The History and Evolution of Drag

Introduction

• Drag has been a part of culture for centuries, evolving through various iterations and reflecting societal changes.
• "RuPaul's Drag Race" is pivotal for drag's recent visibility and acceptance.
• Understanding drag necessitates exploring both queer and racial contexts.

Ancient Origins

• In Ancient Egypt, Queens like Cleopatra and Hatshepsut engaged in cross-dressing to assert power.
• Ancient Greece: Men performed female roles in theatre as women were banned from the stage.

Middle Ages to Renaissance

• Christian Europe continued the tradition of banning women from the stage, leading men to play female roles.
• In 17th century Japan, Kabuki theatre with female impersonators became popular.
• Shakespeare's era: Men portrayed iconic female characters.

Early 20th Century: Vaudeville and Prohibition

• Drag became individual entertainment with vaudeville, combining female impersonation with comedy and music.
• Julian Eltinge became the first well-known drag queen.
• Prohibition era (1920-1933) saw drag flourish in underground clubs.
• Harlem's Hamilton Lodge balls attracted thousands.

Mid-20th Century: Stigma and Challenges

• Post-prohibition, drag faced increased policing and stigmatization.
• 1950s: "Homophile movement" saw white gay community distance from drag to assimilate.
• 1960s: Drag in media often portrayed comedically or negatively.

Late 20th Century: Liberation and Acceptance

• Stonewall Riots (1969) marked a significant moment for gay liberation led by drag queens like Marsha P. Johnson.
• 1970s: Drag culture slowly integrated into mainstream with performances by Tim Curry and David Bowie.
• Drag balls and houses offered community support during the AIDS crisis.

1990s to Present: Mainstream Success and "RuPaul's Drag Race"

• 1990s: RuPaul emerged as a notable drag figure, breaking into mainstream media.
• "RuPaul's Drag Race" debuted in 2009, showcasing drag talent and addressing LGBTQ+ issues.
• Critiques of the show include racial bias and narrow representation of drag styles.

Expansion Beyond "RuPaul's Drag Race"

• New shows like "Pose" and "Dragula" offer diverse representations of drag.
• The future of drag involves embracing diversity beyond the "Drag Race" format.

Conclusion

• Drag has deep, complex roots and continues to evolve.
• RuPaul emphasizes drag as a satirical take on identity and society.
• Further representation and expansion of diverse drag narratives are essential.

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• Note: For more in-depth exploration, refer to blogs and resources discussing drag history.