As someone who prides themselves on making efforts to break through the constraints of the gender binary, I have experience exploring alternative ways of expressing my gender identity.
I’m familiar with the derogatory comments, shady side-eyes from strangers, and questioning remarks from cashiers. So many times, on a explorative shopping expedition, I’ve abandoned my basket of clothes in some dusty corner of the store out of fear. Add to that the stresses and judgement that comes with growing up in a traditional Asian society and family. Every time, I’m left feeling ashamed and riddled with the same question: “Why must I sacrifice my identity for the comfort of others?"
It was a moment of serendipity, when I found Drag. I had known of drag queens since I was a child but never really attempted to understand the culture. I was taught to refer to them by derogatory terms, such as ‘lady-boys’ or ‘trannies’ and I’m glad to say I’ve since learned better.
Discovering Drag
Not unlike many others, I only started finding out more about Drag and Drag Queens through RuPaul’s Drag Race. Soon, I realised that Drag Race only presented a glamorized version of drag culture, so I set out to find out more about its reality. Along the way, I’ve discovered not only what drag IS but why it’s presence holds great importance and will continue to do so.
Drag History
The term Drag has a long history based in theatre. In the late 19th century, before women were allowed to perform, men would dress as women to play female roles in plays. When women were finally allowed to perform, the term Drag was also used for women dressing up as men.
Fast forward a couple of decades, Drag Artistes are gaining popularity on the American stage and homosexuality has been declared illegal. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community were forced into hiding. They congregated in underground bars and clubs where they felt they could freely express themselves (oftentimes through drag), away from the persecuting eyes of law-enforcement and society at large.
Gay Rights Protests
The culture and community experienced a massive explosion, drawing the inevitable attention of law-enforcement. In response to a police raid on the popular, Mafia-run Stonewall Inn in New York City, the infamous Stonewall riots broke out. This demonstration, led by black, trans women and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, is heralded as an integral catalyst in the arduous journey to equality.
Ballroom Drag
Following a string of raids across the US., began the great ballroom scene, a new underground community created to unite the LGBTQIA+ community. ‘Houses’ were led by a Mother, who would gather members of her House to compete in balls with themes where each House would present their take on the night’s theme. After fierce judging, a winner would be declared. The ballroom scene was dominated by black, trans-women and drag queens. But these Houses provided support, love and shelter for all, a grace not normally extended to members of the community, especially then.
What Is Drag Now?
Since then, the Drag scene has grown and changed in so many ways. The essence of Drag today is that it can mean whatever you want it to mean. It is to take the social construct of gender and to play with it to suit whoever you want to be. While the common stereotype of Drag draws the image of an effeminate, gay man, dressing as a woman, it has come to mean so much more than that. Plenty of Drag artistes are cisgender, straight men, some are cis, straight women simply indulging in the extremity of their femininity. Many Drag artists play on the idea of Androgyny. There are even Drag Kings; women dressing as men, partaking in hyper-masculine clothing and behaviour. The possibilities of gender expression with Drag are limitless.
Gender Expression, Gender Identity, and Self Discovery
Drag shows us that gender is whatever we make of it. It proves to us and the world, the malleability of gender. Drag opens up the conversation around what gender really is. It provides a gateway for people to question and explore their gender identity and that gender is so much more than just male and female. It shows us that gender exists on a fluid spectrum, between and beyond male and female. Just as the possibilities to Drag are endless, so too are the possibilities of each of our gender expressions.
“Wear a crown, fuck with gender, bend the rules, don't surrender”
- Sasha Velour. (Category Is… Season 9 remix by Rupaul)
Comments