder patients
Ph.D. candidate Anita Dhara studies how molecules in red blood cells could help patients with sickle cell anemia and beta thalassemia breathe easier and reduce painful symptoms.
Students for a Just Society launches at CSU
The new student organization aims to build student-led organizing, foster political education, and connect Cleveland State students with regional activism efforts.
Commentary: Student rights and campus safety in the age of ICE
CSU students need clear information about their rights and safety as immigration enforcement in Ohio and nationwide raises concern, particularly for international and migrant students.
Building belonging: How one student athlete created a space for many
After navigating taxes, visas and internship barriers as an international student from Ireland, Ellie Mickibbin founded a dedicated support system to help future student-athletes adjust and succeed.
Greek letters signify Black excellence at CSU
Sorority Zeta Phi Beta and fraternity Phi Beta Sigma are two organizations at Cleveland State which embody the achievements of Black students, highlighting the excellence that Black History Month honors every year.
Immigrant embraces the America that has embraced her
Beloved Cleveland entertainer Bella Sin shares how living undocumented impacted their survival, self-identity, and quest for belonging in America. “Queer nightlife gave me a place to be fully myself, loved and accepted."
