Community feeling on Drag

[Micki_Finn]

Some of you here know me, and know that I am probably the sole representative of the Drag scene. There are a wide range of opinions on Drag here, so I?m curious to plumb those opinions. Which of the following most closely approximates your feeling on Drag:

0) What?s drag?
1) I have not been to a drag show or watched RuPaul or Boulet Brothers in the last 15 years, but I think I know what it?s all about and it?s not anything I would enjoy watching or doing.
2) I HAVE been to a drag show or watched a TV show about it and it?s not for me.
3) I don?t know anything about it, but I?m curious/interested.
4) I have seen a modern Drag performance and I enjoy watching but would never do.
5) I might do it under the right circumstances.
6) PUT ME ON STAGE RIGHT NOW!

Feel free to elaborate on your answers.

[Wen4cd]

I'm in the middle on it. Don;t watch TV at all, so have no idea what's going on there, but I've seen a few live things at different venues and a couple youtube videos,

It seems like it could be a fun outlet, but the few tidbits of shows I have seen lead me to believe that you had best be a awesome dancer and performer and know your act to a tee, or else there is an awkward, lip-synching trainwreck going on for all to see.

[lingerieLiz]

4)I've been to a few drag shows less than half a dozen over all these years.

The ones that I went to were top productions. My wife and friends who knew I was a crossdresser enjoyed them as well as I did. I went to one and it was terrible. The ones which were renowned were fun and had great talent. I messed up one night and while we were waiting to get in a couple started talking to me (I was alone) They were well versed in Drag. The wife and I started talking about clothes while waiting for the show to start. We were staying at the same hotel and the next day she ran into me in the lobby and said she had called to see if I wanted to go shopping for some new outfits but I wasn't in. We were both leaving in the morning. She dressed really nice.

[Princess Chantal]

7) been to numerous show, done it for a few years, enjoyed it, and much respect for those that do it.

[Sandi Beech]

Micki,

I guess you could put me in group 4, as I have no intent to perform - no talent , otherwise heck yea. I have been to many shows. Some were so so, but occasionally there will be an awesome performance. Sometimes I am amazed at the acrobatic things some really big girls can do ; )

I do not really seek out the shows, it is more like I am going with the flow of the clubs I visit. Before covid and during summer, there are lots of bachelorette parties at one of my favorite clubs on weekends. The audience is typically filled with more women than men, and with dancing after the show it is a blast. Also, with all the drag queens around, it makes me all the more comfortable being crossdressed. Of course I have leaned not to sit in the front row else a drag queen comes up to me and next thing you know a spot light is on me and I get this question - and what is your name? Ha. Too funny.

So bottom line. Heck yea, it is a great place to be dressed even if you do not want to perform plus I met nice people in the crowd - and just so you know, I am an excellent tipper at shows and take care of my bartenders as well. It is always appreciated.

Sandi

[Asew]

4) I am not very outgoing and much prefer being a cute wallflower :)

I am fan of RuPaul's drag race, been to a few of the show featuring queens on the show, and a few other local events with local queens. In addition to not being outgoing enough to do drag on a stage, I also am not into makeup, wigs, and such. I love being entertained by those who do drag. I see parallels between my crossdressing and drag queens.

[Marguarite]

I am a solid #4, love to attend, would never get up on stage.

My wife took me to one drag show that was a fund raiser at a VFW. She even encouraged me to go dressed pretty, helped pick outfit, and helped with makeup. We had a great time, I was the only member of the audience dressed pretty, and got a lot of compliments.

When we lived down south, we would do a night out with the girls to "Hamburger Mary's". My wife and two of her friends that appreciated spending time with Marguarite.

[MarinaTwelve200]

Drag queens and drag freaks me out. To me it's too "masculine" and "kinky" Just my feelings.

[Jean 103]

Don't care for it.

Yes I've watched it, I had a boyfriend that would take me. I was only 17 at the time and stayed close to him. Yes I was under age in a gay club, they never carded me. As I said I was with my boyfriend who was popular.

I did not start dress at the time.

[Pumped]

I am probably a #2.

I watched a couple of RuPaul's Drag Race and have seen a few videos. No interest in doing it, and I guess very little interest in drag. If you want to post about it I probably will read the posts. I can understand others interest and no judgement from me. It it is your thing, then have fun!

I am not a very judgmental person. If you enjoy doing something that has no affect on other people, I am ok with it.

[AllieSF]

I am with Wren on this one. I saw one professional one at Finochio's in San Francisco. That was great and everyone was spot on. any others that I have seen over the years were all less than worth watching for me. Some people I was with liked them, but the lip-synching, musical moves and poor stage presence, timing, and humor were all terrible. I have no interest in seeing it unless a friend is doing it or it is all done by professionals, whatever that means in the industry.

