From Secret Speakeasies to Prime-Time TV: The Rise of Drag Shows Worldwide.
Drag has become one of the most electrifying, artistic, and widely celebrated forms of entertainment in modern pop culture. What was once a niche, underground performance style has exploded into mainstream media, filling nightclubs, TV screens, and even major fashion campaigns. But how did drag shows first begin? Where did they originate, and how has their audience evolved? From secret performances in underground clubs to the dazzling spectacles of RuPaul’s Drag Race and beyond, here’s everything you need to know about the fabulous world of drag.
The Origins: When and Where Drag Began
Drag performance, in one form or another, has existed for centuries. The term “drag” is believed to have originated in the theater world of Shakespearean England, where men played female roles due to social restrictions preventing women from performing on stage. The long, flowing skirts these actors wore would drag on the floor—hence the name.
However, drag as an art form, characterized by exaggerated femininity, theatricality, and gender-bending performance, truly took shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, vaudeville and cabaret stages across Europe and America featured male performers impersonating women, often using drag to create humor, spectacle, or social commentary.
One of the earliest recorded drag stars was Julian Eltinge, a famed female impersonator in the early 1900s. Unlike comedic cross-dressers, Eltinge was known for his flawless illusions of femininity, which made him an international sensation. His performances marked a shift in drag’s perception—drag was not just for laughs; it was a respected art form.
The Underground Drag Scene: The Birth of Ballroom Culture
In the early to mid-20th century, the LGBTQ+ community faced widespread discrimination, forcing many queer expressions of art underground. In cities like New York, drag flourished in secret speakeasies and private clubs, away from the gaze of law enforcement.
By the 1960s and ‘70s, the ballroom scene took shape, particularly within Black and Latinx queer communities in Harlem. These extravagant underground competitions, known as balls, were safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves freely. Participants—known as queens—competed in various categories, showcasing dazzling outfits, fierce runway walks, and incredible dance skills (which later evolved into the legendary art of voguing).
The ballroom scene was immortalized in the groundbreaking 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning, which shed light on drag culture, voguing, and the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ communities. Today, the legacy of ballroom culture lives on in TV shows like Pose and Legendary.
Drag in the Media: From Taboo to Prime-Time Television
Drag’s journey from the fringes of society to mainstream pop culture can largely be credited to the explosion of reality TV. The single most influential force behind this shift? RuPaul’s Drag Race.
When RuPaul’s Drag Race premiered in 2009, few could have predicted that it would grow into an Emmy-winning global phenomenon. The show, hosted by drag icon RuPaul Charles, has introduced millions to the art of drag, making stars out of queens like Bianca Del Rio, Trixie Mattel, Jinkx Monsoon, and Sasha Velour.
Drag has also broken into other areas of pop culture:
- To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) brought drag to the big screen.
- Netflix’s AJ and the Queen (2020) starred RuPaul in a heartwarming story of a drag performer on a cross-country adventure.
- TV series like Pose (2018-2021) have paid homage to ballroom culture, educating new generations on the history of drag.
Famous Drag Queens Who Changed the Game
Many queens have helped shape drag’s legacy. Some of the most influential include:
- RuPaul Charles – The queen of all queens, responsible for making drag a household name worldwide.
- Divine – The outrageous muse of director John Waters, known for her bold, rule-breaking performances.
- Lady Bunny – A staple of New York nightlife and the creator of Wigstock, the annual drag festival.
- Bianca Del Rio – One of Drag Race’s most successful winners, known for her razor-sharp wit.
- Panti Bliss – An Irish drag queen and activist who has been instrumental in LGBTQ+ rights in Europe.
Drag Shows for Everyone: Why They Appeal to a Wide Audience
Drag is no longer just for LGBTQ+ spaces—it has become a mainstream entertainment experience. What makes drag shows so universally appealing?
- Spectacle & Glamour – The costumes, makeup, and performances are larger than life.
- Comedy & Sass – Queens are known for their quick wit and comedic timing.
- Inclusivity & Acceptance – Drag shows create welcoming, celebratory environments.
- Music & Dance – Many shows incorporate live singing, lip-sync battles, and high-energy choreography.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time audience member, a night at a drag show guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Famous Drag Clubs & Shows in the USA & Europe
If you’re looking to experience the magic of drag in person, here are some must-visit venues:
USA
- Lips (New York, Chicago, Atlanta, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale) – A fabulous dinner-and-drag experience with top-tier performances. Website: https://www.lipsusa.com/
- The Abbey (Los Angeles, CA) – One of the most famous LGBTQ+ nightlife spots in the country. Website: https://theabbeyweho.com/
- Play Nashville (Nashville, TN) – Home to some of the South’s best drag talent. Website: https://playdancebar.com/nashville/
Europe
- The Glory (London, UK) – A top-tier cabaret club featuring drag performances and live music. Website: https://www.theglory.co/
- Chez Maman (Brussels, Belgium) – One of Europe’s most legendary drag bars. Website: https://www.chezmaman.be/
- RVT – The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (London, UK) – A historic LGBTQ+ venue known for its iconic drag performances. Website: https://www.vauxhalltavern.com/
Drag has come a long way from secret speakeasies and underground balls. Today, it’s a global sensation that continues to push boundaries, entertain, and empower. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of drag, one thing is certain: the future is fierce, fabulous, and full of glitter.
