I love drag queens. I love their over-the-top fabulousness. They’re great performers, they’re fierce, and they strut their stuff in heels higher than any I’ve ever worn in my life. I don’t know any drag queens personally but if I did, I’d be a drag hag, big time.
I wish I could be a drag queen myself. Kind of like in Victor Victoria—a woman posing as a man posing as a woman. I wouldn’t even need padding because I’ve already got it goin’ on. I’ve already thought of some possible names for my drag persona: Miss Demeanor, Helena Handbasket, Luscious LaFleur, Tempest O’Toole, and Ola Moore (it makes sense if you say it out loud). And I can lip sync like a boss. But I realize that the whole point with drag queens is that they’re men in drag. So I guess my career as a famous queen will have to wait until I reincarnate as a guy.
Anyway, I’ve learned a lot by watching RuPaul’s Drag Race. 
Each season you get to know more about the queens and their backgrounds, and I can’t begin to guess at how difficult it must be to face the kinds of challenges they’ve faced—coming out, getting into the drag scene, struggling to be and feel accepted. That’s tough stuff. They’ve experienced far more adversity than I ever have, and I admire them.
One of the things I love about the show is that RuPaul, bless her, encourages all the ladies to love themselves and embrace everything that makes each of them special. Regardless of their height, weight, and looks, they work with what they’ve got. Many of them talk about how when they’re on stage, they feel beautiful and fantastic. And boy, do they WERK IT.
This is Roxxxy. I’d kill to have an ass like this.
My favorite queen this season is Roxxxy Andrews. I love her style and her attitude. I think she’s voluptuous, sassy, and gorgeous. She looks great and she has a sexy walk.
It occurs to me that we biological gals can and should take a few pointers from our drag sisters. Literally every woman I know has agonized over her self-worth in one way or another. We’ve all felt “less than.” Maybe because someone told us we were and we believed it. Or because society implies that we are if we’re not stick figures with straight blonde hair and big boobs. Or because we compare ourselves unfavorably with others. Fuck that. Can I get an amen? Yes. Thank you. Fuck that. Amen.
So I’m taking a tip from RuPaul and the girls. I’m embracing my inner drag queen. I’m going to take what I’ve got and WERK IT. If Roxxxy can do it, so can I.
Except maybe not in such high heels.
Oh go on, I think the idea of a woman, posing as a man, posing as a woman would be rather cool and you’ve got such great names thought up already.
I love the idea too, LLCD, but I’m not sure the real drag queens would appreciate my treading on their turf! But it’s fun to think about!
Amen!!! I’m in. I’m gonna WERK IT too. Fuck society and anyone who made us feel not good enough because we didn’t look a certain way
Ps I really want to watch that now.
Right?? Werk it, girl, give a twirl.
I am inspired now to work my jelly rolls!
Must be jelly ‘cuz jam don’t shake like that, merbear!
Ain’t that the truth!
Kathleen Turner did the woman, posing as a man, posing as a woman thing on Friends where she played Chandler’s drag queen father. Did you see that? I thought it was very brave of her to take on that role.
Maybe we should have some kind of challenge, here on your blog, where we all have a go at being drag queens (whether we are male or female), and post videos of ourselves. How fun would that be!
I forgot about that! I loved her as Chandler’s father, and I agree that it was brave of her to take it on. She’s a good sport. That’s a great idea about the drag videos! Except for my whole terror of the camera thing. I know, it makes no sense. I’d be okay doing it live and in person, but not on camera. I never said I was rational.
“It’s time to lip synch…for your life!”
I love this show, we only had the first two seasons over here then it vanished.
Dude, seriously? What’s up with your TV providers?? That’s so sad, there have been 3 seasons since then! I’m so sorry you’ve missed them.
Time to learn how to download stuff. The drama, the tears and hilarity I have missed! My favourites were in season 1, the two fnalists, I think it was NIna Flowers and Zahara Benet, both brilliant. Not s keen on London drag these days, the best ones are dead or are about to kick the bucket, the old school ones. When they got the point of drag as caricature, comedy, theatre. Now the young ‘uns think getting up on stage and being bitchy is all it takes, and they try and look too feminine. You are not supposed to be a woman, you are supposed to be paying homage. The ones in America look amazing from this show…oh wait til I visit New York eventually…
I think I’ll watch that show. I’ve never seen it but I LOVE drag queens! I know what you mean about society making us feel less than. And you are right. Fuck society. I’m going to embrace my inner drag queen and werk it, too! AMEN, Madame Weebles!
