drag queen
Sequined stage persona
A drag queen is a person, typically male, who dresses in exaggerated feminine clothing and makeup for performance or entertainment.
The art form emphasizes theatricality—glamorous gowns, elaborate wigs, dramatic makeup.
Drag queens perform in clubs, pride events, and competitions, often lip-syncing, dancing, or doing comedy: The drag queen slayed her number.
The term distinguishes performance from transgender identity, though some drag queens are trans women.
Small reflective fabric ornaments
- rhinestonesImitation diamond crystals
- glitterDecorative metallic flecks
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
- boasSqueezing serpents or wraps
gown · wig · lashes · padding · corset · stiletto · makeup · contour
Silent vocal mimicry
- cabaretLive entertainment venue
- stageRaised performance platform
- entertainerOne who amuses others
- emceeCeremony host
showgirl · burlesque · pageant · revue · spotlight · audience · choreography · dance
Venue for formal dances
- voguingStylized pose-based dancing
- houseResidential building
- motherFemale parent
- kikiCasual gossip session
category · walk · legendary · icon · RuPaul · Paris Is Burning · Priscilla · Stonewall
Satirical imitation
- satireMockery exposing vice
- ironyMeaning opposite to words
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
- flamboyantStrikingly bold in style
ostentatious · kitsch · exaggeration · spectacle · showmanship · humor · wit · absurdity
Alternate version of oneself
- characterNature, symbol, or role
- transformationThorough change in form
- makeoverComplete appearance overhaul
- illusionMisleading sensory impression
femininity · exaggeration · diva · charisma · stage name · signature · look · reveal
sequins
Small reflective fabric ornaments
- rhinestonesImitation diamond crystals
- glitterDecorative metallic flecks
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
boas · gown · wig · lashes · padding · corset · stiletto · makeup · contour · highlight
lip-sync
Silent vocal mimicry
- cabaretLive entertainment venue
- stageRaised performance platform
- entertainerOne who amuses others
emcee · showgirl · burlesque · pageant · revue · spotlight · audience · choreography · dance · comedy
ballroom
Venue for formal dances
kiki · category · walk · legendary · icon · RuPaul · Paris Is Burning · Priscilla · Stonewall · pride
parody
Satirical imitation
- satireMockery exposing vice
- ironyMeaning opposite to words
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
flamboyant · ostentatious · kitsch · exaggeration · spectacle · showmanship · humor · wit · absurdity · melodrama
alter-ego
Alternate version of oneself
- characterNature, symbol, or role
- transformationThorough change in form
- makeoverComplete appearance overhaul
illusion · femininity · exaggeration · diva · charisma · stage name · signature · look · reveal · realness
- Gay Culturerainbow flag, coming out, gay bar, Stonewall, Castro
- Queer Culturegay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, ballroom scene
- nightlifebars, clubbing, clubs, nightclubs, bar crawl
- performersactor, dancer, actress, singer, musician
- LGBTQgay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer
- LGBTQ+gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer
drag queeneveryday attire
Ordinary clothing worn routinely
plain clothes · street clothes · minimalist · unadorned · understated