The term drag is a word often used in the context of a slang to point to putting on clothes from the opposite sex. In simpler terms, this form of dressing can also be referred to as cross-wear.
On the other hand, men in drag are known as drag queens. These are mostly men who find pleasure in entertaining masses while wearing clothing that is related to ladies.
They often act in the same manner too through exhibiting female characters. They almost exaggerate everything that women do in a funny, satirical and dramatic way.
As much as men in drag are typically associated with gay culture, some belong to the straight orientation. Some of the best shows involving men in drag include the famous RuPaul's drag race which stars RuPaul who is a renowned actor.
You can stream the show on MSN using your PC or mobile phone and enjoy the theatrics that unfolds. So, if men in drag are not that huge as alluded, then why is it getting mainstream?
Because of RuPaul, drag is slowly becoming accepted into the mainstream media, and more people are gaining acceptance of the practice. The public has had a lot of trouble coming into terms with the drag culture, and this is something that RuPaul has explained more than once.
Drag is all about creating fun out of the gender norms that people relate to easily. In the recent past, drag culture was a thing that only took place on stages and shows and was not profitable.
When compared to now where the practice is a flourishing business, the stakes can only grow higher. Today, there are even some conventions held that have a drag theme and no other. Such are the DragCon which was held in Los Angeles and had thousands of people attending.
One thing that you can attribute to the growth of drag culture in mainstream media is the change in perception. How people view gender roles has drastically improved over the years, therefore allowing the culture to increase all over.
Most of these efforts are pointed towards the LGBT groups that have tried to bridge the gap that was. Cultural stereotypes often filled people's minds whenever they heard of the term drag queen or men in drag.
If you leave the judgment aside, you will notice that the drag culture is more than just cross-dressing and is an art. It is an art that is constantly evolving and gaining momentum to match others in the industry and has become mainstream.
Most of the slangs and terms that people use daily are what you will possibly find in drag shows such as the one held up RuPaul.
The funny part is that men in drag have used these terms for several years without people noticing due to lack of interest. This means that with enthusiasm, people will be more accepting of the culture.
Some people term drag queens as the clowns of the LGBT community, but the truth is, they are the ones with the courage to embrace everything going on.
Some individuals view drag culture as a fake imitation of femininity while on the other hand, some see it as a tool of art and fun that is entertaining to the masses.
There are different types of drag queens, and this varies depending on the person performing the skit. Another common entity about men in drag and the culture at full is bio-queens.
As much as many people may not know about this, bio-queens are females in drag. Although not quite as common, this entity is equally on the rise (a topic for another day).
An important factor that can be said to be one of the most significant contributors to the success of drag culture is social media. Social media includes Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter among many other media tools.
In this contemporary world, more and more individuals are joining social media sites with billions already present at the moment.
Those who are on social media sites have encountered drag culture at one time or the other and have begun appreciating the art. Social media has therefore acted as a convincing power to many.
As much as gender may start with the label of the sex type we have, this does not mean that it ends there.
It further depends on one's identity, expression, and body. You must know yourself both internally, and externally then you will be able to match what the environment expects. ‘Everyone was born naked, and the rest is drag,' as alluded.
The idea that drag is for everyone regardless of sex, race or background is one that has changed the mindset of many people all over the world. People have learned that it is not only about those three points but also how you portray yourself.
You are what you show yourself to be to people, that is what defines you. This analogy is what has pushed most men in drag into success with the culture getting mainstream attention.
By the mid 90's RuPaul was already a household name, and people began appreciating his art and style. By the year 2009, he began appearing on mainstream media through his favorite TV show that gained track so fast.
Even though the show differs from most of the usual reality TV shows in terms of gender roles and expectations, it has continued to change this narrative as the years go by.
Today, drag is viewed using different lenses which show it as a sign of empathy to women. For instance, drag queens often have appreciated what ladies go through when making up.
As much as you may see it as a short and precise process that doesn't take any time, once you take the kit and start making up is when you will discover how tedious it is – says one of the men in drag.
Therefore, as much as it is merely art, it is also a way of appreciating the efforts made by women that are mostly unseen by most eyes. With this and more in mind, maybe the stakes might go higher for the drag culture as far as mainstream media is concerned.