I am a heterosexual woman (well...what does it mean when you find NO one interesting?)
My best friend is gay. (Not the Maaarryyy, no you didn't! kind) however, I shall now direct my attention to those fascinating, delicious creatures known as "Drag Queens". You've just got to love the wigs, makeup, gowns, cattiness (sometimes) and the names are the best!
Helena Troy...Cinnamon AllSpice...Miss Suki Yaki and Lola Flamboyah. I think you get the drift.
For those of you who think being a drag queen is all play and no work, guess again! I would never attempt to walk in stillettos, let alone attempt to dance and perform in them. Many of these superdivas not only design but sew their own costumes or reconstruct a ready made ensemble to create their savvy characters. Let us not forget the wardrobe of wigs and the creativity required to transform a five o'clock shadow into a flawless beauty!
A true drag queen must possess some sort of talent, be it believable lip syncing, comedic routines or the art of impersonation which often requires awesome vocal ability. What are a drag queens favorite divas to impersonate? Well, there's Cher, Liza, Judy, Barbara and let us not forget, Madonna and the newest star to recreate...they are all goo goo for Ga Ga!
These entertaining vixens come in all shapes and sizes and while there are some (I hate them, yet I love them) who possess gams, breasts and posteriors that could make a straight man look twice! Most drag queens are quick to state that the characters they create are considered their career and not who they truly are. They consider themselves men, who like men but dress as women for entertainment and employment purposes as an art form. Ru Paul has been a drag queen and great supporter and spokesperson for the LGBT community and has had a long and very financially rewarding career with a large and diverse fan base.
I applaud those compassionate queens who make a difference in their community as advocates for youth and speaking on behalf of those who have been victims of bullying as well as HIV and AIDS, gay marriage and the right for partners to support their loved ones during times of illness and end of life process. As a performing artist and writer, I support the arts in all it's diversity and consider drag queens to be just as entertaining or more so than many other creative arts professions. I also support without exception, ones right to be able to bring to life, their vision of arts and performance without criticism based solely on narrow mindeness and prejudice.
"Jesus loves drag queens too people!"
Sincerely, Mary Magdalena Just kidding!
Hugs&Bitches
Love this, Pats. We've corresponded from a distance for quite some time now, and I know our paths will eventually cross-heaven help anyone else in a room with so much combined fabulousness! Ha!
ReplyDeleteIt means a lot when someone takes the time to not only consider the amount of work and passion put into our art form. I watched a documentary on Netflix last night called "Ladies or Gentlemen" that discussed the history drag has in mainstream cinema and a good part of the dialogue was spent contrasting the instances of women cross-dressing in film with the reaction that men receive. The prevalent commentary was focused on the psychological ramifications of needing to maintain the punchline of a man in drag rather than risking the males in the audience questioning their sexuality.
As such, it's remarkably difficult for artists such as myself to create the persona and yet expect a fair amount of credibility from the public at large. I've used the attention drag affords me for years to raise money for charities and discuss serious issues I feel need to be addressed, and yet there are still so many people who cannot see past the wigs and makeup. Thank you so much for using your blog to call attention to the often unsung heroes that not only make us laugh, but think at the same time.
Much love and endless respect,
Miss Dee-Lovely