Kind Of A Drag
In their early development, Drag Queens work to form their own personas as an extension of themselves and as creative outlets. Today, we see many more Drag Queens in the public eye, still in the forefront of Queer representation. However, what many people do not see is the ever-evolving work each performer puts into their image and their effect on their home communities. It was important for me to witness and capture these elements of Drag culture. In my photographic career, I have witnessed performers in their natural form – on and off stage. It was important to capture a performer’s transformation from a public identity into a Queer form of their individuality. As each performer evolves, they hold onto the traditions of their foremothers - pushing the boundaries of sexuality, gender, and fashion, and criticizing the entrapments of a status quo. Drag Queens serve as social educators, offering lessons in living an authentic life by inviting vulnerability, and permitting you to become any kind of person you desire to be. This is done with the permission you give yourself, the unconditional support of others, and the willingness to evolve. Though life can be kind of a drag, we have every right to live it glamorously.