Glitter & Grit: Resilience & Drag
Resilience in Drag
Resilience in drag is such an interesting topic. Drag as an art form and a cultural phenomenon requires a great deal of resilience from those who participate in it. From facing societal stigma to navigating personal challenges, drag performers often demonstrate remarkable resilience in their pursuit of self-expression and artistry. Why does a performer need resilience, and how can a performer get resilience?
Why does a performer need resilience? Performers need resilience to shimmy through societal side-eyes, sashay past rejection, and juggle the glittery chaos of showbiz. It's like having a rhinestone-coated suit of armor against the drama! A performer requires resilience to navigate the challenges inherent in the world of drag, such as facing societal stigma, dealing with rejection, managing performance pressure, and balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Resilience allows performers to bounce back from setbacks, maintain confidence and self-esteem, regulate their emotions, adapt to change, sustain motivation, and cultivate healthy coping mechanisms. It's also about dodging haters, handling "thanks, but no thanks" moments, and keeping your cool when the spotlight's on. Resilience is like your backstage pass to bouncing back from those curveballs, keeping your confidence shining, and staying chill when things get cray-cray. It's like having a secret weapon in your sequined purse that helps you slay the stage and lift up your fellow queens. In essence, resilience equips performers with the strength and fortitude to overcome obstacles, thrive in their artistry, and contribute positively to the drag community.
Read on for lists of the whys and hows…
Reasons that a Drag performer would benefit from having resilience:
1. Navigating stigma and discrimination: Drag remains stigmatized in many societies, and performers may face discrimination, prejudice, and even violence because of their gender expression or identity. Developing resilience helps performers withstand societal judgment and continue expressing themselves authentically.
2. Dealing with rejection: Like any performing art, drag involves auditions, competitions, and gigs where performers may face rejection. Building resilience helps performers bounce back from setbacks, learn from rejection, and persevere in pursuing their artistic goals.
3. Managing performance pressure: Drag performers often face pressure to deliver flawless performances, entertain diverse audiences, and maintain high standards of creativity and originality. Resilience enables performers to cope with performance anxiety, handle constructive criticism, and adapt to unexpected challenges on stage.
4. Balancing personal and professional life: Many drag performers juggle their drag careers with other responsibilities, such as day jobs, family obligations, and personal relationships. Resilience helps performers manage stress, prioritize self-care, and maintain a healthy work-life balance amidst competing demands.
5. Facing internal struggles: Drag performers may grapple with internalized homophobia, transphobia, or body image issues, which can impact their self-esteem and mental well-being. Cultivating resilience enables performers to confront and overcome these internal struggles, embrace their identity, and celebrate their uniqueness.
6. Dealing with online criticism: In the age of social media, drag performers are often subject to online criticism, trolling, and cyberbullying. Resilience helps performers develop thick skin, set boundaries with online interactions, and maintain confidence in the face of negativity.
7. Addressing burnout and exhaustion: The demanding nature of drag, including late-night performances, long hours of preparation, and frequent travel, can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Resilience enables performers to recognize signs of burnout, prioritize self-care, and seek support when needed to prevent physical and emotional depletion.
8. Ability to bounce back from setbacks: Resilience enables performers to recover quickly from disappointments, setbacks, and failures, allowing them to maintain motivation and continue pursuing their artistic goals despite obstacles.
9. Increased confidence and self-esteem: Building resilience fosters a sense of self-assurance and belief in one's abilities, which can bolster performers' confidence on stage and in their everyday lives.
10. Emotional regulation: Resilient performers develop effective coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions, allowing them to stay grounded and focused during performances.
11. Adaptability to change: Drag performers often encounter unexpected changes or challenges during performances, such as wardrobe malfunctions or technical issues. Resilience equips performers with the flexibility and adaptability to navigate these situations gracefully and improvise when necessary.
12. Sustained motivation and passion: Resilient performers are better able to maintain their passion for drag and stay motivated despite the ups and downs of the industry. They are more likely to persevere through periods of low inspiration or creative blocks and remain committed to honing their craft.
13. Healthy coping mechanisms: Resilient performers develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as seeking social support, practicing self-care, or engaging in creative outlets, which help them maintain balance and well-being amidst the pressures of the industry.
14. Stronger connections within the community: Resilience fosters a sense of solidarity and camaraderie within the drag community, as performers support and uplift one another through challenges and triumphs. Building resilience strengthens these connections and fosters a supportive environment for all performers.
Overall, resilience empowers drag performers to overcome adversity, thrive in their artistry, and contribute to the vibrancy and resilience of the drag community as a whole.
How does a performer get resilience? Resilience is cultivated through various tools, strategies, and experiences. Performers can build resilience by engaging in self-care practices, seeking support from their community, pursuing creative outlets, setting boundaries, developing flexibility and adaptability, practicing positive self-talk, and, when needed, seeking professional support. There are so many options: spa days, fierce friends, and artsy expression… Mix in a dash of boundaries, a sprinkle of positive affirmations, and a pinch of pro-assistance/ therapy when the wig hits the fan. By actively incorporating these elements into their lives, performers can strengthen their resilience over time, enabling them to navigate the challenges of the drag industry with resilience and grace.
There are several tools and strategies that drag performers can utilize to build resilience, to include:
Self-care practices: Taking care of one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being is crucial for resilience. This includes getting enough rest, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness or meditation to manage stress.
Community support: Surrounding oneself with a supportive community of fellow drag performers, friends, and allies can provide invaluable emotional support during challenging times. Having a network of people who understand the unique experiences of being a drag performer can offer encouragement and solidarity.
Creative outlets: Engaging in other creative outlets besides drag can help performers maintain a sense of balance and perspective. Whether it's painting, writing, or dancing, expressing oneself through various artistic mediums can be therapeutic and rejuvenating.
Setting boundaries: Learning to set boundaries and prioritize self-care is essential for maintaining resilience. This may involve saying no to gigs or opportunities that feel overwhelming, prioritizing personal time, and establishing healthy boundaries in relationships.
Flexibility and adaptability: Drag performers often encounter unexpected challenges and setbacks, such as technical difficulties during performances or last-minute changes to routines. Developing the ability to adapt to these situations with grace and flexibility can enhance resilience.
Positive self-talk: Cultivating a positive mindset and practicing self-compassion can bolster resilience. Affirmations, gratitude exercises, and reframing negative thoughts can help performers build confidence and resilience in the face of adversity.
Seeking professional support: Sometimes, resilience may require seeking professional support from therapists, counselors, or support groups. These professionals can provide guidance, validation, and coping strategies to navigate difficult emotions and experiences.
By incorporating these tools and strategies into their lives, drag performers can strengthen their resilience and thrive in the face of challenges within the drag community and beyond.
So why does resilience matter for drag performers? Well, in fabulous drag realm, where every strut down the runway comes with its own set of challenges, resilience isn't just a helpful accessory—it's a must-have tool in every artist’s arsenal. From brushing off shade to turning setbacks into comebacks, resilience is the glittery glue that holds the community together and keeps performers shining bright.
And how do drag performers build resilience? By embracing self-care like it's the hottest trend on the runway, surrounding themselves with fierce friends who've got their back, and staying true to their creative vision no matter what. It's about finding strength in vulnerability, turning adversity into art, and standing tall in their stilettos and boots, ready to conquer whatever the drag world throws their way. Because in the end, resilience isn't just about surviving—it's about thriving, slaying, and leaving a trail of fabulousness in their wake / turn their dust into glitter / create a rainbow for their rearview!