[Stephanie47]

I probably fall into #1. I really do not like it when men dressing in women's clothing becomes something of levity. Most of what I have seen is attire and makeup that is over the top. I don't care for the exaggeration. It's a man pretending to be a woman with no real attempt to appear as a woman.

[Sometimes Steffi]

Micki

2) I HAVE been to a drag show or watched a TV show about it and it?s not for me.

One of the places I hang out with my CD/TG friends is Freddie's Beach Bar in Arlington VA. They have a regular drag show their with local professionals. The drag shows are very fun and entertaining, and there's usually at least one group of GGs there for a bachelorette party. I do, however, wish that the drag queens were more normal feminine and less uber feminine caricatures.

5) I might do it under the right circumstances.

However, it would only be after a high volume of alcohol consumption. It would be a fine line between being able to do it, and passing out from too much alcohol consumption. The truth is that I have no talent for being a drag queen; however, I might be trainable.

Are you planning on offering online lessons Micki?

[Karren H]

Obviously I learnt what drag queen is from watching movies.....

Noxeema Jackson : "When a straight man puts on a dress and gets his sexual kicks, he is a transvestite. When a man is a woman trapped in a man's body and has a little operation he is a Transsexual. When a gay man has way too much fashion sense for one gender he is a drag queen."

To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.....

[darla_g]

Micki i've seen some drag shows over the years. In particular the Vegas style campy show is what i most thing of when i think drag.

I think i prefer the looks now a days that are not so cartoonish. thinking Miss Fame or Violet Chachki rather than a Sharon Needles is more my preference.
I think i have seen some of your threads and i think you come off kind of classy and stylish

a qualified5

[DianeT]

Hi Micki,

Number 2. I know drag only from short scenes in films and series and glimpses in the TV news during the Rainbow Pride walks. The only movies I saw where the subject was central were Priscilla, queen of the desert (very touching and lovable movie) and "La cage aux folles" (sorry mods, it's a French title, but that's the title under which it was run on Broadway and in movie theaters) which could more or less be translated as "The cage of queens", and which is a beloved classic in France, although it is a comedy predating drag and therefore approaching it with the prejudices of its era.
I have never been to a show, so I don't really know what drag is. I would intuitively link it back to Brazil's carnival for its festive and glam elements, and to the long tradition of cabaret.

[Robertacd]

I have to say I did not like it at first. I didn't like the whole over the top presentation as that's what CD/TG often are called or lumped in with.

But living in a small community there's not a lot else to do CD/TG beside got to the surprisingly large number of DRAG performances that happen locally. Watching these people one summer compete in a "Drag Wars" and getting to know them and their performances, I really learned to appreciate all the different styles and the work they put in. The main thing I learned is DRAG means a lot of things.

I like classy Queens the best and funny Queen if she is indeed funny, a couple of the local Drag Kings have incredible makeup skills, there's one horror Queen that is truly scary at times.

I am a 5 there's a local Queen or two that I would be honored to have as my Drag Mother, but it would take a lot more than good makeup to get me on stage, as the local Queens set the bar pretty high.

[Leslie Langford]

From what I can discern, there are female "impersonators" ("illusionists", "impressionists", "mimics" , and "femulators" etc.) like Jim Bailey, Grae Phillips, Lavern Cummings, and Frank Marino who try to emulate glamorous female celebrities in a respectful, aspirational, and awe-Inspired manner. In some cases, they create their own on-stage personas in the same vein...authentic and relatable, and as a female alter ego. In short, something that I, as a crossdresser, can easily relate to.

"Drag Queens" of the "RuPaul's Drag Race" variety leave me cold, and to be honest, I just don't "get" it. With their over-the-top make-up and garish costumes they come across to me as nothing more than painted, outlandishly dressed clowns...including their acts. More to the point, what they do strikes me as a passive-aggressive, mean-spirited mockery of women, so I find it doubly puzzling that so many cis-women are taken by this "art form" as opposed to being offended by it. One of the mysteries of life, I guess.

So, no...not a huge fan of "drag"...I just don't understand it. Maybe someone better versed In the "arts" can explain the appeal to me.

[AngelaYVR]

I sort of cut my teeth on “drag lite” years ago. It was really fun and I got to know some of the local queens. A few were warm and welcoming and the others let it be known they did not like interlopers on THEIR stage. It’s a tough business with limited opportunities and too many queens vying for stage time. I wasn’t interested in the “lifestyle” and only did it to get out of my shell and just have fun. I performed on the amateur night (called Faux Girls) which was open to anyone that came prepared with music and I would do it again (except the new drag empress closed it to all but her friends, it lost public support and they scrapped it). Still have fond memories of it.

[Beverley Sims]

Drag is a great art, the performers all seem supportive of each other and I wish I had a good act to get out there and WOW! the audience like others.

None of your questions apply as I have been on stage as a support for others.

Oh! yes there is bitchiness between some, but they are just jealous of someone that appears better than them. :-)

[CharlotteCD]

Watched "Drag SOS" and totally get it can be powerful and great for you, but like an above poster, it leaves me totally cold.

