Drag Etiquette: Respect, Inclusivity, Safety, Sportsmanship, Consent
In the vibrant world of drag, where glittering costumes, flamboyant performances, and dazzling personas reign, there lies a profound undercurrent of etiquette and ethics. Beyond the sequins and spotlights, the drag community cherishes values of respect, inclusivity, and consent, shaping the way performers, audience members, and event organizers interact and engage within this dynamic subculture.
Understanding and upholding these principles not only fosters a welcoming environment but also ensures that everyone involved feels valued and empowered. Let's delve into the significance of respect, inclusivity, and consent within the drag community, while also exploring common etiquette guidelines that contribute to its flourishing artform.
Respect: The Foundation of Drag Culture
Respect forms the bedrock of drag culture, manifesting in various forms throughout interactions within the community. It begins with acknowledging and honoring each performer's chosen persona, regardless of how extravagant or understated it may be. Every drag artist invests immense creativity and effort into crafting their character, and respecting their identity is paramount.
As a king with a distinctive style, I've had the privilege of encountering a myriad of drag expressions, each as unique as the performer behind it. What truly fascinates me is the sheer breadth of creativity and imagination that thrives within our community.
From glam to avant-garde performers, and everything in between, there's a beauty in the multitude of approaches to drag. It's a boundless universe of identities, styles, and perspectives that continuously inspires and challenges me.
One of the greatest strengths of our community lies in our ability to learn from one another, to celebrate our differences, and to uplift each other. Through mutual respect and understanding, we create a space where every drag artist can flourish and thrive.
Even if a particular style of drag doesn't resonate with me personally, I recognize and honor it as a form of artistic expression. After all, beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and what may not speak to me may deeply resonate with someone else.
By embracing this ethos of respect and appreciation for diverse drag, we not only enrich our own experiences but also contribute to the vibrant labyrinth of our community. Together, we build a platform where every voice is heard, every style celebrated, and every artist valued for their unique contribution to the art form we hold dear.
Moreover, respect extends beyond the stage to encompass the diverse identities and experiences present within the audience. Treating everyone with dignity and courtesy is non-negotiable.
Inclusivity: Celebrating Diversity and Difference
Inclusivity lies at the heart of drag culture, embracing individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. Drag has historically provided a platform for marginalized communities to express themselves freely and authentically. As such, it's essential to create spaces that welcome and celebrate this diversity.
To make a splash in the world of drag, we strut our stuff on open stages and dive headfirst into competitions. Winning a contest can open doors to more shows and perhaps even a coveted booking. The more we flaunt our fabulousness, the greater our chances of snagging those spotlight moments. Plus, hitting up more open stages allows us to finesse our drag personas and hone our performance skills.
Sadly, the quest for recognition often breeds a competitive vibe among performers, fostering judgment and gossip. It's crucial that we resist the urge to tear down others in a bid to elevate ourselves. I'll confess, there have been moments when I succumbed to pettiness after a competition loss left me feeling bruised. But hey, we're all human, and I'm committed to evolving beyond those petty instincts.
Moving forward, I'm determined to celebrate the diversity of my fellow performers rather than judge them. Let's channel our energy into empowering each other and expanding our circle of fabulous friends. Inclusivity is the lifeblood of the drag community, fueling our collective growth and resilience against those who seek to silence or oppress us.
Enough with hiding in the shadows! We're here to add glamour and vibrancy to society. It's time to step boldly onto the stage, casting off the shackles of silence and embracing the full spectrum of our art, expression, and voices. We're not just performers; we're the radiant hues that paint our culture with warmth and vitality.
For audience members, inclusivity means embracing the myriad forms of drag expression without judgment or prejudice. Whether it's drag kings, queens, or non-binary performers, each deserves recognition and applause for their unique contribution to the art form.
Being a drag king, I often find myself not being the immediate expectation in the realm of drag. This underscores the importance of having an audience that embraces diversity without judgment for a truly fulfilling performance. When the audience is lively and engaged, it fuels my energy, allowing me to deliver a stellar show. However, if met with silence or confusion, stemming from preconceived notions of seeing a queen instead, it triggers self-consciousness, making it challenging to stay in the moment. In competitions where audience applause determines the winner, it's still essential for spectators to express appreciation for all performers.
