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Original poster

Should I object to this drag event or not?

40 replies

Ahundredpercentthatbitch · 30/09/2019 14:21

I am part of a fundraising group for a local branch of a national charity. Next month we’re organising a fundraising event and the host of the event will be a drag act (I wasn’t involved in booking the acts - I’m just support taking tickets on the door, behind the bar, etc).

The thing is, I’m not very comfortable with drag. To me it’s just ladyface. Should I say something and potentially create bad feeling in the group? Or just decline to volunteer?

OP posts:
0lga · 30/09/2019 19:36

I’d decline to volunteer. I wouldn’t want to be associated with an event like that.

LordRandallXV · 30/09/2019 19:31

I'm not sure that the racial example is completely comparable. I've always associated drag acts more with gay men - who often act 'effeminately' in the same manner that some lesbians act 'butch'. More a subversion/reversal of gender stereotypes (but somewhat exagerrated) opposed to simply being demeaning/parodical.

LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD · 30/09/2019 18:20

I’m not keen on drag. The topic came up on the office and a (gay male) colleague commented that he found drag queens scary.

Purpleartichoke · 30/09/2019 18:19

More and more, I am convinced that drag is offensive. If it isn’t offensive, then the current accepted opinion on all sorts of costumes is wrong.

I would probably just skip this particular event.

koshkat · 30/09/2019 18:19

Drag is horrible.

GrimDamnFanjo · 30/09/2019 18:18

@TemporaryPermanent how could any workplace think that was a good idea????!

TemporaryPermanent · 30/09/2019 18:17

Declining to volunteer is a pretty reasonable action to take, it doesn't prevent others from enjoying the event.

Our work Christmas party had a burlesque act involved two years running, I hated it the first year and went to the loo the second year. Wish I'd not gone but its semi compulsory.

GrimDamnFanjo · 30/09/2019 18:14

Decline to volunteer and explain why it's not your thing.
Sometimes I think fundraisers like this just aren't thought through - like psychic nights. It's normally one persons idea and everyone goes along with it.

HandsOffMyRights · 30/09/2019 17:41

It is for charity

Oh that's ok then Confused

Babdoc · 30/09/2019 17:36

Savagefenty, if OP was African and the charity event was a blacked up minstrel show, would you still tell her to get a grip? Or is it ok for men to put on womanface and parody and mock women, but not to wear blackface to do exactly the same thing to BAME people?

HandsOffMyRights · 30/09/2019 17:29

I dislike drag for reasons outlined on other threads and would decline volunteering the event.

Is it a children's charity?

SavageFenty · 30/09/2019 17:29

Oh fgs get a grip. It is for charity, if you feel so uncomfortable don't bother going.Hmm

OhHolyJesus · 30/09/2019 17:27

I would just decline to volunteer and if asked say something in private. Don't support something you don't feel comfortable with, even if the cause is a good one.

Is it a children's charity? The host will be there all evening and in advance so it's not a one off song/comedy act as part of the evening and I think you're justified in not wanting to be involved.

MirandaGoshawk · 30/09/2019 17:05

I don't feel terribly comfortable with loud/over the top people (and drag acts are both of those) but I think it would be a mistake to say anything. Each to their own, and all that. It's a one-off, presumably? If you're behind the bar/on the door you can just stay one step removed from what's happening on the stage. The people who go will be having fun so it'll be a good atmosphere.

happydappy2 · 30/09/2019 16:58

Some people view drag as the artist taking the piss out of gay men, not women....
I think it depends on what their act is like-is it actually funny? If it genuinely makes you uncomfortable and you won't resent missing out on the evening then definitely don't volunteer.