Having come out to people, when I've shared an image they've often been shocked at how I go for the passable look, when they're expecting something more sexualised or more akin to a drag OTT look.

I'm confident it's going to be in line with black face one day.

[Kiwi Primrose]

I have always had a great respect for drag entertainers. Trevor Rupe a.k.a. Carmen arrived in Wellington, NZ, in the late 1960s-early 1970s and set up a late night coffee lounge and in different premises a burlesque strip show.
My wife and I visited both frequently and got to know Carmen reasonably well. She was a great business woman and we discussed all manner of things, especially the business affairs in Wellington and New Zealand.
Her showgirls were mostly transgender with some GGs and the shows were very well presented and controlled, not at all sleazy. It was always difficult to know which were the trans and which were the GGs.
To answer the original posting - We both love the drag queens and the shows they do. We have had great experiences chatting with them - quite personally sometimes.
I would love to be able to perform but have ne talent whatsoever and at my age I have left it too late anyway.

[Rachelakld]

Going with a 2
Been to a Drag show, it was okay, others enjoyed it - I probably didn't drink enough to get into as much as those who's bosses were paying for the drinks.

[faltenrock]

I have to go with number 2.

There is only one drag show that's fantastic, it's in London and the performer is 'Mary Mac'. She's just great singing, dancing and she is soo much fun to watch and listen to.

Other than that, I don't really enjoy drag shows

[char GG]

The only drag show that I've seen was at a local gay bar. The drag queen lip synced, was swearing a lot, and strutted around expecting tips. There was really no talent involved. I think that a true drag "production" would have been better.

Pre-pandemic, I worked at a concert venue where some famous drag queens were performing. I didn't see the show but the audience was dressed mostly in drag. It looked like they had a good time.

I guess I would be in the #2 group.

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

I'm a 2 but wouldn't mind doing a drag look for fun once or twice, but don't like that people will assume anyone who is any kind of trans aspires to have that look. I do peek at RuPaul if I ever see that they're doing some more normal looks, but that probably annoys the fans of that show.

But right from the start here I've appreciated the expertise and tips you bring to the party Micki!

[Samm]

#4 is as close as I get. I think the lip syncing is the part that I least like about it. And I'm not really a fan of the OTT makeup.
But in my defense, I have yet to see a professional show, so I reserve the right to change my opinion lol.
With that said, I would definitely come see you perform if you came to Boston lol. And I would bring a group of friends as well!

[Teresa]

Micki,
It's not something I'm concerned about one way or the other . I have been to see a live act and enjoyed it because basically she was a really good singer , did she need to tell the jokes she chose to ? I personally feel it didn't add to the act but obviously other members of the audience enjoyed them . I might consider doung something in drag if I could raise money for a good cause but I wouldn't be into it on a regular basis . She did a photoshoot at the end of the show in the foyer because she supported the LGBTQ community , I put my arm round her waist and she felt like she was wearing a bullet proof vest underneath . I'll have to retrieve the picture from the person in our group that took it .

[SaraLin]

Put me down as a two.

Drag is way too Over the top for my tastes. It's "HEY EVERYBODY LOOK AT ME!", where my wish is to be on more of a "blend into the crowd" vibe.

[sara66]

I am very much a 2. I have never been to a drag show live. I have seen several different drag shows and documentaries. Most are to cartoonish for my taste.
A funny note, many years ago my mother said i should go see Boylesque in Vegas. My mom passed several years ago, But i am sure she knew.
Sara

[MiraM]

I'm firmly in #4. I have seen shows in local dive bars and more professional shows as well. I enjoy Drag but would never go on stage. To me, Drag is a type of Theatre, just like some people go to the Opera, a play or the ballet. One of the best shows I have seen was "Dragged to Oz", a Wizard of Oz themed show. I study make-up, and would love to learn Drag make-up as a technique.

[Krisi]

I have watched bits and pieces of the RuPaul show, but I find it difficult to watch and the overdone "drag queens" are not for me. I have never been to a drag show and probably wouldn't go if I had the opportunity.

I do find movies about men dressing and passing as women in ordinary life interesting, but I have seen very few.

[Star01]

I would come in at number one. I have caught a few minutes of Ru Paul on TV but never seen a show nor do I have any interest in it. I don?t think it is an accurate representation of crossdressing and what motivates us.

[SouthernPeach]

I have been to numerous Drag shows and if done with taste are very enjoyable and a nice opportunity to get with other gurls for a gurls night out. ( I guess I?m a #4 )

[Jenn A116]

I'd be a 4. Enjoyed the shows but would have no talent at all to even try to be in one.

[MonicaPVD]

I'm a solid #4. Drag is performing art and, as such, very few people can pull it off successfully. I celebrate those who do, applaud those who try, and recognize that it's just not for me.

[jessica33]

I am with Stephanie on this one . I also don't like the fact that people associate crossdressing as being gay .

