Celebrating International Drag Day: Honouring a Rich and Fabulous Culture
The origin of the term “drag” may be uncertain, but its impact on the LGBTQ+ community and culture is undeniable. What started as a performance art has evolved into a vibrant culture celebrated globally. International Drag Day, held annually on July 16th, offers an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the contributions of drag artists worldwide.
What is International Drag Day?
International Drag Day is a key date in the LGBTQ+ awareness calendar. It is a day when people around the world come together to celebrate and thank drag artists for their contributions to gay life and LGBT culture. The celebration extends beyond performances, honoring the creativity, self-expression, and cultural significance that drag brings to the community.
When is International Drag Day?
Every year on July 16th, members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies celebrate the art of drag. This day is dedicated to acknowledging the vibrant and impactful role that drag artists play in enriching the gay scene globally.
The Origins of International Drag Day
Founded in 2009 by Adam Stewart through his fan page for drag queens on Facebook, International Drag Day aimed to give drag artists a platform to showcase their creativity and culture. Stewart’s initiative provided a space for drag to be celebrated more widely and impactfully.
Drag is a gender-bending art form where individuals dress in clothing and makeup designed to exaggerate a specific gender identity, often that of the opposite sex. While drag primarily serves as a form of performance and entertainment, it has also become a powerful means of self-expression and a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride.
The History of Drag
Drag has deep roots in Western culture, particularly in the theater. In ancient Greece and Shakespearean times, when women were prohibited from performing on stage, men would play female roles. The nineteenth century saw the rise of female impersonators using drag as a performative art, especially in vaudeville shows.
In the 1880s, William Dorsey Swann, known as the first drag queen, hosted drag balls at his home. By the early twentieth century, drag had become associated with the LGBTQ+ community, which was marginalized in the United States. This separation from mainstream entertainment persisted until the cultural shifts following the Stonewall Riots in 1969.
Throughout the 1990s, as LGBTQ+ culture gained mainstream support, the popularity of drag culture surged. Films and documentaries from this era helped to broaden public awareness and appreciation of drag as an art form, integrating it into mainstream Western culture.
While most drag queens are gay or queer men, there has been a growing number of transgender and cisgender women embracing the art form.
In contrast, a drag king is someone who dresses in exaggerated men’s clothing and makeup to assume male roles and presentation. Although less prominent in pop culture, drag kings have been gaining popularity and recognition in recent years.
International Drag Day is a celebration of the artistry, creativity, and cultural significance of drag. It honors the contributions of drag artists to the LGBTQ+ community and the broader society. As we observe this day each year, we acknowledge the vibrant history and evolving nature of drag, recognizing it as a vital and cherished part of our cultural fabric.
