London drag scene hits its stride
Drag has long been a key part of expression in the queer community. With ties going as far back as the 1800s, it allows individuals the ability to express themselves artistically with freedom from certain societal barriers that are often associated with gender.
While drag is by no means a queer-only artform, it holds a special place in that community across most of the world, and London is no exception. As the world continues to progress and highlight queer culture in new ways, drag has flourished.
Given a safe place to express themselves, Queens, Kings, non-binary performers, and drag monsters have continuously evolved their art to the benefit of their ever-growing audience.
“I think we are entering a renaissance of drag,” said local drag performer, Galaxy. “Now that we have a place to practice our art and a stage to perform freely, we can do some really special things. Especially with how many venues put on drag shows now, such as Poachers Arms and The Well, I think we are going to see drag in London blossom and I am so excited for it.”
London’s drag scene is thriving and evolving by the day and so are drag scenes all over the world. Every community will have its own culture and that applies to drag too.
“In London, we have a ton of heart,” Panico, a local drag artist said. “There are just so many families within the community supporting it. As someone who is really in their shell, I found that I have been able to not only feel free to express myself, but also found people that are like me.”
“London’s drag scene is growing every day. Growing in influence. Growing in depth. Growing in power. It shows each and every one of us that the rules we follow are more self imposed than anything.”
If the essence of drag is freedom from the shackles of society’s views, then drag monsters are a natural step in that journey. While Queens and Kings push back at gender roles by embodying the other gender, and non-binary performers disregard the entire notion of gender, drag monsters free themselves from expectations that come with being human.
They find beauty anywhere it speaks to them and convey it on a stage for all to see. Some of their inspiration could be from horror movies, or just nature itself, but it is expression, nonetheless.
And that is the point, being free to express yourself.
Drag has historically been, and continues to be, associated with sexuality and provocative content. While there is no one arguing that some shows don’t revel in the opportunity to throw away societal oppression on sexual freedom, not every show does so.
Drag doesn’t have an archetype or a set of rules that apply everywhere—it is expression. Therein lies the power of drag story times with youths and shows intended for younger audiences.
The more adult-centric content available in some shows is set aside to offer larger than life characters showing a group of young people that they can be who they are and express themselves safely.
London’s drag scene is growing every day. Growing in influence. Growing in depth. Growing in power. It shows each and every one of us that the rules we follow are more self imposed than anything.
London’s drag scene is freedom incarnate, it shines brilliantly despite the barriers surrounding it, and it is beautiful.