[LydiaL]

Number 4 for me. I favor performances that lean more towards female impersonation, such as that of previous long running shows by Frank Marino in Las Vegas. Performers on RuPaul are a bit over the top for me and not so entertaining.

[Jane G]

Another of those acronyms that changes meaning with context. Me, I use the term drag to simply mean dressed as a girl. I don't follow the "drag scene". It comes across as too outlandish and masculine for me. Yet another part of the modern world of would be celebrity. Not something I can relate to, but fun to witness at times, like any show.

I will settle for 6ft 4in male cross dresser. Yet when I am dressed, I consider myself drag, in the simplest way.

[LilSissyStevie]

When I lived in Baltimore in the '70s, many of my acquaintances were involved in the local ballroom drag culture (long story). Back in those days any gay man that wore articles of women's clothes or just dressed and acted effeminately was a Drag Queen whether or not he was a performer. This was the milieu from which Drag performers came. All you needed was talent and a look. It was interesting to me how DQs and "trannies" were outcasts even in the broader gay community. "Straight acting" gays were probably embarrassed by their flamboyance since the public associated effeminacy with gayness. If you search on youtube, you can find a documentary "Paris is Burning" that gives you an idea of what the New York Drag Ball culture was like during that time. I imagine it was similar in Bmore. My biggest regret from that time was that I never attended a ball even though I was invited. If I had to choose between being stuck on a desert island with a busload of Drag Queens or a busload of Crossdressers, I'd choose the DQs any day. Never a dull moment! So, yeah, 6 sign me up all I need is talent.

[Di]

Even though I am a GG it would be 6.
Sherlyn and I had a lot of Drag Queen friends. We started out just going and giving support and cheering them on, I would help out and work the door and we traveled to a few citys in Canada .
They asked us to join in with a yearly event at Queens University and we performed together for those yearly .
We used to post our videos of us Performing so some might remember.
Oh gosh I miss those days so much fun and great friends.

[LilSissyStevie]

Di, there is something called a Faux Queen which has been described as a Drag Queen trapped in a woman's body. Basically women who dress up and perform as Drag Queens. so, you wouldn't be alone.

[jacques]

Hello Micki,
my feeling is jealousy! I wish I had the courage and the body - I am more likely to be the Ugly Sister at the Pantomime if I tried it.
stay healthy,
Luv J

[docrobbysherry]

#2.
Unfortunately, many drag queens r quite large and way over the top appearance wise! I don't find the clown, woman parody look appealing.:doh:

I've always enjoyed and admired "female impersonators", tho!:thumbsup:

If all drag queens looked like u. Micki? I could become a fan!:heehee:

[AnnieMac]

Interesting topic, since I suppose many of us on this forum fall into the simple crossdressing category.
Closest thing I have been to Drag shows would be "To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar" and
"Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" and I found them funny and mildly entertaining. However, there is a question in
my head that has been rattling around for the past few months, that a I really want a GG's take on.

My Comment is because Drag is SOO over the top, is it really more offensive to women because it is such a caricature of natural women,
much in the same manner that "Minstrel Shows" and questionable blackface comedy have been offensive to people of color.
It's almost like drag is making fun of women since it is so caricature based. Seems like a similar comparison to me.

I would of course love to hear all y'all's comments on this especially from our lovely GGs - since they are the real deal :)

[Samm]

On a side note, I find it interesting that a few responses referred to the drag scene, or drag queens, as being masculine. I guess I dont quite understand that...?

[char GG]

@AnnieMac,

I'm not easily offended. I think if people want to do or see drag, that's their prerogative. It doesn't bother me a bit. That said, I probably wouldn't pay to see a drag show because I am fussy about who I pay money to see. I have gone to several Lady Gaga shows and Cher in concert. There were plenty of drag/CDers in the audience (including my hubby)! It was all fun.

As I said earlier, the one drag show I saw was at a gay bar, not in good taste, boring, and no talent involved, which is why I didn't care for it. At least it was a free show!

[Jacke]

Micki, I guess I would fall under 3. There have not been many where I live. The only ones around would be a bit of a drive.
Since I cannot drink (Dr's orders) I have not frequented bars for a long time. I am so out of touch with so much.
When it gets safer to be out in public, I will likely make that drive. I am sure they serve sodas.
Thanks for your input and sharing your experiences on this forum.

[Dutchess]

If I were a gay man it would be a 6 , but I am a very femme gal so not a drag king .
Alot here know that I was raised in the Texas drag community by my two drag queen cousins . They have been doing drag since 1978 and boy did we all have fun over the years , One is retired, one is not and does command performances for charity and still puts on shows that others are in and we are still very close . He's been Miss Gay Texas more times than should be allowed also .
I am grateful for that life , I was raised around alot of interesting, creative people .
I love drag , I could go every night
I show horses and I love that stage and my outfits are always very flashy so the influence is always there .

