You could say that I have a bit of an obsession with drag queens. I’ve watched Rupaul’s Drag Race for several years now and can honestly say it has changed my life for the better. Through the show, I’ve found a community that I love and admire! So now I want to pass on my love of drag to anyone who may need it. In this article, I’ll be exploring what drag queens can teach women.
Disclaimer – This isn’t to say that drag queens are trying to teach us to be ‘better’ women or take our place in society. On the contrary, their goal is to entertain but I think there is a lot that drag queens can teach. Drag injects fun and colour in really dreary times and portrays very meaningful messages. As one of my favourite drag queens, Nina West, says, “drag is magic!”.
What is drag?
You may be familiar with the term ‘drag queen’ but do you actually know much about it? It’s a whole lot more than just gay men in a wig.
When I talk about drag to people who aren’t familiar with it, they don’t really get it. They dismiss it as men dressing up because they want to be women (which is not always true) or that they have a few screws loose (some are a bit crazy!).
Drag queens are performers. They’re entertainers, singers, dancers, actors – they do a bit of everything! British drag queens such as Baga Chipz, Cheddar Gorgeous and Virgin Xtravaganzah are men/ non-binary whose drag persona is of a woman/non-binary, who all differ in style. I think it’s important to note that British drag culture is different from Americans, which has been popularised in shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race. British drag doesn’t take itself too seriously – it’s camp, over-the-top and just a bit of fun.
Newsflash! Women can do drag too
One of the main issues with RuPaul’s Drag Race is that they only cast men when really there is so much more to the drag world.
It’s a common misconception that drag is only for men but people from all walks of life can take part in the art, including women. Drag kings are often women who perform a masculine persona. British drag king, Christian Adore provides an honest review of this side of drag culture, which is not as widely known or recognised. An interview with drag kings, Richard Von Wild, Adam All and Benjamin Butch also gives more insight.
But women can also identify as queens. TeTe Bang, Amber Cadaverous and Juno Birch are just a few of many British cis and trans women drag queens. All three have very different styles, showing that there are no limitations when it comes to drag queens.
Where can I come across drag culture?
RuPaul’s Drag Race is a start. Available on Netflix, you’ll find an endless amount of drag queens competing in challenges each week, until one is crowned America’s next top drag queen. The series recently aired its first British version on BBC iPlayer but it’s a fun show that’s to be taken at face value, rather than too seriously.
Other drag shows include horror-themed Boulet Brothers Dragula which crowns the winner ‘America’s Next Drag Supermonster’, as well as Camp Wannakiki which sees drag personalities complete in daily challenges until one is crowned ‘Queen of Camp’. These present both queens and kings, providing a more realistic portrayal of drag culture as a whole.
If you’re interested in something a little more immersive how about a live drag show? From king nights in London to queens touring the UK and even drag bingo, it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new.
So, what can drag queens teach women?
Confidence
In my opinion, the art of confidence is definitely top in terms of what drag queens can teach women. Drag queens say what they like, which can be really cutting or just plain honest. They aren’t afraid to say what they want and stand up for things they believe in. I think we all need a bit of that in our everyday lives.
Queens hide what they don’t like about themselves behind a heavy mask of makeup and flamboyant costumes. Think of how you feel when you dress up for an event. You feel good and think you can conquer the world right? If you applied a little bit of that self-care to your everyday life, you may feel more confident. I’m not telling you to do a full-face of makeup every day (you do you!), but if you feel better with a swish of eyeliner, go for it!
Being unapologetically you
Too often we see people suppress who they really want to be so they can ‘conform to society’. Well, I say no more and so does drag! Have you ever wanted to buy an item of clothing that you felt suited your personality perfectly but were too scared to go for it? Society will always have an opinion on what we should and shouldn’t be so why not just be yourself?
I would definitely recommend having a look at Drag Syndrome, a group of drag performers with Down syndrome. These drag artists show that everyone can be whoever they want to be, regardless of the box that society tries to put you in.
Relatable
Some people forget that drag queens and kings are the same as the rest of us; human beings just trying to make it work. They work hard and hustle to get to where they want to be and for people to take their art seriously.
I know some people who think that drag is just about the flamboyant and the outrageous. Lots of drag acts that I’ve seen focus their performances on what’s going on in the world and make it relevant for everyone. There are beauty, campy, androgynous, impersonation, comedy queens… the list goes on! Drag is limitless and encourages people to be who they want to be without judgement.
The obvious one… makeup
If you haven’t seen a drag queen before, you should definitely have a nosey on social media. You may have an image of a highly exaggerated face, and whilst some do this, some (men in female drag) could pass as women! Some to look at are Blair St. Clair and Valentina. The technique and talent of these performers are beyond belief, which can be seen in the way they paint their face. It’s all an illusion but a stunning illusion at that.
So, how can you apply a bit of the magic of drag to your everyday life?
Maybe you want to experiment with your makeup but never had the guts to do it. Not all risks pay off but you never know if you never try. Some of the most extreme looking drag queens only found their looks by trying different styles, and of course, style evolves over time too.
Maybe you want to become more confident in yourself. When Beyonce used to go on stage, she became her more confident alter ego, Sasha Fierce. You may not have to totally become another person, but if you create an image of the person you want to be in your head, you can try to embody them when you don’t feel so confident in yourself.
What I’ve learnt from drag is that I should put myself out there more, grab opportunities and just chill out sometimes. Life is stressful and we all need to cut ourselves some slack.
I don’t expect you to read this article and become a drag queen or king (if you do, let me know though!). But if you take anything away from this then let it be that everyone can learn a thing or two from a drag queen. I hope this opened your eyes to the wacky and wonderful world of drag. There is so much that drag queens can teach us!
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Written by Yana Trup
Illustrated by Francesca Mariama
