By Kevin Ferrisi –

The growing popularity of drag is indisputable. This increasing reach can be largely attributed to the success of drag being featured and highlighted in mainstream culture. It’s underlying social meaning is less obvious and even, in some cases, hotly contested. Drag is a performance of exaggerated femininity, masculinity or other forms of gender expression, usually for entertainment purposes. Here are 8 things you may not know about Connecticut drag performers.

1. Mostly misunderstood

Drag performers have unfortunately had a negative stigma placed around their community and are often labeled as malicious or deviant. As a result, the art-form is often suppressed and considered taboo and a target for anti-queer legislation. A new narrative can be written with representation and education.

“We have a really strong, thriving drag scene. And I think it’s important that we foster that because we have a lot of great opportunities here in Connecticut for drag artists and I think it’s important we take care of the community. I think a lot of the pushback against drag artists has just been kind of a misunderstanding of what drag even is. A lot of people don’t know and not for any reason, it’s just not something that’s on their radar.”
– Zella Cullatore

2. The high price of doing drag

Drag is an art form, and monetizing art is never easy, and talking about it all together is considered taboo. Art and capitalism don’t easily mesh well either, nor does queerness with capitalism, but for queer art forms, like drag, the price of performing can be very high. Sometimes audiences expect a free show, which is not sustainable in any way. Most drag entertainers have modest incomes, but their expenses for hair, makeup and travel can easily top their earnings.

“Drag isn’t very profitable. Most drag queens leave a booking or show with 50% of what it costs for a styled wig nowadays. Drag queens don’t do it for the money.”
– Ambrosia Black

3. A jack of all trades

In drag, you have to be a jack-of-all-trades to be successful. It helps to be a person who is good at fixing a variety of things and has a good level of broad knowledge. The multifaceted nature of drag encompasses skills such as sewing, hair styling and makeup just to begin to list a few, not to mention the skills used in life outside of drag!

“Connecticut drag performers are multifaceted! Our grandest talents, often times, live beneath all of the makeup, costumes and show business. Besides my undeniable passion for art, I personally enjoy taking part in national policy advocacy, cake decorating and human services. We fully commit to every single thing we do, and that is what I value the most about being a part of Connecticut drag. The underrated opportunity to get to know others!”
– Crystal Starz

4. Drag is gender fluid

Our society treats men taking on femininity very differently than it treats women taking on masculinity. Drag kings and AFAB performers are insanely underrated unfortunately, which is such a shame because their art is just as impressive. These queer artists who dress themselves as men have to face the toxic masculinity judgments while pulling off their male performances amidst judgmental audiences.

“Drag kings, things and monsters have existed since the very start of drag. Gender nonconformity is at the very core of drag and the drag scene. The amount of performers who aren’t afraid to do things that confuse mainstream audiences has grown exponentially here in CT in the post-covid landscape and I love to see it!”
– Frankie M. Cyanide

5. Trans plays a major role

Trans drag performers have played a key role throughout the history of the art form. As drag grew in popularity in the 1960s and beyond, many trans women found themselves performing because rampant transphobia and homophobia made it difficult to find other work. Drag was often a form of financial survival.

“Trans women created and dominated this scene and we’re reclaiming it. The doll dynasty is back!”
– Moxie Angel

6. Everyday people too

Drag artists entertain, but they also challenge how we think about gender, identity and personal expression. Drag is also traditionally the public face of LGBTQ+ culture. They protest and represent their community with social and political issues. But above all, drag artists are also people, just like you and me, who deal with life’s challenges and struggles just the same as everyone.

“I think it’s important that people remember we’re just like them. Outside of drag, I’m very awkward, sometimes shy and timid. But drag allows me to let out this rage of beauty and fun that I don’t always feel comfortable showing in my routine day to day life!”
– Hella Swagg

7. We are family

Members of a drag house sometimes may live together, but mostly are called families because of the values of support and community in drag culture. It is also rooted in the concept of ‘chosen family’ as queer people have been historically disowned or outcast by their blood relatives and so find love and camaraderie in the LGBTQ+ community, which is especially true for those in the drag community.

“One thing I’ve learned coming in as one of the newest queens on the scene in Connecticut is the drag culture here is so accepted and accepting of every form of drag and each is celebrated, from glamour pageantry to alternative, performing girls to lewk queens. All drag is valid and I’m somewhere in the mix from my southern background, but always having an eye for fashion, and even being a bit alternative with my crazy conceptual performances. I have something for everyone, and I love that Connecticut sees me and accepts all the insane and crazy concepts my brain comes up with. Connecticut has given me and other queens a safe space to share our individual art.”
– Judah

8. There’s power in self-expression

Drag is a form of self-expression, but it is also about inclusivity and acceptance. For centuries, drag has emerged as a powerful symbol of self-expression, creativity and empowerment in the world. From its historical origins to its impact on contemporary culture, drag has played a significant role in challenging societal norms and promoting inclusivity.

“I used to think I started drag just because I love to dance and truly love to perform and entertain but looking back as like this more grown person now, as a trans woman, now I’m like, oh my God, I had all these underlying issues that I didn’t really know was happening. Drag was kind of my way of just being like, okay, this is me; this is who I am. During a lot of my drag performances when I’m on the stage, I’ll go through these instances, where I’m like, oh my God, the energy is so high right now and I look pissed on stage but it’s literally because a lot of my numbers are dedicated to things I’ve gone through, so I’m releasing trauma and whatnot.”
– Rozz Aura