[BrendaPDX]

3) for me. I am very naive to this, but I have been to Darcelle's in Portland, Oregon a very long time ago.

[Robertacd]

Even though I am a GG it would be a 6.

GG's can be DRAG Queens, one of our local Queens is AFAB and she performs as a Queen, not a Drag King like most GG's do.

I remind people not to get hung up on some old "textbook definition" of DRAG because you would be ignoring a large group of DRAG performers.

I had to forget everything that I thought I knew about DRAG to truly enjoy it.

[Richelle423]

Drag is a great form of self expression. I think it may be a way to find out who you are down the road. In a way drag make up tips are good but don?t take it all the way.I grew up across the street from a gay bar in the 80?s so I?ve seen all crosses of the LGBT spectrum. IMO just be who you are..

[AnnieMac]

So some of these comments bring another thought to my ditzy crossdresser head:
I find it really interesting that "drag" seems so different than "crossdressing".
It seems that the higher percentage of many Drag Queens are gay men that really enjoy the performance side and talent of that entertainment.
While, the higher percentage of many Crossdressers are mostly straight men that enjoy the clothes and presentation of being a more natural female.
I know its a bit of generalization, but that's been my exposure and understanding of enjoying the different forms of expressing "femaleness"

[Micki_Finn]

Di, there is something called a Faux Queen which has been described as a Drag Queen trapped in a woman's body. Basically women who dress up and perform as Drag Queens. so, you wouldn't be alone.

The generally accepted term within the community is ?BioQueen?

- - - Updated - - -


So some of these comments bring another thought to my ditzy crossdresser head:
I find it really interesting that "drag" seems so different than "crossdressing".
It seems that the higher percentage of many Drag Queens are gay men that really enjoy the performance side and talent of that entertainment.
While, the higher percentage of many Crossdressers are mostly straight men that enjoy the clothes and presentation of being a more natural female.
I know its a bit of generalization, but that's been my exposure and understanding of enjoying the different forms of expressing "femaleness"

This is the essential difference between Drag and Crossdressing. Drag, by nature, is performance, whereas CDing is more personal expression.

———
I see that the most common aversion to drag is that it’s “OTT”. So my follow up question to those people is this: Do you have the same feelings about say J-Lo, Lady Gaga, Diana Ross, Madonna, etc when they perform? How about things like Runway fashion (haute couture) or the Met Gala? Is it that you find this sort of outfits distasteful in general or just on men?

[SavannahVee]

I haven't been to a live show, only bits and pieces on the internet. I think like most art forms it depends on the talent and professionalism of the performers. I love it when it's good.

[Cheryl T]

4 for me.
I've seen a few shows and love them. The performers, in many cases, may be lip syncing but they do put on a show. Entertaining and at times a little raunchy, but then isn't that why we're there?
I might consider it but I'm not much of a performer. Something for charity or an organization perhaps, but not as part of a professional show. Mainly because they all wear such high heels and I can't anymore :(

[Genifer Teal]

I like to post my thoughts before reading others comments. I have a strong opinion on drag because I take this Seriously. I'm not trying to pretend to be a woman or Act like a caricature of a woman . While I don't fee I was supposed to be a woman or maybe I was born a woman in the wrong body I do feel that I want to be a woman And I take that seriously . Drag creates a caricature of a woman often a mockery to the extent that Many drag shows poke fun at women and all the Effort it takes to look Appropriate as a Woman based on today's norms . When they make fun of it all I feel it makes people take me less seriously . With all that's going on With the LGBT community fighting for rights and everything else I believe The average citizen is so Over loaded with information they are confused More than ever and not because they don't know because they know too much . Then they see someone in drag poking fun at it all And I feel that carries over to me . All I want is to be taken seriously and this is what I have to contend with.

[Leslie Mary S]

I am a 5 to 6. I professionally take photos of the DQs while they are performing. I have been on stage just 4 times as a DQ. I have over 6,000 DQ photos and some of the DQs come to me to get a few of my photos of them for promos.
When I did my DQ things the first time I was all shaky kneed. Not any more. I did my makeup at home and drove to and from the location in my DQ outfit. Even once stopped at a gas station and fast food place on my way home. but I do not do the max over the top make-up and wig thing.

[Robertacd]

Answering the follow-up question.

Well yes and no. I can't say that I am a fan of any of the parformers you mentioned. I mean I don't hate their music but I doubt I could name one of their songs or if I heard one name the artist, except for maybe Diana Ross.

[Geena75]

I guess I would fall between 0 and 1.

Never watched any of it -- my impression is that it is a bit over the top. That points to that I don't really know anything about the scene, probably because it doesn't interest me. I look on dressing up as just trying to look natural and/or pretty. I'm still intrigued on the concept of leaving the house and being seen dressed -- and, to a reasonable level, passing.

[CynthiaD]

I'm neither for it or against it. I simply have no interest one way or the other. On the other hand, if you put on the dress, we're sisters. Your motivations for doing so are your own.

