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Trans Women and Drag
What’s the Big Deal?
I have recently become aware that some trans women are not fans of drag queens.
Last October, James Finn published a writing prompt encouraging people to write about the pros and cons of drag queens. I just became aware of it today, when I read one of the articles written in response. In it an Australian author focused on a Facebook user named J who wrote a two word comment, “Drag sucks”. This apparently resulted in some extreme piling on by members of the LGBTQ community.
What intrigued me was less the predictable angry response than the sentiment expressed by J. A month or so ago a trans woman I know expressed a similar dislike for drag. Because I am a transgender woman as well, I was surprised. I like drag. I find it a hoot and I admire the sense of style and make-up talents of many who participate in it.
All of us are generally aware of the existence of drag, and I suspect many of us have at least watched snippets on cable television or encountered people in drag in various parades and special events. If you are like me, for many years I paid little attention. I enjoyed the pageantry in a vague, detached way, but never really immersed myself in the culture or the entertainment. I had other interests.