You NEED to watch it then—it’s hilarious and touching and fun and ridiculous and fabulous. You GO, sister.
I’m always amazed that so many men want to contend with all the bruhaha that women (well, women that dress to the nines, I’m lucky if I get past a 1.5)…as women through out times lobbied for less restrictive clothing and more freedom of dress, men are running towards it. I find it fascinating… And, yes, I’d love an ass like that….
And as bad as it is when we dress that way, at least we don’t have to tuck…
Hee hee…true dat…
Amen, sister! I had a plan for sensible shoes today, but in honour of this post I’m wearing heels. Not drag queen height – I still have to pick my kids up from school – but heels for sure.
Right on, Delicious! What kind of heels did you end up wearing?
Fuck yeah! ’nuff said.
“Fuck yeah” is generally my preferred way of saying “Amen” as well, Rogue.
Go Madame Jo Jo Weebles De La Salle!
Hey, that’s a good one! You coulld have a career in creating drag names, sir!
I’ve arrived! Altogether now – “I am what I am – I am my own special creation…….”
I know one drag queen. She is named Witti Repartee, which I think is the best name ever.
Oh, and here’s your amen: Amen!
I wish I had thought of that one. That’s really clever. Next time you see her, tell her I said she has an awesome name.
Will do. She will be delighted.
Amen, sister!
Amen and hallelujah, Cathy!
Dear Madame: WERK it! xoxoM
You too, my friend–werk it, girl!
Dearest Madam,
You had me at fuck. That is all you’ll ever need.
You always say the nicest things.
I speak from my heart, dearest madam. I don’t know why, but you bring out the best in me.
It’s all about confidence; the difference between unappealing lump and object of universal admiration is less down to the shape than the inner glow.
That’s a fantastic line, sir. I love it. I want to put this on bumper stickers. Except they’d either need to be giant bumper stickers or in really tiny letters. Still, I love it.
I dig seeing Kabuki theatre-style makeup on dudes, so I may have to check this show out.
By all means check it out, Jules—it’s a great show, and the makeup skills are phenomenal.
yeah, I need help with applying lip liner correctly. I wonder how them gals deal with cramps. Hmm.
Thank you. Fuck that. Amen. Werk it Weebs. Werk it.
I love your possible stage names. Helena Handbasket. HA!
You’ve got a good drag name there too, Honie—maybe Honie Sweet or Honie Potts or something.
And I do love Helena Handbasket. I’m sure it’s been used many times already but it’s still a keeper.
Amen amen…I vote for Ola Moore.
I like that one too—it’s more subtle but I think it has a certain je ne sais pas.
You have it going on!
Thank you!
Now somebody mentions Victor Victoria….3 weeks after a girl tells me it’s her favorite movie and I look like some lying sack of shit who said he knows a lot about movies. Thanks everyone. She was a really cute Jew with money!
Anyway, does this mean Ru Paul has a shot at getting her show on TLC? You learned something and most of those shows don’t teach much. I guess who really cares. Every channel is the same now. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things or extraordinary people doing ordinary things. What happened to a fat husband saying sassy racist things?
Damn. Sorry, buddy. But you learned a valuable lesson, Tim—never bluff! As for RuPaul, her show is on Logo, which is all gay programming, but who knows, maybe she’ll go mainstream one day. But I hope it never gets to TLC–that used to be a decent channel but now it’s actually at the bottom of the reality dreck barrel. Why don’t you start that grassroots campaign to get a show for fat, racist, bitchy husbands? You know you want to. And it’s a niche that needs filling, obviously.
I’m going to go out later today and get a clipboard before the snow comes and write “Petition” at the top. My life now has meaning and direction.
It is my pleasure to serve. Also, I keep meaning to tell you that I like your new Gravatar photo.
Thank you
Chesty LaRoux!