[Micki_Finn]

Answering the follow-up question.

Well yes and no. I can't say that I am a fan of any of the parformers you mentioned. I mean I don't hate their music but I doubt I could name one of their songs or if I heard one name the artist, except for maybe Diana Ross.

Surely you’ve caught a performance at a Super Bowl halftime show, or something recorded for television. How about Dolly Parton? The point I’m getting at is that the outfits and costumes those performers wear is essentially drag. I see lots of girls criticize the drag aesthetic, but I don’t ever see anyone complaining about female performers that are essentially wearing drag outfits. In this case it sounds more like a lack of familiarity, but I have to wonder if there’s a deeper underlying reason for others...

[AnnieMac]

Thanks, Genifer Teal. I think you made a stronger, better point of basically what i was trying to get at.
It's like Drag shows could be kind of offensive, feminine gender-based "Minstrel Shows" if you will.

Still interesting to me that the uber hyper-female drag performers tend to be gay men.
And more simple cross dressers tend to be hetero guys mostly. It an interesting comparison
yet we are all free to be who we feel along the silly rainbow spectrum.

And on OTT performers. OTT is great if the performers have talent to back up such a large persona.
Lady Gaga for instance, yeah over the top but with a killer voice to back it up! (her duets with Tony Bennet are amazing)
And then Katy Perry? well not so much. - my two cents

And good Point Micki Finn - I love Dolly Parton but you are right she is one chromosome short of being a Drag Performer,
So I gotta give that one some thought, but she does, as I said above, have the talent to back up her Large Persona (no pun) :)

[Jane G]

Mimi your follow up question is well aimed. I persoaly see the key difference being how entertaining we each find any artist. For what ever reason I love some of lady gaga songs and the others you mentioned. But then I also used to enjoy Jimmy Osmond and Val Donagan. Dany la Rue Yup great entertainer too. Rue Paul and freinds just don't, entertain me in any way though. I tried to watch a few shows but no, not for me. It"s not a cultural thing just that at present I find those portraying the drag scene on main steam view, to be too OTT for me personally and not the least bit entertaining. I guess that scews my view of drag at this moment in time.

[GracieRose]

I'd have to place myself as a 1. Not my cup of tea, but whatever floats your boat.
However, Genifer so eloquently stated my concerns with drag. I fear that many think of drag when they hear transgender, because they are more aware of drag than the reality of the ladies here. That ups the challenge for me to describe who I am to the general public.

[Robertacd]

Surely you’ve caught a performance at a Super Bowl halftime show, or something recorded for television. How about Dolly Parton? The point I’m getting at is that the outfits and costumes those performers wear is essentially drag. I see lots of girls criticize the drag aesthetic, but I don’t ever see anyone complaining about female performers that are essentially wearing drag outfits. In this case it sounds more like a lack of familiarity, but I have to wonder if there’s a deeper underlying reason for others...


Right, but a GG can get a way with a lot more than we can. Yes it's a double standard, I didn't put it there but it does exist.

But to clarify my early distaste in the OTT was because I saw it as parody and disrespect.

[Princess29]

somewhere between 1 and 2 for me. Most of the drag shows I have encountered have bored me and I have no interest in seeing them but to each their own

Please correct me if I am wrong but wasn't the term "drag" originally something written as a cue or a directive in a play such as: performer x enters dressed as a girl?

[Leslie Langford]

GG's can be DRAG Queens, one of our local Queens is AFAB and she performs as a Queen, not a Drag King like most GG's do.

I remind people not to get hung up on some old "textbook definition" of DRAG because you would be ignoring a large group of DRAG performers.

I had to forget everything that I thought I knew about DRAG to truly enjoy it.


I think you're onto something...Dolly Parton has famously been quoted as saying "It's a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I'd be a drag queen".

She also once confessed to losing a Dolly Parton look-alike contest with the following observation: "They had a bunch of Chers and Dollys that year, so I just over-exaggerated?made my beauty mark bigger, the eyes bigger, the hair bigger, everything. All these beautiful drag queens had worked for weeks and months getting their clothes. So I just got in the line and I just walked across, and they just thought I was some little short gay guy? but I got the least applause."

Gotta love Dolly...:heehee: :daydreaming:

[TheHiddenMe]

This answer is going to be all over the place...

First, I have watched very little of Drag Race, but the popularity of the show I think has helped the general public differentiate between drag queens and crossdressers, much like Caitlyn Jenner has allowed differentiation between those who choose to transition vis-a-vis crossdressers.

Second, I never have really wanted to previously see a drag show, but my GG friend Michelle likes them, and we have talked about going out to one (post-pandemic, naturally), and doing anything with her I'm all for.

Third, about three months ago I was at Michelle's favorite bar and met another of the patrons, Patty, whose gay son was engaged to a (occasional) drag queen. Patty showed the fianc?e's pictures on her phone and I realized then I would love to get a drag makeover to see how I would look.