I recall traveling for hours to such a competition only to realize that applause was biased towards performers with friends present. Sadly, my enthusiasm waned after my first number was followed by crickets in the audience. Though it was a disheartening experience, I'm learning to not let it affect me, even though it was glaringly obvious that I was bummed that night. While I'm thrilled for my friend who deservedly won, it's crucial for audience members to recognize and appreciate the efforts of all performers, regardless of personal connections.
Similarly, event organizers and show hosts play a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity by ensuring representation across their lineups and prioritizing accessibility for all attendees. By actively challenging exclusionary practices, the drag community continues to evolve as a beacon of acceptance and celebration.
Diversity not only enriches the experience for audiences but also fosters a more inclusive and representative environment within the entertainment industry. A mix of dance, comedy, glam, and gore, along with a racially inclusive lineup featuring performers of various gender identities, offers a broader range of perspectives and talents for everyone to enjoy. Celebrating diversity in all its forms enhances creativity, promotes empathy, and creates a more vibrant and dynamic entertainment landscape, and I am so fortunate to experience that in the community that I am a part of.
Create a Safe Space:
I vividly recall my early days of venturing into the world of drag performance. After my debut show, filled with adrenaline and a swirl of emotions, I took a moment to bask in the post-performance glow. The audience's energy lingered as I gracefully navigated through the crowd for a short meet and greet, exchanging smiles and kind words.
Backstage, amidst the chaos of performers hastily packing their costumes and makeup, I carefully organized my own suitcase, still buzzing from the thrill of the performance. With each item neatly tucked away, I prepared to bid farewell to the venue.
As I approached the exit, ready to venture out into the night, the show host intercepted me with a gentle yet firm demeanor. Her words cut through the chatter of the backstage chaos, resonating deeply within me. "Who's walking you out?" she asked, her concern palpable.
Initially taken aback by the question, I reassured her that I could manage on my own. But her response, filled with a sense of community and solidarity, left an indelible mark on my heart. "No, honey," she insisted, her voice carrying a sense of conviction. "We take care of each other here. Nobody goes to their car alone."
In that moment, her words enveloped me in a blanket of inclusion and safety. It wasn't just about physical protection; it was about being part of a community that looked out for one another, that embraced each member with open arms.
Though I hadn't thought I needed any protection, her simple yet powerful gesture made me realize the strength that lies in unity and support. As I walked out into the night, accompanied by a newfound sense of belonging, I carried her words with me, a reminder of the bonds forged within the vibrant world of drag performance.
Sportsmanship:
Good sportsmanship in a drag competition is similar to that in any other competitive event, emphasizing respect, integrity, and fairness. Here are some key aspects of good sportsmanship in a drag competition:
1. Respect for Fellow Competitors: Treat your fellow competitors with respect and dignity. Acknowledge their talents and efforts, and avoid negative comments or behaviors towards them.
2. Fair Play: Adhere to the rules and regulations of the competition. Avoid cheating, sabotage, or any form of unfair advantage-seeking. Compete based on your own skills and abilities.
3. Grace in Victory and Defeat: Whether you win or lose, maintain a gracious attitude. Congratulate the winner and accept defeat gracefully. Remember that winning isn't everything; participating and showcasing your talent is also valuable.
4. Supportive Behavior: Encourage and support your fellow competitors. Cheer them on and offer words of encouragement. A positive and supportive atmosphere enhances the experience for everyone involved.
5. Respect for Judges and Organizers: Show respect towards the judges and organizers of the competition. Accept their decisions with grace, even if you may disagree with them. Trust in their expertise and judgment.
6. Humility: Remain humble regardless of your success. Avoid arrogance or boastfulness, and instead, show humility and gratitude for the opportunity to compete.
7. Positive Interaction with the Audience: Engage positively with the audience, whether through your performance or interactions off-stage. Remember that they play a crucial role in the overall atmosphere of the event.
