Understanding Drag: Dispelling Myths and Celebrating Performance

August 20, 2024 / Unity and Pride Network / by Garrick Pattenden

Drag is a vibrant and dynamic form of performance art that has captivated audiences worldwide. It is a celebration of creativity, identity, and self-expression, allowing performers to explore and challenge societal norms, particularly those related to gender and sexuality. However, in recent years, drag has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding its interaction with children and its role in public spaces. This article seeks to clarify what drag truly represents, why people perform it, and to address some of the common misconceptions that have arisen.

The Role of Drag in Performance and Community

At its core, drag is about performance. It is a theatrical art form where individuals, often from the LGBTQ+ community, take on exaggerated personas, typically through elaborate costumes, makeup, and performances. These personas can range from the glamorous to the satirical, often incorporating elements of humor, music, and dance. The goal is to entertain, challenge, and provoke thought among audiences, offering a unique commentary on society and culture.

Drag has deep roots in the LGBTQ+ community, where it has long served as a means of resistance and resilience. For many performers, drag is not just about the show—it is a lifeline. It creates a sense of community and belonging, particularly for those who may have been marginalized or rejected by their families due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The concept of "drag families" or "houses" is a testament to this, where experienced drag performers mentor newcomers, creating a supportive network that resembles a familial structure.

Drag Story Hour: Promoting Inclusivity and Love

Drag Story Hour (formerly known as Drag Queen Story Hour) is a program where drag performers read stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. The events are designed to capture the imagination and play of gender fluidity in childhood and to give kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. These events aim to teach children about diversity, acceptance, and self-expression, promoting inclusivity and love.

1. Educational and Age-Appropriate Content: The books chosen for Drag Story Hour are carefully selected to be age-appropriate. They often focus on themes of diversity, acceptance, love, and being true to oneself. The events are designed to be educational, fostering a love of reading while promoting an inclusive environment.

2. Supervision and Safety: Drag Story Hour events are held in public spaces like libraries and schools, where they are closely supervised by staff, parents, and guardians. The safety of the children is a top priority, and all performers undergo background checks and training to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved.

3. Promoting Inclusivity: Drag Story Hour aims to provide children with role models who reflect the diversity of the world they live in. By seeing drag performers who confidently express their gender identity and creativity, children learn that it is okay to be different and that everyone deserves love and respect.

4. Combating Misconceptions: Despite the positive intentions of Drag Story Hour, the program has faced criticism and protests, particularly from conservative and far-right groups. These groups often accuse the program of inappropriate behavior, despite there being no evidence of harm to children at these events. The program counters these misconceptions by emphasizing the educational and positive nature of the events.

Drag Story Hour has grown significantly since its inception in 2015 in San Francisco, California. It now has chapters in various states across the U.S. and even internationally in countries like Sweden, Japan, and Mexico. The program has received endorsements from various educational and library organizations, and even some conservative groups, recognizing its role in fostering literacy and inclusivity.

Addressing Misconceptions About Drag and Children

One of the most pervasive and harmful misconceptions about drag is the belief that drag performers, gay people, and transgender individuals are trying to influence or "turn" children into being gay, transgender, or interested in becoming drag performers. This harmful rhetoric is often propagated by homophobic, transphobic, and bi-phobic individuals who seek to create fear and misunderstanding within society.

The truth is that sexual orientation and gender identity are not things that can be "taught" or "induced" by exposure to different types of people or performances. Drag performers, like those involved in events such as Drag Story Hour, are not trying to change children’s identities. Instead, they aim to provide positive role models, celebrate diversity, and teach values like acceptance, self-expression, and love.

Safety and Supervision: Drag Story Hour and similar events are carefully curated to be age-appropriate and are held in public spaces like libraries and bookstores. These events are supervised by parents, guardians, and library staff, ensuring a safe environment for children. Contrary to the fear-mongering of hate groups, there have been no reported incidents where children were put in danger by drag performers or bookstore staff during these events. In fact, organizations such as the American Library Association and even conservative groups like Baptist News have endorsed Drag Story Hour, affirming its safety and educational value.

Positive Role Models: The purpose of Drag Story Hour is to teach children about diversity, acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. Drag performers act as educators and role models, using their platform to foster a positive, inclusive environment. The idea that drag performers are sexualizing children is a baseless accusation, often spread by groups that have a broader agenda of undermining LGBTQ+ acceptance. These performers, like any other educators or entertainers, are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for children.

