To wonder if a lot of people are still against drag ?

[INXS998]

Shows like Drag Race have become incredibly popular. I have tickets to see the live show in May, and I think drag culture is amazing. It shows how far we have come that such a show is so popular on TV, and I think it should be celebrated.
I asked some friends if they wanted to come to the show with me and they very firmly and quickly told me that they were not fans of that sort of stuff.
When I was a teenager, I used to think Drag Queens were just some middle-aged men on Canal street with a blonde wig and high heels, and I was quite intimidated and scared of them in a way. I wonder if some people still feel that way, and don't judge them for it, just curious.

I never once said drag was celebratory or empowering women. I said it was performance art.
It's not mysogny to me. And thats OK that that I don't see it as you do.

There are many women performing on the drag scene.

I see a lot of complacency in many drag groupies.

Totally free to see what you want another great part of living in a world where we're free to an opinion!

Its interesting how those against drag, also seem very against accepting that others have a different opinion in general.

Its really not a case of 'for and against'. Women aren't picketing drag shows. Its really not on our radar most of the time.
We haven't used names such as 'bitch', or complained that critique of our position is harassment or bullying.

This is a very polarising thread, from the title to the arguments 'for' that have been offered.
I don't find black and white thinking persuasive; it doesn't reflect reality. Its impossible to formulate a convincing argument or debate when you can't see that life is complex and full of nuance.
The people who don't agree with you are not attacking you, life isn't about good vs bad people with good vs bad views.

I certainly don't feel anyone is attacking me. Just people expressing their thoughts,that's totally acceptable.

The mental health issues mentioned a few pages back have really stuck with me.I can't remember the posters involved, but I hope you're still around. If some drag artists are using drag as a response to mental health trauma, do you think its used as an escape?

Drag has a very long history but is associated with the gay scene. Many gay men were ostracised from society and their families and created their own families from the gay scene. Drag had its own 'houses' like tribes which were considered a place where you could be yourself and be accepted for what you were.

Whereas society at large, expected you to act in a certain way, especially during the time when being gay was illegal for men. Being 'different', being ostracised et al can make your mental health fragile and Drag is no different in that respect.

Its interesting how those against drag, also seem very against accepting that others have a different opinion in general

Not at all. If you like drag- go watch it. But don’t minimise or dismiss the fact that many of us find it offensive and mysogynistic and object to being called fish and other vile names which is a revolting way to refer to women.

So is it fair to say that drag scene has changed over time, or was it always unpleasant about women? I remember Kenny Everett's Cupid Stunt, complete with full beard and all her clothes falling off, and that character seemed to be poking fun at drag queens. I misunderstood, didn't I?

@Gertrudesgarden In my opinion it hasn't changed over time. The male gay scene is known to be misogynist. Cupid Stunt was not poking fun at the Drag scene it was a woman with massive breasts being a Stupid Cunt according to Everett.

I don't understand why gay men are considered exempt from woman hating.

Women have very little idea of how much men hate them - Germaine Greer.

I think 'it helps my mental health' is a piss poor excuse for doing something that's harmful to other people.

Where do we draw the line on that one? Many child abusers were abused themselves as children and abuse themselves, presumably in part because it gives them the power that was cruelly taken from them as children. We don't just say 'oh yes, but it helps his/her mental health to escape in that way'. Or I bloody hope we don't.

Russellbrandshair,

I didn't minimise or dismiss anyone's opinions.
I said several times you're free to your own opinion and should absolutely express it.
I then gave my own opinion

I'll be 45 in about 20 years, but I see misogyny alright, and the last thing I want to be is 'kind', or, heaven forbid, 'nice' to those who perpetuate it. So, I repeat: Fuck Off, yes, Fuck Off, with your misogyny. And just to ensure it sinks in, Fuck Off.

Unfortunately you can't stop drag performers or make them "fuck off".
But hopefully you feel a little better now after expressing. I know I do.

What's more.
Why do Some posters have such a problem with female anger, hm?
Is it because it's not very ladylike to be angry? Because we're LADIES, and should be smiley, and accommodating, and comforting, and nurturing?

Well, Fuck Off with that.

I want to see hordes of VERY angry women wherever I look. Female anger is a great thing. It's to be encouraged. Female anger is a powerful driving force. Incredibly liberating.

I hope there are more like you in your age group, Cava, or your groups daughters are going to hate their mothers.

I'm happy you feel so angry and liberated. You must absolutely express how you feel. It's your right!

Complacency. Its so...smug.

The need for male approval is the saddest thing on Earth.

If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all

Freedom to call women cunts. We get it. You believe drag artists are free to call women cunts, and fish, and bitches, etc etc. We get it. We All Get It. Here's your blue peter "most woke" badge. We get it. We now applaud your tolerance and acceptance. You have taught us all so much.

Oops, sorry I forgot the all important "namaste".

Thank you

I love black people. Love them. I love them so much, I want to black up my face and hands. Paint on big black lips and gurn. I want to wave my hands and tap dance.

It's a way I have of expressing myself. I'm going to call them derogatory, dehumanising names and accuse them of being bitter and angry if they aren't happy about it. It's just fabulous and I feel so brave. I'm celebrating black people. Why can't you see that?

It brings out the inner me. It's a performance. It's a persona. I don't mean any harm. Those that complain obviously aren't getting laid and have a chip on their shoulder. It's an art.

We all have a right to be offended and we all have a right to express ourselves. It's freedom of expression.

What's that you say? Offensive? Well you're entitled to your opinion just as I am mine. Snowflake. It has a long history and I've also been oppressed.

So, I repeat: Fuck Off, yes, Fuck Off, with your misogyny. And just to ensure it sinks in, Fuck Off

👏 APPLAUDS 👏