Is female impersonation/drag offensive?

[dannybb]

Hi. As a teenage hairdressing apprentice I used to do a drag act in my spare time - a few decades ago. With more time on my hands I'm now thinking of returning to female impersonation - doing drag queen bingo and entertainment mainly in old peoples homes etc.

While I am (and always will be) very respectful of women I'm wondering if the era of men dressing as women to provide entertainment has had its day.

Has this now become offensive or inappropriate?

Any responses much appreciated!

I've never got it and don't like it. I've never enjoyed a supposed "bitchy" sense of humour either. Nowadays I'm also perplexed by the non-existent version of women that some of the trans community choose to create in themselves. I feel a bit shitty for preferring transwomen to look like women and not caricatures because it's their choice, but it pisses me off when they look semi drag queen.

I don't think any of the models I know are claiming they're female. The people I know just think they look pretty zinging in the outfits.

Well, they're pretty well known in the industry. One has just got back from a tour of New Zealand, one performed on television not too long ago, another fairly well known here and on the continent. So no, not just random people with a cheap camera and an ego.

Do you want their links on instagram?

It's to do with the humiliation factor for men stepping down to be women

Definitely what trans is all about. Never thought much about drag before but it does mock women doesn't it.

Nah, probably best to stick to your own little bubble.

Just thinking aloud- I wonder whether my issues with drag would disappear if I felt that the really was absolute equality between the sexes. While men still hold the power, them aping women is surely problematic?

Yes, female impersonation and drag are offensive, for all the reasons other people have explained very eloquently.

Let's say women did "drag" and impersonated men, how would that go or what would even be said or done? You'd have a stick on beard, sit with your legs splayed out, say "cor look at the tits on that". Who would pay to see that? Drag is firmly sexist and wouldn't be a thing unless the sexes were seen as equal.

iamin Drag kings are a thing. Not as big a thing but they exist.

I find them offensive as it's a big titted, trowel make up, sexualised bitchy version of womanhood,

There was something on the tv last nigh . 3 drag queens miming to the same song.
All looked grotesque.
I told do to turn it off, it looked vile.
Cannot believe some people think this is acceptable.
How about dressing as a man, fake beard, shot clothes, scruffy, scratching my fake penis, spitting, then shouting "Oi, come here little kid and sit on this!"
Hillarious. Yet no different what so ever to drag.

To reiterate the excellent comments here: yes, drag is incredibly offensive and has no place in any society that condemns misogyny. Womanface = blackface, and both are wrong. Period.

Danny, if I may...your desire to volunteer in an old folks' home is admirable and speaks to the kind of person you are. I don't think you can ever go wrong with the "basics." Go sit, hold a hand, listen to some rambling. See if you can walk around the grounds with a resident. Learn some old songs and sing, even a capella. Play a card game or two. Brush and style some hair if it's allowed. Make these seniors feel human and connected again. Be gentle, be thoughtful, and be kind. You'll impart far more to them than any hour of "entertainment" ever will.

It’s one of those things like bad am dram where the performer is getting far more out of it than the audience who are in most cases being polite and indulgent towards the performers. I feel the tide is turning and lots of us are abit fed up of being indulgent towards this for all the reasons set out above. One to keep for your bedroom mirror I feel and not to inflict on others

I don't like it, OP.

Think about why it hardly happens in reverse.

Why is there no equivalent to the Rupaul TV show all about the women who want to "dress up" as men?

Nope don't find it offensive at all!

Why is there no equivalent to the Rupaul TV show all about the women who want to "dress up" as men?
Probably RuPaul’s decision - there are drag kings and female drag queens out there. I think he should include them.

Oh? Rupaul gets to tell people they can't do a show where women impersonate men?

I'm sure RuPaul wouldn't mind someone else doing a drag competition for females but he's a drag queen and that subculture is pretty specific and oriented to male gay culture.

Loving the “WDIT” apologists. Yep, the world is full of women dressing up as offensive male stereotypes. Can’t move for “manface”.

I'm sure RuPaul wouldn't mind someone else doing a drag competition for females..

I'm sure you're right.

So, if Rupaul isn't as powerful as that poster suggested then there must be some other reason why women taking the piss by dressing up as men isn't so mainstream.

It can't be misogynistic bollocks done just by men, surely? (Massive sarcasm smiley)