The Bubble Effect: Protecting vs. Isolating

When parents restrict their children’s exposure to LGBTQ+ people or content, they create a bubble around their children. While the intention might be to protect, this bubble can lead to isolation from the realities of the world we live in. It can prevent children from developing a well-rounded understanding of different cultures, identities, and perspectives. This isolation can also foster ignorance and prejudice, which can be harmful as children grow into adulthood.

The Importance of Exposure to Diversity

Exposure to diversity, including the LGBTQ+ community, is crucial for fostering understanding and empathy in children. It helps them learn that being different is not something to fear but something to celebrate. By encountering diverse perspectives, children can grow into adults who are more open-minded, compassionate, and equipped to navigate a world that is rich with variety in human experiences.

Venom Vonsnaps' Warning and Personal Journey into Drag

While drag can be an empowering and educational experience for all ages, Venom Vonsnaps emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of each performance. She warns that not all drag shows are appropriate for children, particularly those designed for adult audiences. Venom stresses that parents and guardians should be mindful of the content and setting before bringing children to a drag show.

Venom's Key Warning: Venom strongly advises that parents exercise caution when deciding to bring children to a drag show. She emphasizes that drag performances can vary widely in content, with some shows containing adult themes, humor, and innuendo that are not suitable for younger audiences. She notes that it is ultimately the responsibility of the parents to ensure that the show is appropriate for their children.

Family-friendly drag events, such as Drag Story Hour, are designed with young audiences in mind, offering a safe and inclusive space where children can learn about diversity and acceptance. However, more traditional drag shows, especially those held in nightclubs or adult venues, may not be suitable for children due to their mature content. Venom's warning serves as an important reminder that while drag can be a positive and educational experience, it is crucial to choose the right type of event for younger audiences.

Venom Vonsnaps' Journey into Drag

Venom’s personal journey into drag is a testament to the transformative power of this art form. Growing up in Nova Scotia, Venom was always intrigued by the world of drag. However, it wasn’t until she met her drag mother, Stevie Von Snaps, that she truly began to explore this interest.

The Role of a Drag Mother: A drag mother is an experienced drag performer who mentors and guides newer queens, helping them navigate the challenges of drag and develop their own unique style. Venom’s drag mother, Stevie Von Snaps, introduced her to the world of drag by putting her in drag for the first time during a photoshoot. This experience led to the birth of Venom’s drag persona, which she has continued to develop and refine over the years.

Overcoming Challenges: Venom's journey into drag wasn’t without its challenges. She describes the early stages of her drag career as a period of "horror," filled with trial and error as she learned the intricacies of makeup, fashion, and performance. Despite these challenges, Venom persevered, driven by her passion for the art form and the support of her drag family.

In 2020, Venom faced another significant obstacle when she broke her foot during a Pride celebration. This injury prevented her from performing at full capacity for several months, but it didn’t diminish her determination. Venom used this time to focus on other aspects of her drag persona and eventually returned to the stage with renewed energy and commitment.

The Evolution of Venom's Drag Persona: Venom’s drag persona has evolved over time, reflecting her personal growth and experiences. Initially, she leaned into a spooky, edgy aesthetic, inspired by her name and love for dark, dramatic themes. However, as she grew more comfortable in her identity and performance style, Venom began to incorporate more elements of positivity, kindness, and community outreach into her persona.

Venom’s drag is now a blend of sharp wit, humor, and a commitment to uplifting others, both within the drag community and beyond. Her performances often carry messages of resilience and self-acceptance, making her a powerful voice in the world of drag.

Balancing Drag with Personal Identity: Venom’s journey in drag has also been influenced by her personal experiences, including her transition. She describes how her evolving identity outside of drag has shaped her performances, allowing her to bring more authenticity and depth to her drag persona. Venom’s story highlights how drag can be a powerful tool for exploring and expressing one’s identity, providing a space to embrace all aspects of who you are.

Drag Queens and Drag Kings: Exploring Gender Through Performance

Drag is not limited to one expression of gender; it encompasses a wide spectrum of identities and performances. The two most recognized forms within drag culture are Drag Queens and Drag Kings.

Drag Queens are male performers who typically exaggerate and play with the concept of femininity. They may use elaborate makeup, wigs, and costumes to create larger-than-life female personas. Drag Queens often perform in nightclubs, theaters, and at LGBTQ+ events, using their platform to entertain and, at times, to make powerful statements about gender and society.

Drag Kings, on the other hand, are female performers who typically explore and exaggerate masculinity. Drag Kings often adopt male personas, using makeup, clothing, and body language to create characters that embody male traits, sometimes to comedic or satirical effect. While Drag Queens have historically received more mainstream attention, Drag Kings are equally important in the drag community, offering a different perspective on gender and identity.