I contemplated putting that one in there, because of course that’s an oldie and a goodie. But I thought, too obvious? Still, the classics never die.
Nothing like a Queen to make you step up your game. Maybe I’ll get out of these sweats and put on make up for my errands…
I know, it really made me think… maybe I should consider looking a little more fabulous and a little less slug-like.
Amen!
We should own ourselves instead of running after an unobtainable ideal. Not getting sucked in by commercials, other ads and “magazines for femmes” is a good step into the right direction, imho. I’m on it. Fuck yeah. Amen.
YES YES YES YES YES!! Preach it! Yes. Amen. Fuck yes.
Which makes me think that we should come up with a “gal prayer” of sorts….whaddya think?
I LOVE THIS. Seriously. I do. I’ve been thinking a lot more about this sort of stuff lately, and a “gal prayer” or affirmation or something is really in line with that. YES. We should discuss.
I’ll meditate on this this weekend.
Off-topic, but: are you in the pathway of the blizzard?
Sort of — we’re scheduled to get several inches of snow, supposedly, but right now it’s just messy and slushy. And it’s going to be much warmer in a few days so as far as the NYC area is concerned, this “storm” is much ado about nothing. Further north I’m sure they’re getting much more of an actual blizzard. Still, I’m going to use this as an excuse to stay home all weekend and do nothing.
Amen too, or also,….My only comment on drag queens is that I would hate to have to shave as much as they probably have to–I already resent it as a woman, so I wonder how they feel about it. And odd comment I know…that is just how my mind works–
I’ve thought of that too, LouAnn. I guess nowadays a lot of them can opt for laser hair removal, but for those who still choose to shave, that’s a LOT of maintenance.
ha ha
Never mind Victor/Victoria. Did you ever go to Lucky Chang’s when it was down on 2nd St.? You had to be VERY CAREFUL about who you rubbed up against if you were an uptight heterosexual. Which I was. Did you ever see RuPaul out of costume? A large, shocking Amazonian.
I miss Lucky Chang’s. That was such a fun place. If you’re not an uptight heterosexual guy, I guess. RuPaul appears out of drag on the show fairly often–he’s a tall drink of water. A handsome enough fella but stunning as a woman.
Weird……………..I LOVE DRAG QUEENS TOO!
Hi Nancy! Aren’t they fabulous???
Frickin Fab! lol
Did you ever see the movie “To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar” with Patrick Swazye, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo as drag queens?
That was a really nice movie, wasn’t it? I also like “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”
That was the other one I was trying to think of!
Did either of you ever see Kinky Boots? I know the title kinda makes you think its a fetish porn… but it totally isn’t.
I werk it. I am sure you can just imagine.
Oh, girlfriend, I just BET you do…
WERK it, Baby! I second that. Roxxy is quite gorgeous. We should all embrace our inner drag queen, Weebs. So true.
You know it, Bumbly! A few episodes ago, Roxxxy created a dress that was to die for, and she ROCKED it. I need to embrace my inner Roxxxy. We all do!
Ru Paul’s drag race, START YOUR ENGINES!! Aaahaha I LOVE that show!
Hey, maddinaish, welcome! Isn’t it a great show??? It’s fun and inspiring at the same time.
It’s just brilliant! Shame we haven’t had many seasons in the UK!
On the down side, a drag queen can’t go out on an all night bender and just show up for werk the next day. Stubble.
So maybe you can out drag the drag queens, Weebs!
(I think the only way I’d get involved is if there was a class of drag queens that were flat chested with a thyroid problem (and massive hairlip problem!) that dressed in a comfortable pair of jeans and a tshirt.)
(Because I’d rock that division!)
I am confident that you would OWN IT, Guap. It’s taking glamour to a whole different no-fuss level.
