There is a major misconception that people have when it comes to gender expression and, more specifically, the art of drag. Most people are quick to assume that if you are a drag performer, you want to transition into being the opposite sex you portray completely. Although this may be the case for few, more commonly, drag performers do what they do as a form of self-expression. Drag is a very difficult concept for people to understand, and I found that approaching the art form with an open mind was a way for me to see that it is an art form that deserves its recognition and respect.

Although drag is a controversial art form, it has garnered quite a lot of acceptance with a large mainstream following. As a rookie to the world of drag, I have really grown to appreciate drag and all the effort it takes to become another person and perform as that person. My love of drag came from being a die-hard fan of the hit show on Logo, “Rupaul’s Drag Race.” I found myself intrigued by the process and talent it takes to accurately portray the opposite sex with your own personal style or interpretation.

If you had asked me what I thought of drag performers two years ago when I had just come out, I would have been extremely judgmental about them. Today, I enjoy drag and all of the hard work and effort it takes. I have always enjoyed acting and singing but have never been extremely talented at it. Drag has given me an opportunity to perform, act campy and express myself in ways I never could before. As a kid, I always loved Halloween, and drag gives me the same opportunity Halloween does, except year-round you get to be someone else and create a character, all for self-expression and entertainment purposes.

Drag is also a form of rebellion for me. It lets people know that I am not going to adhere to society’s standards or gender roles. I’m not the kind of guy that you’ll see amped up over a baseball game. I have fun doing what I do as a performer, and just because it isn’t traditional doesn’t mean it’s wrong and that I should be ostracized for it.

Men don’t have to be hypermasculine to be considered men. I am a man who likes other men, and I am perfectly happy with the sex I was born as. At the end of the day, I have found it takes quite a lot of balls to create the illusion of being a woman just to simply entertain others.