By J.J. Atwell
Can you be somebody who enjoys dressing as a woman, but doesn’t see Drag Queens in quite the same light? Is that odd? At least to me, I see a huge difference between myself as a CD and drag queens. When I see a drag queen, I’m often amazed at their outfits and makeup. Especially those drag queens that go for the more “realistic” look. Sometimes I’m envious that they get to do that and are accepted for it.
But Are They Really Accepted?
A drag queen is basically an entertainer. They typically are not trying to pass in the real world. They are actually trying to attract attention. Is that the same as acceptance? I’m not sure myself. Yes, people accept that they are performing and many enjoy it. I just don’t know if “acceptance” is the right word.
Drag Queens are often a lightning rod for those who are not so accepting of gender diversity. For some reason there is a fear that children will grow up to be gender diverse if they are see a drag queen perform. To me it’s obvious that this is a fallacy. If something like that were true then surely we would have lot of mutant ninja turtles running around by now.
Being exposed to drag queens is vastly different from being exposed to the typical CD who just wants to be out in public. When I go out, I’m not trying to attract attention. I’m also not trying to “convert” non-CDs to dressing as a woman. I’m just out there because I’m tired of my small closet and want to be out in the world.
So I Rambled
As I re-read what I’ve written here I see that I’ve kind of rambled. By touching on a few unrelated things I may not have made a clear point. But then again perhaps its best if the reader takes their own conclusions. How about letting me know if you think drag queens and CDs belong in the same sentence.
I’ll Be Back
I’ll be back with more Stuff in the next installment. Comments are welcome either here on the blog or by email to Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com. JJ is always looking for more stuff so let me know what you would like to read about.
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| Wearing Ann Taylor |
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| Long-time Femulate.org reader, Mindy, celebrated Valentine's Day. |
You’re never a drag JJ ! I went back to 8/20/2021. The article about female impersonators and drag queens. A lot to be said on all parts. I learned how to tuck on DQ videos. How to make a gaff too. I guess it takes more than one spoke in a wheel. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThe similarity is that they are both forms of feminine expression in natal males (one heterosexual and one homosexual). Neither usually has any intent to transition although there are cases of misdiagnosis in both camps who have indeed gone on to transition when they realized they were more invested in identity than they first thought.
ReplyDeleteHi JJ, they are all part of the world of crossdressing and I am sure there are many closeted drag queens out there. Since they entertain in the gay community they are looked at differently and usually in a negative way because they are so visible and flamboyant and very out there. CDs tend to be shy and enjoy femulating and going out shopping, lunch with friends and enjoy reading womans magazines. I respect them and others who identify differently. I hope a queen can give us their few on us. Hugs Brenda
ReplyDeleteMany people don't understand the difference between a cross-dresser and a drag queen. Someone once explained it to me like this: Drag is an art form within gay culture, typically performed for entertainment or at cultural events. It's a way for gay men to express their femininity. A cross-dresser, on the other hand, is someone who dresses as the opposite gender to validate and express their internal sense of self. To an outside observer, the difference might not be obvious. However, to both drag queens and cross-dressers, the distinction is very clear. Paula G
ReplyDeleteHi Glenda - yes, you're right that we can learn a lot from the DQ's. Especially on how to hide some of our male features. Hugs JJ
ReplyDeleteI have never attended a DQ presentation, but have seen performers on television or the internet. The most mainstream place I have seen DQ's has been on "The View." The women on "The View" seem to enjoy DQ presentations and attend performances. Yes, their outfits and presentations can be outrageous, and that's their intentions. Generally, the public has to make a concerted effort to encounter DQ's. DQ's are a lightening rod for hate when it comes to unexpected encounters, especially "storybook time" at the public library. The "plain vanilla" cross dresser seems to want to blend in and not make a statement, although just like genetic women, some are exhibitionists and want to flaunt it. I am not a fan of DQ presentations, nor a fan of strip clubs, too. In the sense of "putting it out there" I'd say I am more of a fan for something like a "woman-less" beauty pageant.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger (half a century ago) we had female impersonators, usually very accomplished who strove to look like real, if very glamorous, women. In stage costume they looked fabulous but could, when dressed to go home have been very attractive women , but within the spectrum of females.
ReplyDeleteNow, Drag Queens rule. They make no effort to look like real women and I often find the parody unattractive. We want to be "unseen", at least I do. When I'm out as a woman, that's what I want to be seen as. A woman, not a man dressed as a woman, but an ordinary woman. However unlike all my female friends I rarely wear pants. With 9 out of 10 women in pants perhaps I am looked at because my skirt wearing preference makes me a stand out.
However I have a TG friend who lives most of her social and some professional life as a woman, whose mantra is "make sure you get 7 out of 10 things right and then you'll be fine.
Those 7 perhaps a subject for one of your weekly letters.
Lily
You might appreciate this little number from the movie "Better Than Chocolate": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHH5EWJhLHE
ReplyDeletedon't know about the rest of the USA but drag queen bingo very popular in SW Florida
ReplyDeleteI’m a married straight man over 65. Recently we went to visit my gay stepson. His partner is a former award winning drag queen. They asked if we wanted to go to a drag show. Just like baseball watching a game on television and being there very different. Ended up going to two shows week apart. Very entertaining live. Before and after the show queens came out and spoke to people at their table. Warm and personal. Very friendly audience strangers spoke to me and my wife. Surprised to see a large lesbian factor there. Any 6 foot 200+# man that can do a double cartwheel into the splits is my hero! I would definitely attend a show again. JJ you’re great. Oh I attended in Hawaiian shirt womens skinny pants and women’s sandals. Of course ladies Shapewear underwear. Now I’m rabbling
ReplyDeleteHi JJ!
ReplyDeleteI guess I’d say CDs and Drag Queens are different branches of the same tree. We have the same root, emulating a female, but with different goals. Drag Queens are show girls, and on stage they are proud of their art and seek the spotlight as Drag Queens. They are sort of out to be Cher or a Vegas show girl, and seek to entertain.
CDs on the other hand just seek to emulate the average woman. We want to be Jane Doe and blend in with average women. We do our best to not get identified as CDs.
I guess that is the main difference, as I see it. Drag Queens emulate females to entertain. CDs emulate females out of an innate desire to be our true selves and reflect our inner feelings. It is not for any entertainment purposes.
We can still learn a lot from Drag Queens though as they do this professionally, and though their costumes and makeup may be a right bit over the top, the foundations are still there.
Hugs,
Norah