The History of Drag

Drag has a long and storied history, with roots that can be traced back to the theater traditions of ancient Greece and Shakespearean England, where male actors would often play female roles, as women were not allowed to perform on stage. However, drag as we know it today began to take shape in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The term "drag" itself is believed to have originated in the 1800s, referring to the sensation of long skirts "dragging" across the floor when male actors dressed as women. The practice of drag became more prominent in the early 20th century in underground LGBTQ+ communities, where performers could explore gender roles and express their identities in a relatively safe environment.

In the 1960s and 70s, drag became more politically charged, particularly during the Stonewall Riots, where drag queens played a significant role in fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. This period also saw the rise of drag balls, where participants would compete in various categories, from fashion to dance, showcasing their skills and creativity. These events laid the groundwork for modern drag culture, which continues to evolve and expand.

Other Terms and Identities in the World of Cross-Dressing

While "Drag Queens" and "Drag Kings" are the most recognized terms in the drag community, there are other identities and terms related to cross-dressing and gender performance:

- Cross-Dressers: This term typically refers to individuals who wear clothing traditionally associated with the opposite gender. Cross-dressing can be done for various reasons, including personal expression, performance, or as part of one’s identity. Unlike drag, which is often a public performance, cross-dressing can be a private or personal practice.

- Transvestites: This term, which is less commonly used today, historically referred to people who cross-dress, often for sexual or psychological reasons. It is important to note that this term is considered outdated and can be offensive if used incorrectly, as it has been replaced with more respectful and accurate terminology.

- Gender-Benders: These performers deliberately blur or mix traditional gender roles, creating characters that cannot be easily categorized as male or female. Gender-bending performances challenge societal expectations and celebrate fluidity in gender expression.

- Bio Queens/Bio Kings: These are performers who identify as cisgender women (for Bio Queens) or cisgender men (for Bio Kings) but engage in drag to explore and exaggerate gender roles. Bio Queens often perform in hyper-feminine drag, similar to Drag Queens, while Bio Kings might perform in hyper-masculine drag, similar to Drag Kings.

Comparing Drag Performers to Cross-Dressers

While both drag performers and cross-dressers engage in the practice of wearing clothing associated with a different gender, the motivations and contexts are often different:

- Purpose: Drag performers typically engage in cross-dressing as part of a performance. Their goal is to entertain, make a statement, or explore aspects of identity in a public and theatrical manner. Cross-dressers, on the other hand, may cross-dress for personal reasons, such as comfort, expression, or identity, and not necessarily as part of a public performance.

- Context: Drag is often performed in specific settings, such as nightclubs, theaters, or LGBTQ+ events, where the audience expects and understands the context of the performance. Cross-dressing, however, can occur in any setting and does not necessarily involve an audience or performance.

- Identity: While drag performers may create personas that are distinct from their everyday identities, cross-dressers might not adopt an alternate persona. For cross-dressers, wearing clothing associated with a different gender might simply be an expression of their identity or a way to explore their gender without creating a separate character.

The True Essence of Drag

Drag is an art form that thrives on pushing boundaries and exploring new territories. It allows performers to play with gender roles, express their creativity, and engage with audiences in a meaningful way. For many, drag is a way to express aspects of their identity that they might not be able to in their everyday lives. It is a powerful tool for both personal and artistic expression.

Beyond the performance, drag is also about community and survival. Historically, drag houses and families have offered refuge and support to LGBTQ+ individuals who faced discrimination and exclusion. These communities provide not only mentorship and guidance but also a sense of belonging and safety.

Why People Perform Drag

People are drawn to drag for a variety of reasons. For some, it is an outlet for their creativity—a way to bring to life the characters and ideas that exist in their imaginations. For others, it is a form of activism, a way to challenge societal norms and advocate for greater acceptance and equality. Drag can also be a way to explore one's own identity, allowing performers to experiment with different aspects of themselves in a safe and supportive environment.

Moreover, drag is a celebration—a celebration of life, love, and resilience. It is about embracing who you are, no matter how different you may be, and sharing that with the world. Through performance, drag queens, kings, and other gender performers create spaces where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated.

Why Children Perform Drag

Drag has long been a means of self-expression and identity exploration, primarily associated with adults. However, in recent years, the phenomenon of "Drag Kids" has emerged, where children engage in drag performances. This trend has sparked both interest and controversy, raising questions about the implications of children participating in an art form traditionally reserved for adults.