My feelings about drag culture are complicated for it really isn’t my thing per se, but at the same time, I see it as both expression and art, so I’m okay with that. I’ve seen a fair share of it in some pretty terrific films (Outrageous, To Die Like a Man, The Crying Game and, of course, the brilliant doc, Paris Is Burning). Where it makes me uneasy is the dreadful Mike Nichols movie-adaptation of La Cage aux Folles with its insulting mincing, prancing, and caricaturing. The balance was way off. That said, one of my absolute, all-time favorite Broadway musical revivals was the most recent La Cage aux Folles starring Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge. That was just what I want from a musical — a terrific book, a great score, the leads had such chemistry and the Cagelles were beautiful, witty and athletic. I’ll likely never watch RuPaul’s show, but if I were inclined to watch TV, I might tune in for an episode or two for I do like RP.
If you happen to have a Yosemite Sam mustache lying around the house, there is a woman’s version of dressing like men called drag kings. Maybe you could take on Murray Hill:
http://mistershowbiz.com/
True, some Hollywood drag depictions are pretty ridiculous along the lines of the Birdcage, etc. But at least there are films like the ones you mentioned, or another great one, Flawless (I thought Philip Seymour Hoffman was amazing in this). I’ve never seen Murray Hill. I’ll have to check out his show. I like drag kings too but queens are more applicable to this post in terms of overt depiction and presentation of female and feminine attributes, etc. Having said that, I’d love to see a show about drag kings, whether it was a reality show or a documentary or whatever.
Amen!
And… Ahem… with a name like Madam Weebles … I already have a drag queen image of you in my head!
Yay! Do I look fabulous in your mental image?
FABULOUS Dahling!!!
RuPaul and I share a birthday!
I’m so jealous! I don’t share my birthday with anyone of note except Pat Benatar and Rod Stewart.
Pat Benatar is The Warrior Princess! Rod Stewart, meh.
My thoughts exactly!
My drag queen name? Tits LaRue. Fuck, yeah.
Ooh, Robin, I’m seeing a whole new side to you…
And here all this time you thought I was Miss Goody Two Shoes. I am . . . but they are stilettos.
Well, I did know that you enjoy (blog) parties and wine, so I figured there’s a little adventure in you somewhere…
I’m always on the look out for fun!
So, Little Miss Robin Wears Fuck-Me Heels. Please note that I hyphenated correctly.
Oh fine. Goody Two-Shoes then.
HA!!!!
Once an editor, always an editor, right?
Occupational hazard, I’m afraid.
Holy shit, Robin, you just made my jaw drop. I love you. One of the other names on my list was Tits McGee, so of course I love Tits LaRue.
I love it when I make your jaw drop.
I wish there was a jaw-drop emoticon. I would insert it here.
Invent one and you will make millions.
Amen! But it was an eye-opening experience the day I lent one of my dresses to a guy friend… and he looked better in it than I did.
I remember when you mentioned that in one of your blog posts, Diane! That would have depressed me too. It’s not fair when guys have better legs than we do.
I’ve never seen the show, but I do admit to loving drag queens and over-the-top personalities. Now I have to check this out.
You’ll love it, Maddie–it’s addictive, too!
Honestly, I don’t think you need to look for a drag name. Madame Weebles could work just fine!
But don’t you think that makes me sound a little…egg shaped?
Well, if we’re talking about drag queens with male anatomy, maybe not…
I’m always amazed what they put on TV, but enough about that. I think a good name would be one of the more recent Bond girls names: Onatop. Of course, she was a she, but it could probably still work. I like your Ola Moore. Classy. You could werk it no problem.
The Bond girl names were great, weren’t they? Pussy Galore is still #1 on my list of favorites Bond names. I like Ola Moore too. You have to think about it for a second if you just read it, but I think it would be so fun to say, “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I’m Ola Moore.”
Ha! There was an agent that James frisked with in one of the more recent films known as Agent Fields. After she died defending James it was revealed her first name was Strawberry. I still like that.
You could werk it with Ola Moore. Just rolls off the tongue…
I like ‘embrace your inner drag queen!’ Confidence, freedom of expression, a little attitude, and a lot of glitter! We should all be so brave.
Yes ma’am! So let’s get our drag on, shall we?
Interesting thought-provoking post Madame dear. Its true I got em titties but I don’t share em with the world
Hi Dear Rosie! Yup, probably best not to share ‘em with the world, but nothing wrong with taking them out for a spin every so often…
My girls like to stay warm and cozy inside the covers
Aha, they’re sensible girls!
