Capstones
Graduation Date
Fall 12-16-2018
Grading Professor
Mark Richardson
Subject Concentration
Arts & Culture
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Abstract
The world of drag has reached virtual mainstream visibility thanks to a combination of shifting social norms, social media and the success of shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race (which just won its third Emmy). No longer relegated to the confines of queer subculture, drag queens are now exported worldwide on prime-time television. When a “man in a dress” is no longer subversive, how can drag as a subculture continue to push the boundaries?
This critical essay looks at the art of drag, its historical position in culture and how its currently blowing up mainstream entertainment. Increased success and visibility can be great for emerging drag performers, but is there something that is lost when queer art is made palatable for a mainstream audience?
Recommended Citation
Kucharski, Kyle, "The Gentrification of Drag" (2018). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gj_etds/294