"Drag Kids" are typically young children, supported by their parents or guardians, who are drawn to the creativity and freedom that drag offers. These children often perform in family-friendly environments such as LGBTQ+ events, pride parades, and specially organized drag shows that are tailored to be appropriate for all ages. The concept of "Drag Kids" challenges traditional views on gender and performance, promoting a message of inclusivity and acceptance from an early age.

The increasing visibility of "Drag Kids" highlights the expanding boundaries of the drag community and reflects a broader societal shift towards embracing diverse expressions of identity. For some children, drag offers a unique outlet for creativity, allowing them to explore different facets of their personality in a supportive and affirming environment.

However, the involvement of children in drag is not without its concerns. One of the primary issues is the potential risk to the safety and well-being of these young performers. Public drag performances by children can inadvertently expose them to dangers, including the risk of exploitation or predatory behavior. This concern is shared by many who support LGBTQIA+ rights but are cautious about the public participation of children in drag.

For those who feel uneasy about children performing drag in public, there is a belief that such activities may be better suited to private settings. In the comfort of their own homes, children can explore their interests and identities without the added pressures and risks of public exposure. This approach allows for a safer exploration of self-expression while still respecting the child's autonomy and creativity.

It is important to acknowledge the diversity of opinions on this matter. While some parents and communities celebrate the participation of children in drag as a step towards greater inclusivity and acceptance, others emphasize the need for caution and protection. The decision to allow a child to engage in public drag performances should be made with careful consideration of the child's safety, emotional health, and the family's values.

Ultimately, the conversation around "Drag Kids" is part of a larger dialogue about the ways in which society supports and protects its youngest members while allowing them the freedom to explore their identities. Ensuring that any public expression of identity by children is conducted in a safe, age-appropriate manner is crucial. While drag can be a powerful tool for self-expression, it is essential to prioritize the well-being of children in all contexts.

Conclusion

Drag is much more than the sum of its performances. It is an art form, a community, and a powerful means of self-expression. For many, drag is a way to explore and embrace aspects of their identity that might not be easily expressed in everyday life. It allows individuals to challenge societal norms, especially those related to gender and sexuality, in a way that is both empowering and transformative. By understanding what drag truly represents, we can move beyond misconceptions and appreciate it for the vibrant, dynamic, and essential cultural force that it is.

Drag's influence extends far beyond the stage. It fosters a sense of belonging and community, offering a refuge for those who may feel marginalized or misunderstood. The creation of "drag families" and supportive networks within the drag community underscores the importance of mentorship, solidarity, and shared experience. Whether through glamorous performances, family-friendly events like Drag Story Hour, or simply being a beacon of acceptance and love, drag continues to inspire and uplift, offering a powerful message of resilience and joy to all who engage with it.

Venom Vonsnaps’ journey into drag, along with her thoughtful warnings about the appropriateness of drag shows for children, offer valuable insights into the complexities of this art form. Her experiences highlight the dual nature of drag as both a personal exploration and a public performance. Through her story, we are reminded that drag is not only a powerful means of self-expression but also a way to connect with and inspire others. It bridges the gap between art and activism, allowing performers to use their platforms to advocate for greater understanding and acceptance.

The emergence of "Drag Kids" has added another dimension to the drag community, highlighting how even children are finding empowerment and joy through this form of self-expression. While this development has sparked important conversations about safety, appropriateness, and the role of parents in supporting their children's interests, it also underscores the broad appeal and inclusivity of drag as a cultural phenomenon. It is crucial, however, to approach these situations with care, ensuring that children's participation in drag is both safe and supportive, taking into account their unique needs and the potential risks involved.

Venom’s story serves as a reminder that drag is more than just a performance—it is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and community. Her evolution as a performer, from embracing a spooky and edgy aesthetic to incorporating elements of kindness and outreach, reflects the broader evolution of drag itself. Whether through glamorous shows, heartfelt performances, or educational events like Drag Story Hour, drag continues to challenge norms, celebrate diversity, and inspire those who engage with it. In doing so, it paves the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society, where everyone is free to express their true selves without fear or prejudice.

As we move forward, it is essential to continue supporting the drag community and recognizing the significant role it plays in promoting diversity, acceptance, and understanding. By embracing the full spectrum of what drag has to offer, we can help create a world where differences are celebrated, and every individual is valued for who they are. Drag, in all its forms, remains a vital and dynamic force that challenges us to think differently, love more openly, and live more authentically.