Queering Drag

In Queering Drag, Meredith Heller redefines drag performance, emphasizing the complexities of identity and the diverse intentions of performers across history.

Theatrical gender-bending, commonly known as drag, serves as both a captivating form of entertainment and a significant area of academic inquiry. In Queering Drag, Meredith Heller challenges conventional narratives and terminology that often accompany discussions of drag performance. Through an extensive examination of archival and ethnographic research, Heller presents a variety of theatrical gender-bending examples, including male impersonation in vaudeville from 1860 to 1920, the 'sexless' gender-bending showcased by El Teatro Campesino between 1960 and 1980, and the impactful performances of queer butch acts by black nightclub singers like Stormé DeLarverie, who played a pivotal role in the Stonewall riots from 1910 to 1970. Additionally, contemporary drag king shows are explored, revealing the rich tapestry of this performance genre.

Heller argues that traditional drag discourses fail to adequately capture the nuanced intentions and methods of performers. By redefining the genre, Queering Drag emphasizes the importance of the performer's construction and presentation of a 'queer' version of dominant identity. This redefinition is crucial for developing a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of drag performances. Heller provides a new framework for analyzing drag as a dynamic process, focusing on the specific goals that performers aim to achieve through their art.

Ultimately, this innovative discourse not only enhances the descriptions of drag acts but also encourages more ethical conversations surrounding the bodies, identities, and artistic outputs of drag performers. Queering Drag is a thought-provoking exploration that invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of this vibrant and complex art form.