A breakout star of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' hails from just outside Rochester
If you’re a fan of “RuPaul's Drag Race,” you likely already know and love season 13 star Utica Queen.
Raised in Utica, Minnesota — a town of about 300 just east of Rochester — Ethan Mundt started performing drag in the Twin Cities while a student at Hamline University. Then, just as the world began to shut down because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the 26-year-old auditioned for “RuPaul's Drag Race.” He spent the summer of 2020 competing on the show inside a precautionary bubble in Los Angeles.
Utica Queen was in the top 6 before being eliminated in the 12th episode.
Fans of Utica Queen here in Minnesota have a new way to connect with the drag queen. A new exhibit at the Rochester Art Center called “Homecoming Queen” takes visitors into the world of Utica Queen; showcasing garments, designs and accessories Mundt created on the Emmy Award-winning reality TV show.
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Mundt gave host Cathy Wurzer a sneak peek at the exhibition and shared some stories from his time on “RuPaul's Drag Race.”
“Homecoming Queen” runs through April 4 at the Rochester Art Center. If you’re a Utica Queen fan but can't make it to Rochester, you can attend the exhibit through a fully navigable virtual gallery to get in on the fun.
Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.
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