1. Home
  2. People & Relationships
  3. Gay Life

Drag Queen

By , About.com Guide

Definition:
Men who assume the character or appearance of women. Drag queens, or "queens" for short, are mostly entertainers who dance, sing, lip sync and perform in costume (often extravagantly presented female attire) at drag shows. The origin of the word "drag" is unclear; however, female illusionists can be dated back to Ancient Rome and Shakespearean theater. Today, many drag queens perform in drag shows, which became popular after the first world war.

Drag queens should not to be confused with transvestites. Read Drag Queens vs.Transvestites

Also see: Lady Bunny
Also Known As: female impersonator, female illusionist
Explore Gay Life
About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

What Does Your Surname Mean?

Your last name may reveal a compelling story about your family history. More >

  1. Home
  2. People & Relationships
  3. Gay Life
  4. Diversity
  5. Transgender
  6. Drag Queens, Female Impersonators and Female Illusionists

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.