Drag Queen - Artfully Exaggerated Femininity

As impressive as their performances are, the essence of drag queens is difficult to grasp. Their make-up , hairstyle and costume may or may not reflect their sexual orientation. The desire to appear feminine also has its own meaning for each drag queen. Let's take a look behind the masquerade together to get a little closer to these dazzling personalities.

What is a drag queen?

The most striking and unifying feature of all drag queens is their glamorous outfit. In addition to decidedly feminine clothing, they wear daring make-up and eccentric-looking accessories. Gestures and facial expressions are based on female stereotypes and are also theatrically exaggerated.

What distinguishes drag queens from non-gender specific queer expression?

Some people struggle to understand the difference between drag queens from other forms of identity expression such as people who occasionally dress in styles not traditionally associated with the person's biological sex.

There are however clear distinguishing features that set drag queens apart:

A drag queen always goes for glamour. Her appearance and personality often has something diva-like and clearly exaggerated. Unlike people who dress beyond the stereotypes of their sex, the drag queen’s expression of identity has a further theatrical element which is embodied totally when the person presents as a drag queen. The drag queen is usually the fabulous and outre alter ego of the person that embodies her. People who enjoy presenting as the opposite gender on the other hand express their identity without the theatrical element and their clothing doesn’t always signify a drastic change in their persona. It is important to note that neither of these groups are transgender as both of these cases refer to gender expression and not to gender identity.

What motivates drag queens to perform?

The elaborate make-up, the skilfully arranged costume and the carefully rehearsed gestures often serve a very specific purpose: many drag queens want to use their performances to make socio-political statements and draw attention to areas of social tension. Sexual orientation and diversity are also areas in which drag queens speak out about - as members of the queer community they are often affected by violence, ignorance and hate speech. Even less feminine-looking people can be convincing drag queens, as Austrian Grand Prix winner Conchita Wurst impressively proves with her full beard.

Career as a drag queen via starboxx

Would you also like to make a contribution to the queer community, get involved in projects about sexual orientation or live out a secret passion? Then slip into your weirdest outfit, put on your best make-up and apply to starboxx as a committed drag queen!