I'm not sure this answers fits any of the categories but it's my current thinking.

[Raychel]

I have never been to a drag show. I have watched RuPaul on TV before
honestly it really has no attraction to me a all.

Before COVID there was drag shows in this town, I was considering going just to
give Raychel a chance to get out and maybe for a network of friends in the area.
But that was the only real reason to go,

[Natalie5004]

#1 Never been to a Drag Show. Some day I would to go for the experience.

[Julie Slowinski]

Wow!!! I am really surprised by the answers of everyone else, cuz I am most definitely a (6).

I am gonna hold my tongue and just say that I am disappointed with the way many here have characterized drag queens - they are a bit catty with ginormous egos (kinda what it takes to get on stage), but most seem to big hearts and take seriously their position as being the most visible members of the LGBT community.

[Sandy Clifton]

I'd say I'm a 4.5?

I've watched every episode of every season of
RuPaul's Drag Race as it has aired, and have
been to a handful of drag shows.

I appreciate drag as an art form and would
consider getting on stage if I had "something
to say" (aesthetically, politically, etc.) and
could execute my vision (I'm not a seamstress
and have two left feet, so I have my werk
cut out for me).

[Gi Gondin]

Great topic! Very interesting the wide range of answers in a subject very close to crossdressing.
After telling my girlfriend about my crossdressing we started to go almost weekly to many drag venues - monthly contests involving singing, lipsync or just dancing performance.

Fortunately in Sao Paulo, the drag scene is very colorful.

All that said, I think 5 would be my choice. It would be a dream come through for my girlfriend to watch me perform in any stage as a drag queen. She is always teasing me about that.

My favorite performance at one singing contest - Cassandra (https://youtu.be/JZgKNbhjW4w)

[kayegirl]

Not quite certain where I fit into this. I've never watched Rue Paul but have seen some of the personalitys on other programmes. Some I find way too OTT, bit like the pantomime dames, sorry for the UK bias, but I have found some to be very likeable characters.
I have also been to a few drag shows. One in particular Funny Girls, at Blackpool, I have found very entertaining, and will certainly go again when the theatres reopen. Most of the bar staff and waiting staff are also in drag, and many of them are , dare I say it, beautiful. Would I get on stage, yes in the right circumstances.

[Rogina B]

Ten years ago or so,I was invited to participate in the first Salem Ma Pride Parade and represent a local and new drag performance bar. I was the only non performer on that big bus filled with most all of the Boston area "dragons" and what entertainers they were ! I laughed for days after about the catty comments and banter said in jest between them. We got to Salem,bus parked,and hand mirrors came out and the final touchups began. Something to see...lol Striped parasol umbrellas were handed out to each as well as promotional trinkets we were to hand to the eager crowd. HUGE personnas for sure and they loved performing. Big hit with the crowd in the "Witch City".. After,we bussed it back to the venue for a cookout. Nice group for sure and they really worked for their time onstage,I could see. Not my thing but I will say that the venue and the style of the show as well as the performer's attitude toward tipping as they work the crowd has a lot to do for whether people enjoy it enough to regularly return. It is a performance art for sure,and an expensive one !

[BTWimRobin]

Hi Micki,

I'm a 1, 3 or 5.... rather odd. I wouldn't mind learning more about it.

[Ceera]

4, for me.

When I first started going out as a cross dresser, I specifically chose an LGBT nightclub that did weekend drag shows as my venue of choice for my first public outings. I felt, and it proved to be true, that a place hosting drag shows would be a safe venue for me to experiment with my own feminine self expression. That same venue also offered a lively dance floor with a DJ and music videos to dance to, both before and after the drag shows, as well as on other nights of the week when no drag show was being performed.

Before I stepped out my front door en-femme, I worked at home on my wig, breast forms, tucking, makeup and clothing options, to make sure I did at least an adequate job of presenting as a realistic female. Looking back at my old photos, I still had much to learn, but at least I did not look like a guy who slapped on a wig and a dress and went out in public on a bet, or for laughs. I also practiced walking and dancing in high heels, until I could do just about anything I wanted to in a pair of 4 inch spike heels.

And lastly, I worked on speaking in a passable feminine voice, simply because, having spent that much effort on my presentation, I did not want to shatter the illusion the moment I spoke. You see, my male voice was well into the bass range, so if I used it as a woman, I would look like my hidden, nearby boyfriend was using ventriloquist tricks as a joke, with me as his dummy. Not that I had a companion of any sort with me, but the difference between expectations and what would otherwise have come from my mouth was that glaringly different. Fortunately, I am also well trained as a singer, so changing my vocal attributes was not too difficult. I realize that most cross dressers and most drag performers do not bother to alter their voice, ant that is fine, as long as they are comfortable with that choice. It just was not the right choice for me.

