An Infographic and Video Essay made by Danishelle Javillonar and Ysaiah Galacinao in reference to Trixie Mattel’s video from Inqueery, “Txie Mattel Breaks Down the History of Drag.”
Charisma. Uniqueness. Nerve. Talent.
These are the qualities that make up a drag superstar in accordance with the show “Rupaul’s Drag Race.” But for the queer community, drag and drag race, in general, are more than just the glitz and glam of being aesthetically on point or witty with the puns and banters that drag queens throw at each other.
It may be a narrative of a young boy who was left at a place where he felt unwanted. Or, maybe a narrative of a young girl who feels like she is not her true self because, for some reason, she is in the wrong body. Or, maybe it is a narrative of a man who was shamed for speaking up against people who continuously oppress him for being “different”. Or, maybe it is a story of a woman who feels like she is only tolerated for convenience rather than accepted fully.
Drag is a statement. It is a movement.
Drag can and will always be whimsical and entertaining, but it can also be serious fun by playing with society's norms in a deep way. In an atmosphere where an illegitimate authority attempts to impose reductive and harsh assumptions about gender that fly in the face of gender's recognized complexities, drag becomes even more blatantly political. Drag queens have evolved from obscure gay-bar entertainers to celebrities with an ever-expanding social media following in the current day. They may appear to be in a particularly unique position at this specific political time to confront Conservative pushback on the #MeToo movement and transgender rights, as performers who transcend the gender barrier and are known for their irreverent outspokenness.
At this age, it is okay to be creative in speaking up against oppression. Drag Race has given us that wide audience already. It is right to use this platform to forward narratives of different people of different walks of life as not only a reflection for our lives but also as a reminder that the queer community shall and will never be silenced by people who thinks what and who they are are wrong.
Drag is our narrative. It is everyone’s narrative.
