Becoming A Queen: Pros and Cons

Thinking of becoming a queen? Here's everything you need to know about what to expect!

Google images Becoming a drag queen is a lot of work! There are many different elements to consider when embarking on your journey to reach drag queen perfection. Here's some things to look forward to as well as some things to watch out for:

Pros of Becoming a Queen

There are several rewards for making the choice to become a drag queen. Members of the drag community are often empowered by the experience of doing drag performances. These performers gain contextual status and wield some amount of power in their own communities. They are also, in general, well-adjusted individuals. Of course there are some costs to doing drag but the actual experience of dressing in drag and performing in drag shows is often quite positive, powerful, and normal (Hopkins 137). Drag performers may also be able to make a considerably competent career by competing in drag competitions, such as the ever-popular RuPaul's Drag Race or other smaller competitions.

Cons of Becoming a Queen

As I mentioned in the pros section, there are some costs of becoming a drag performer. These costs could include but are not limited to possible rejection by friends or family, violence, or harassment (Hopkins 137). Additionally, anyone who chooses to become a drag queen leaves themselves open to public scrutiny or discrimination. Unfortunately, we live in a society in which homophobia is still prominent and some still see gay men as effeminate, failed men that encapsulate many stereotypes which may manifest the most strongly in drag performers (Schacht and Underwood 7).

Pros vs Cons: Which Wins Out?

While there are definitely a few challenges to be faced by a person intending to break into the drag community, there are also some benefits to membership in this community. The whole point of performing as a drag queen is self expression. Personally, I believe that the need for self-expression outweighs the possible scrutiny that may come as a result. However, the decision to become a drag queen is not one to be taken lightly and is a decision that must be made by oneself after weighing both the pros and the cons.