I love your ‘drag names’ I think I’d be Helen Back
I’ve always envied how drags do their make-up, they’re so much better at it than most of the women I know.
Holy shit, that’s a good one, Helen Back. I love it, Dianne. And for real, these gals know their makeup. I marvel at the eye makeup in particular, it’s amazing.
Excellent point. If those queens can go through all that and still ooze feminine sexuality, then so can I.
PRECISELY, Lyssa!! You understand exactly. YES. Fuck yeah, girl. High five.
You make me laugh.
Yay! That makes me glad.
Inspiring indeed today, Weebles. Off to werk it.
I’m sure you werk it good, Kate. You keep going on there with your bad self.
Amen to that Weebs!! You Werk it!!
Hi Poly! We should all werk it, honey!
Love RuPaul, and LOVE your chosen drag names; they ROCK! The points about women learning to love themselves via drag queens, just icing on the cake! Great post Madame!
Why thank you, My Lady! I had fun thinking of those names. I should probably get some new hobbies but this one seems to be working for me. Here’s to drag queens helping women keep it real!
Here here! Given the issues I’ve been writing about lately, I walked away from your post thinking that I need a drag queen for a therapist! Seems I could learn something about werking it!
You have plenty of company in this regard, My Lady!
Amen, Weebs, I bet you could werk it as good as anyone! But I’m with you on the high heels—wobbling like a weeble sort of ruins the effect.
It really does, JM. Hard to sashay properly when your ankles are turned outwards. It’s just not sexy.
I have one thing to say…
sashay shante, shante, shante, shante!
Fierce post!!! Love it!
Word, Christy!! And I love that song. Big hugs to you, I’ve been thinking about you and Spot.
Luscious lafleur I think.
I don’t get it though. I’m not a man who gets offended by it, just erm, don’t get it. Although I did enjoy Priscilla queen of the desert so I’m not sure what that says.
I like Luscious LaFleur too. I guess it’s probably more difficult for hetero guys to get the appeal, but that’s ok. And that was a fun movie even if you’re not into the drag scene, so it’s all good, Elliot!
Amen Sister! Yes you DO know a Drag Queen. Well and Ex-Drag Queen who only hit the streets on Halloween for the annual Muscle Sister’s AIDS Charity Ball and the following week for the Hell Ball! I will post a picture on my blog for you. Anyway, You should check out RuPaul’s Drag U where he transforms women into drag queens. It is right up your alley!
And for a man…it takes really huge balls to tuck it and put on a fabulous gown and work that runway ….You Betta Werk!
hugs
Lanier
AKA Miss Audrey Taylor
Lanier Lanier Lanier!!! Every time I learn something new about you it just makes me love you more. I would LOVE to see a photo of you as Miss Audrey Taylor (was the name an homage to ET?). I respect the hell out of drag performers, I can only guess at what balls it takes to werk it! I can’t believe I didn’t know about RuPaul’s Drag U, I must check it out!!! I’m so glad you told me about this. Thanks, and hugs to you, my dear sir!
You are welcome luv, The Photo(s) and a story are up just for you at my blog…have fun honey!
-grin- I’ve been envious of drag queens [?] since The Crying Game.
Hi Meeka!! Right? Jaye Davidson was pretty damned convincing too.
And so gorgeous!
Weebles,
When I was in highschool, my mom gave me a pair of bus tickets to go down to Quebec City, for the Winter Carnival.The problem was that the tix were under my sister and mom’s names. So… My friend and I borrowed make-up, high heels, women clothing, and we took the bus as two very ugly drag queens… Not even John Waters would have hired us…
Le Clown
If I had done your makeup you would have been able to pass, trust me.
Ru Paul’s Drag Race seems far more authentic than the crap reality shows I torture myself with. Yes I’m talking about you, The Blandlor.
I’m fairly certain that ANYTHING is more authentic than The Blandlor.
I don’t really watch t.v anymore (I love movies, though) but I do know who RuPaul is. Your post makes me think of my long time friend, T. who came out of the closet about 15 years back and got disowned by his family – (they finally came to acceptance and mended things! yay!) He went through a lot of struggles and really came out on top. We are FB friends and he posts lots of pic’s of himself and he is confident and smiling in EVERY pic! He is one of the sweetest, kindest people I have ever met in my life and I love his “this is who I am and I don’t give a fuck what you think” attitude.