Well, I lucked out. Not only was the venue safe and accepting, but there were also at least five other cross dressers who were regular patrons on the same drag show nights, and who befriended me, to some extent. A few of the also attended the club’s activities when no drag show was scheduled. And both the male and female patrons of the club accepted me and danced with me. Some even got quite affectionate, which I enjoyed.

Their group of drag performers was quite talented! Several of them could actually sing in a female voice, rather than lip syncing. Good dance routines, a broad touch of comedy, and several truly athletic/gymnastic performers drew me in quite rapidly. I quite happily took up front row positions so I could generously tip them and interact with them at the edge of the stage. I became a regular at the venue, someone the performers could count on to help gather their tips off the stage between performances, or to ham it up when interacting with them. Sometimes I even ended up on stage myself, when they hosted a drag costume contest for Halloween, or when it was my birthday week (they offered a a free shot of tequila and happy birthday wishes on stage for those with birthdays that week), or on some occasions, my tip-offering hand would lead to me being pulled onto the dance floor to briefly dance with the performer. Off stage, and in the post-show open dance floor times, the performers often chatted with me as friends, or would dance socially with me, still in the last costume they performed in that night, or in another outfit which they had reserved for social interaction.

I quite seriously considered joining the performers myself. I could certainly dance and at least lip synch, and I kind of liked being the center of attention on stage. (My speaking voice was fine, but I was not satisfied with how I sounded when singing as a woman.) I had even collected quite a wardrobe, for my fun time on the dance floor. Years later, until the pandemic shut down my social outings, I still frequently enjoyed attending both drag and burlesque performances, and have always been friendly with the performers. But I just enjoy watching their shows. i don’t want to be one of them.

But in the end, I decided that being a drag performer myself was not for me. I did not want to be seen as a performer - as a guy doing a show in female presentation, no matter how spot-on or how broadly they parodied a woman’s appearance. I had become an accepted part of the lesbian community. None of the other cross dressers got that kind of welcome from the lesbians. They fully saw and accepted that I really was mentally female, before I really accepted being transgender myself. What I wanted, and needed, was simply to be seen and accepted and appreciated as a woman. About four years after those first public outings, I committed to full medical transition to female, and began living full time as a woman. And I could not be happier.

I do not care much for Ru Paul or similar drag TV shows, though. I feel those tend to give the wrong impression of cross dressing or transgender life to the general public. They may be a fine cross section of a drag performer’s reality, but those shows, when I have seen them, always rubbed me the wrong way. I think in part it is because they show the performers out of character as well as in drag challenges which depart from more traditional stage performances. It shatters the illusion tge drag performer brings to the stage, as much as it would be bad for a Shakespearian actress to suddenly speak with a broad California valley-girl accent and speech patterns.

[Leslie Mary S]

Ceera, Nicely written. I to have been on stage. Being a photo type person I was welcomed into the local group of DQs. I have not been on stage now for 3 years. I to want to present as a normal tall heavy woman.

[Taylor186]

I'm somewhere between a four and a five. My Halloween costumes are always kind of over the top draggy and, happily, I get a lot of positive attention at the public venue I attend. But, I would not be comfortable as a solo act on stage. That is a different level of attention.

[Alexis00]

There I a club in Boston with drag performances. Went there with my wife, and she brought friends there for a batchelorette party. Turns out that is quite popular.

Never thought about perrform8ng.

[alwayshave]

Firmly number 4.

[Julie MA]

5&6. I've done CD Karaoke. But I wouldn't call that Drag. The definition I've most often seen for Drag, is gay men who dress over the top as women, mostly for comedic entertainment. I find it fun to watch and even get a little attracted to some of the Drag Queens. But when I sing I am trying to look and sound as good as I can, as a woman. One of my faves is Endless Love, where I sing both parts, in the original Lionel Richie and Diana Ross pitches.

[Melanie Sykes]

1) I have not been to a drag show or watched RuPaul or Boulet Brothers in the last 15 years, but I think I know what it's all about and it's not anything I would enjoy watching or doing.

It's crossdressing, but not as I know it. Though I'm not criticising: if you enjoy watching or doing it, then that's great.

[Katherine L.]

I have been to a drag show or watched a TV show about it and it’s not for me.

[Maggie3210]

I am a 3-4. Enjoy RuPaul's show. I have never been to real drag show, but would like to go to one sometime.
When I was may 14, I went to Kings Island amusement park with my friend and his family. While there, we went to one of the saloon shows with dancing girls. Some how when they asked for volunteers to come up on stage, my friends family volunteered me. They took me back stage and dolled me up in a showgirls costume, the made me come out on stage. I was horribly embarrassed, but loved every minute of it. I wish I could have kept the dress!

[Charlotte Haynes]

Colour me 5. I watch Drag Race and the UK and Canadian versions. My partner loves it. If I could learn to move with a bit more fluidity, I'd love to do it.

[Julie MA]

Alexiss,
Jacques?
Julie