8. Integrity in Performance: Perform to the best of your abilities while maintaining authenticity and integrity. Stay true to yourself and your artistic vision, rather than compromising for the sake of winning.
9. Sportsmanlike Conduct Off-Stage: Remember that good sportsmanship extends beyond the stage. Behave respectfully towards others backstage and in any interactions related to the competition.
10. Learn and Grow: Use each competition experience as an opportunity for learning and growth. Reflect on your performance, receive feedback constructively, and strive to improve for future competitions.
By embodying these principles of good sportsmanship, participants can contribute to a positive and enjoyable atmosphere in drag competitions, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect within the drag community
Consent: Empowering Performers and Audience Members
Consent forms the cornerstone of ethical interaction within the drag community, empowering performers to set boundaries and audience members to engage respectfully. Drag may exude an aura of extravagance and theatricality, but there is still a fundamental right to consent.
Some drag queens may sport hefty layers of padding and multiple pairs of tights, resulting in reduced sensitivity to touch or accidental bumps. However, as a drag king who opts out of padding, I am keenly aware of my physical boundaries and don't appreciate unsolicited touching, especially on sensitive areas like my butt. If you are curious about binding or packers, just ask and we can talk. Like I said, it’s all about consent.
It's crucial to recognize that preferences regarding physical interaction vary among performers. While some may welcome it, others prefer to maintain personal space. Regardless of gender presentation, it's never acceptable to assume that performing drag gives license to grope or touch someone without consent. Respecting performers' boundaries is paramount to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all involved.
Audience participation, for instance, should always be voluntary, respecting performers' autonomy at all times. If you prefer not to be touched or engaged with during a performance, it's important to be mindful of where you position yourself in the audience. Avoid standing in areas where performers can easily reach you, or if you find yourself in such a spot, make it clear through unmistakable gestures that interaction isn't your thing.
A simple yet effective signal is to wave your hands, shake your head in a gentle "no" motion, or cross your arms into an unmistakable X shape as the performer approaches. Most performers will pick up on these cues and respect your boundary, allowing you to enjoy the show without any unwanted interactions.
Common Etiquette Guidelines: Navigating Drag Spaces with Grace
Navigating drag spaces with grace involves adhering to certain etiquette guidelines that uphold the community's values of respect, inclusivity, and consent. Whether you're an audience member, performer, or event organizer, here are some universal principles to keep in mind:
Respect performers' boundaries: Avoid touching performers without consent and refrain from interrupting their performances.
Use inclusive language: Be mindful of using gender-neutral language and avoid assumptions about performers' identities.
Support diverse talent: Celebrate performers of all genders, races, and backgrounds, amplifying voices that are often marginalized.
Respect personal space: Give performers and audience members ample space to enjoy the event comfortably.
Don’t walk through the performance space: Usually there is a stage area or an aisle that the performer is using, be mindful and don’t walk into the spotlight or in the path of the performer.
Tip: Drag is expensive, and usually the performers aren’t paid very much if at all. We depend on tips to supplement the cost of costumes, makeup, travel, and other performance related costs. If you are on a tight budget, try for at least $2 per performer for a night.
Pay attention to the performance: If we as performers are able to see past the spotlight and we notice that many of the audience members are on their phones or have their backs turned to us, then we will lose some of our flair. It is difficult to stay motivated to entertain when the crowd doesn’t seem to want to be entertained.
Seek consent for interactions: Whether it's a photo opportunity or a conversation, always ask for consent before engaging with others.
Be an ally: Stand up against discrimination and harassment, creating a supportive environment for all.
In Conclusion
The world of drag is a medley of creativity, passion, and self-expression, enriched by the principles of respect, inclusivity, safety, sportsmanship, and consent. By embodying these values in our interactions and engagements, we not only honor the legacy of our drag ancestry but also pave the way for a more inclusive and vibrant community.
As we continue to celebrate the diversity and resilience of drag culture, let us remember that our actions and attitudes shape the spaces we inhabit. Through mutual respect, unwavering inclusivity, and enthusiastic consent, we can ensure that drag remains a beacon of empowerment and celebration for generations to come.
