Drag Queen

A drag queen is a performer, usually a man, who uses costume, makeup, wigs, and padding to present an exaggerated feminine persona for entertainment. Historically, drag queens have most often been gay men, and drag has long been a part of LGBTQ+ culture with roots in theater, cabaret, and nightlife. As an art form, drag plays with and comments on gender roles. Performers vary widely, from occasional hobbyists to professionals who build careers around a persona. RuPaul's Drag Race, which premiered in 2009, brought drag to mainstream global audiences and launched many international spin-offs. Drag queens have long anchored community life by hosting fundraisers, headlining bars, and creating queer performance art. People who dress and perform as men are called drag kings.