Off-campus CWU users: To download documents with restricted access, please use your Wildcat Connection username and password to log in after clicking on the link below.
Non-CWU users: Please contact Brooks Library to request access to restricted materials.
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Room 271
Start Date
15-5-2014
End Date
15-5-2014
Keywords
gender identity drag
Abstract
In the last half century, there has been a fair amount of research on drag queens, although most of it has focused on analyzing the performance itself and/or the effects it has on the audience and even the greater community. Less research has been done on the motivation of the performers in choosing drag as a medium. Since the 1970s there has been speculation that men choosing to perform in feminine drag do so out of resentment or hatred of the female sex. I contend that many drag queens may perform in drag because their gender identities fall somewhere between male and female and that drag offers an acceptable and rewarding opportunity to express said identities. Inspired by Judith Butler’s comments on gender identity in Gender Trouble (1990), I examined existing research on drag performance for indications of individual performers’ motivations for performing in drag. I combed through research starting with Esther Newton’s 1972 seminal work on drag queens, Mother Camp, culminating with the work of more recent researchers such as Steven Schacht and Verta Taylor and Leila Rupp. What I discovered challenges the notions that drag queens are motivated by misogyny and indicates there is much exploratory research to be undertaken if we are to truly understand the motivation to perform in drag. Given the increased attention given to gender studies in the social sciences, such research would undoubtedly inform us regarding the many facets of gender identity. (Editor’s Note: This presentation may contain adult themes, content, or imagery.)
For this presentation, Kevan Gardner received a College of the Sciences Best Oral Presentation Award for 2014.
Recommended Citation
Gardner, Kevan, "Beyond Camp: The Effect of Gender Identity on Drag Performance" (2014). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 120.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2014/oralpresentations/120
Additional Mentoring Department
Sociology
Additional Mentoring Department
Women's and Gender Studies
Beyond Camp: The Effect of Gender Identity on Drag Performance
SURC Room 271
In the last half century, there has been a fair amount of research on drag queens, although most of it has focused on analyzing the performance itself and/or the effects it has on the audience and even the greater community. Less research has been done on the motivation of the performers in choosing drag as a medium. Since the 1970s there has been speculation that men choosing to perform in feminine drag do so out of resentment or hatred of the female sex. I contend that many drag queens may perform in drag because their gender identities fall somewhere between male and female and that drag offers an acceptable and rewarding opportunity to express said identities. Inspired by Judith Butler’s comments on gender identity in Gender Trouble (1990), I examined existing research on drag performance for indications of individual performers’ motivations for performing in drag. I combed through research starting with Esther Newton’s 1972 seminal work on drag queens, Mother Camp, culminating with the work of more recent researchers such as Steven Schacht and Verta Taylor and Leila Rupp. What I discovered challenges the notions that drag queens are motivated by misogyny and indicates there is much exploratory research to be undertaken if we are to truly understand the motivation to perform in drag. Given the increased attention given to gender studies in the social sciences, such research would undoubtedly inform us regarding the many facets of gender identity. (Editor’s Note: This presentation may contain adult themes, content, or imagery.)
For this presentation, Kevan Gardner received a College of the Sciences Best Oral Presentation Award for 2014.
Faculty Mentor(s)
McMullin-Messier, Pamela; Coe, Cynthia