Why did drag queens start?

The origin of drag can be traced back with deep roots in Western culture to the days of antic theatre.

This was back when women weren’t allowed to perform on stage which is why men had to disguise themselves and play female roles.

Drag is a type of performance art and the people involved dress up and perform, often in highly stylized ways. This can include clothing, makeup, and accessories. Drag is often a form of self-expression.

The term Drag originated in 19th-century British theatre slang and was used to describe men wearing women’s clothing.

RuPaul’s Drag Race which first premiered in 2009 as a television show in the United States has exposed multiple generations of audiences to drag culture.

On stage and screen, the actor-playwright-screenwriter-producer Tyler Perry has also included his drag character of Madea in some of his most noted productions.

In the United States, early examples of drag clothing can be found in gold rush saloons in California. In the early 20th century, drag began to flourish with minstrel shows and vaudeville.