The Herstory of Drag


The history of drag culture can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where men would often dress up as women in religious and cultural rituals. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, cross-dressing performances were a common feature of vaudeville and burlesque shows. However, it was not until the emergence of gay rights movements in the 1960s and 70s that drag culture began to become more visible and accepted in mainstream society.

During this time, drag performances began to shift from imitations of women to more exaggerated, campy, and satirical interpretations of gender. Drag queens, as they came to be known, began to use their performances as a form of social commentary and activism, often addressing issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

In the 1980s and 90s, drag culture experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the success of the TV show "RuPaul's Drag Race" and the mainstream success of drag queen RuPaul. Today, drag culture continues to evolve and expand, with drag performers taking on a wider range of styles and performance formats, from traditional lip-syncing and dancing to comedy, music, and even political activism.

Despite the progress that has been made, drag culture and the LGBTQ+ community continue to face challenges and discrimination. However, the enduring popularity and impact of drag culture suggests that it will continue to thrive and evolve in the years to come.


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