Yay for T! That takes serious cojones to face all that and come out smiling on the other side.
This is great and I heart it with my lady parts.
And just think, if we were drag queens, we wouldn’t even have to tuck.
it starts w right said fred. then comes the eye shadow. then the ‘tude…. i am just not woman enough to be drag. You go girl.
Don’t sell yourself short, sister. I bet you’re plenty woman enough. It’s all about the ‘tude.
I thought you were already werkin’ it!
Well shucks, Mistress! Now you made me go all blushing and shit.
I haven’t heard about RuPual in years. At least now I now he still exists. … and hey … just wanted to make sure I said Hi Weebs!
Hi Frank! Welcome back! Yup, RuPaul is alive, well, and struttin’ it. I’ll be along to your blog directly!
I am a blonde with big boobs, but I certainly don’t fit the stereotype of what men want in a woman. Sometimes I think we could all take a lesson on how to act like a woman from drag queens, but then again some of them are way too over the top! I would go for something in the middle if I were still young enough to wear heels.
I agree, benzeknees—some are a little extreme, but in general I think we could all learn a few tips!
Amen. And, Ru Rules!
I once dated a cross dresser, briefly. Unfortunate, because I loved his Harley, and I just know he had some great clothes.
Man, how cool would that have been, being able to check out his wardrobe and maybe borrow? Sigh.
i do know quite a few drag queens – as performers and in ‘real life’ – and they are forces of nature! they out-girl us girls on a regular basis, and i adore what they do! local troupe does a LOT of work for charity! they are everywhere, and even in my backwater midwestern region of the country, they are loved!
my goal for the annual masquerade ball that they host (about 1,000 people attend) is to “out drag the drag queens”. if i am not mistaken for a drag queen before the night is over? then i have failed…. i’m 3/5 so far!
I want to party with you, lady.
Afuckingmen.
High five, sister.
Have fun, Madame!
I’m sure you’ll knock ‘em dead!
As soon as I learn how to walk in 6-inch heels, maybe!
Are you kidding me?! ANOTHER pop-culture reference I haven’t even heard of?! Seriously, Madame… could you pass me one of those heels (I’m thinking with the proper amount of leverage I might be able to pry myself free from the giant rock I’ve been living under)!
Oh come now, sir, surely you know RuPaul??????????
I love it!!! I too, have always wanted to be a drag queen. In high school drama class, we had to do a lip sync, and I did “Sweet Transvestite” from Rocky Horror. And I was Dr. Frank-n-furtur. Sigh. There’s a man who can walk in some heels!
Tim Curry ruled in that, didn’t he??? You and me, Mo, let’s go drag.
Weebs, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
We should love and accept ourselves for who we are and what we have, rather than for who we aren’t and what we don’t have.
I’m comfortable being me – after a journey that included a lot of tears, a lot of therapy and a time on anti-depressants. There are times when I’ll probably be less comfortable, but after 32 years of living in my body, I know what it likes (chocolate, rice pudding, being warm, cuddling cats, knitting) and what it doesn’t like (rain, cold, wind, being too hot, doing washing up, not getting enough sleep) and I’ll listen to my warning signs and no-one else’s.
That’s fantastic, faith. I know what you mean, lots of therapy, tears and meds for me over the years as well. But it’s totally worth it when you can say, “Hey, I’m looking after ME.”
Thank you. It’s only by respecting ourselves and looking after ourselves that we can help others. And if we’re strong, we can also set firm enough boundaries that will be respected by others because we’re equally respecting their boundaries. (Of course it backfires occasionally, but that’s life, and it’s one of the ways we learn.)
If you take a name, I’m for Tempest O’Toole with a long out Southern drawl. I’ll have to look for the show because I’ve not seen it.
Oooh, I hadn’t thought of putting an accent with the name but I like that, it does sound very Southern, doesn’t it. Nice one!! And yes, do check out the show–it’s hilariously campy and bitchy and funny and sweet all at the same time.