Egale Explains: Drag
Drag queen? Drag king? Drag storytime? Egale Explains all this and more.
Drag has a significant role in 2SLGBTQI history and culture, representing resilience, creativity, and community. From early underground performances to mainstream visibility today, drag has long served as a space for self-expression and a vital form of social commentary.
Yet, drag continues to face scrutiny and is often a primary target of anti-2SLGBTQI misinformation and disinformation. Misleading narratives misrepresent drag, creating stigma around an art form that celebrates individuality and challenges rigid gender norms. This webpage aims to help you understand the various aspects of drag, offering accurate information to counter myths and celebrate its cultural impact.
Jump to: What is Drag? | What is Drag Storytime? | Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Drag?
Drag is a multimedia form of performance art meant to challenge binary gender conventions and societal norms. The artform creates space for the exploration of gender expression and gender performance.
Using entertainment, drag allows us to confront social stereotypes and biases regarding gender identity, gendered social roles, and gender expression.
Some fundamental elements of drag are:
A DIY philosophy for make-up and costume making.
Use of lip-syncing and dancing along with acting and stand-up comedy.
Celebration of self-expression.
A playful reinvention of identity.
Subversion of gender norms.
Exaggerated aesthetics.
Playful rebellion against the status quo.
What is a Drag Show?
Drag shows often include lip-syncing, live singing, and dancing. The preparation also requires other skills like make-up artistry, costuming, and wig-making. Shows can take place in any venue from theatres, bars, and clubs, to outdoor festival stages to restaurants (often centred around breakfast events called drag brunch).
Drag performers vary by type,
Drag Kings
See Example
Drag Queens
See Example
Drag Things
See Example
by culture,
Pageant
See Example
Ballroom
See Example
Alternative
See Example
and dedication,
from professionals who star in movies and perform on world stages,
to people who do drag occasionally in small venues, or just for fun!
Photo attributions
- “Shane Onyou” by JoslynLM is licensed under CC BY 2.0
- “MAdonna – Celebration Tour Antwerp” by chrisweger is licensed under CC BY 2.0
- Dank Sinatra – Photo courtesy of the Toronto Public Library, 2024
- “MISS GAY USofA 2013” by Issac “AYE MIRA” Sanchez is licensed under CC BY 2.0
- “Drag on Ball – Voguing Ball in Berlin 2018” by Shikeishu is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
- “Still_from_the_Boulet_Brothers’_Dragula” by The Boulet Brothers is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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What is Drag Storytime?
Drag storytimes (also referred to as drag story hour) are family-friendly events often held at libraries and community centres. A drag performer will read picture books with themes of inclusion and belonging. Sometimes, the events also include sing-a-longs, face-painting, and crafts. Drag storytimes are events where people wearing fun and colourful costumes entertain children and their parents while encouraging self-confidence and inclusion.
Photo: “Barbada de Barbades” by Jennifer Richard, CC BY-SA 4.0
Why are drag storytimes important?
These events emphasize the importance of creativity, imagination, and an expansive view on how someone can live in their true authenticity. Drag storytimes offer a space for children to learn about social gender norms and also the agency to play and embrace expression and identity outside of these norms. Moreover, drag storytimes can also be important as a form of role modelling and representation for any child who feels different and unable to see themselves reflected in mainstream representations.
Why would a drag performer entertain children?
Drag performers often participate in events for children to promote inclusion, acceptance, and the joy of self-expression, similar to how other performers such as magicians, clowns, party princesses etc. engage with young audiences.
Why do some people oppose drag events for children?
Far-right and anti-2SLGBTQI groups have targeted drag storytimes and the spaces that host them with protests and even violent threats in recent years. They make baseless accusations that drag performances groom children for sexual abuse and their opposition stems from misinformation and societal biases. The term “grooming” is incorrectly and abhorrently used by some to describe drag events. An Ontario court recently found that calling drag performers “groomers” is “rhetoric based on hurtful, and hateful myths and stereotypes […]”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is drag a recent trend?
Drag has deep historical roots, dating back to theatrical practices where men played women roles due to restrictions on women performing. It has evolved into a celebrated art form in 2SLGBTQI culture.
Is drag the same as being transgender or cross-dressing?
Drag is a form of performance art and differs from being transgender or cross-dressing. It involves adopting a persona for entertainment, regardless of the performer’s gender identity. Cross-dressing typically involves wearing clothes associated with another gender for personal expression, while drag is a performance art that often exaggerates gender roles for entertainment purposes.
Does drag make children question their gender or sexuality?
Drag performances provide a safe space for exploring self-expression but do not aim to influence children’s gender or sexual identity. Instead, they encourage understanding and acceptance.
Why do some people oppose drag events for children?
Far-right and anti-2SLGBTQI groups have targeted drag storytimes, and the spaces that host them, with protests and even violent threats in recent years. They make baseless accusations that drag performances groom children for sexual abuse.
Opposition stems from misinformation and societal biases. Drag events for children are designed to be positive and supportive spaces, promoting themes of diversity and self-acceptance.
Is drag sexual?
Drag is not inherently sexual. It is a versatile art form that can include a wide range of performances, from comedic and dramatic, to family-friendly. Family-friendly events will most often be labelled as such by event organizers.
Are drag shows appropriate for children?
Many drag events are designed to be family-friendly, such as Drag Storytime, where the content is tailored to be educational and entertaining for all ages.
Why would a drag performer entertain children?
Drag performers often participate in events for children to promote inclusion, acceptance, and the joy of self-expression, similar to how other performers such as magicians, clowns, party princesses etc. engage with young audiences.
What is an all-ages drag show?
All-ages drag shows are designed to be suitable for audiences of all ages, featuring content that is appropriate and enjoyable for both children and adults.
What does “grooming” mean in the context of drag shows?
The term “grooming” is incorrectly and abhorrently used by some to describe drag events. Grooming involves manipulative behaviour, which is not at all what occurs in drag shows where the focus is on inclusion and fun. An Ontario court recently found that calling drag performers “groomers” is “rhetoric based on hurtful, and hateful myths and stereotypes […]”.
This resource was made possible thanks to the support of the LCBO, the Lead Ontario Partner of Egale Canada’s Rainbow Action Hub.
This resource is part of Egale Canada’s work to combat anti-2SLGBTQI hate. Use Egale’s Rainbow Action Hub to find more resources and tools to combat the rise of anti-2SLGBTQI hate.