FabGuys.com forum: Drag Queens: freak shows for straight people?

By *.sid.. OP Man
over a year ago

Washington

Is this the case?

Think of Blackpool and Jumbo centre on Gran Canaria. I have seen the occasional very funny guy and we currently have one in Newcastle who took 5-10 years on a public stage to learn his trade and only now is actually able to be funny without sounding like a right nasty bitch. He really only entertains the straight market. His natural character shines through now, but its taken years.

Straight people, judging by watching their reaction, seem to think that very poor performers are hilarious whereas I think poor performers, or those who concentrate on impersonating woman rather than the comedy are just very embarrassing to watch. It's demeaning.

Pub owners up here in Newcastle seem to think that shoving one behind the DJ stand is an attraction. That, of course, costs next to nothing compared to putting on a real show by a talented entertainer. But, I just see a bored bloke dressed up in glitter playing the sounds trying to earn a buck and at the same time providing very very cheap "entertainment".

To me that Rui Paul programme or whatever its called is a freak show. It might be funny, I don't know, but I'm not going to take a chance and find out.

The best "Drag Artist" up here in my mind is/was Greta L'Amour. He is fantastic on the mic and I can hear his jokes even now in my head after 20 years. People used to love going to watch him especially on Bank holidays. Sigh, those were the days....

Any opinions out there?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ildwestheroMan
over a year ago

Llandrindod Wells

If these shows 'float your boat' then all well and good. A group of straight acquaintances went and watched Funny Girls [think that's what its called] in Blackpool and thought it hilarious. Doesn't appeal to me in the slightest. My only gripe is that quite a few straight people assume that all gays love this sort of thing when, in fact, we don't.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ee_p_ToesTV/TS
over a year ago

Escaping

It seems that you believe that if someone has talent, they are entertaining but if they do not, they are a freak.

Have you ever dragged up? Properly with make up, eye lashes, heels you can keep on without looking like Bambi trying to walk for the first time.

It’s true that the majority of reality television does get edited in such a way as to create entertainment of, as it’s known, car crash tv. Ru Paul’s Drag Race is no exception. Only the “freak part” is the personality clashes and bitching. The art of drag is never demeaned, in fact it is celebrated. I’ve not kept up to date with current seasons, but previous ones had an episode where a non drag person had to be transformed by each contestant.

I’m in awe of the effort that goes in by contestants. I mean I’m reasonably passable with my makeup but wouldn’t last past the first episode what with: baking of makeup for hours, padding, comedy skills, musical skills (tbf Auto Tune plays a big part there) sewing skills and tucking! I’m not sure then if you have ever watched the programme you condemn. Might be advisable before passing judgment.

If you do choose to watch Ru Paul, and watch some of the later episodes, you will see that some of those contestants had been viewers when younger, going through turmoil as they were gay and had no support. Even putting aside the editors’ efforts to produce as many tear jerking moments as possible, it is clear that the show has had a positive social impact.

Finally a quote: "Drag is there to remind culture not to take itself too seriously. All of this is illusion."

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *.sid.. OP Man
over a year ago

Washington

"If these shows 'float your boat' then all well and good. A group of straight acquaintances went and watched Funny Girls [think that's what its called] in Blackpool and thought it hilarious. Doesn't appeal to me in the slightest. My only gripe is that quite a few straight people assume that all gays love this sort of thing when, in fact, we don't."

Very true. Thanks for that.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *.sid.. OP Man
over a year ago

Washington

"It seems that you believe that if someone has talent, they are entertaining but if they do not, they are a freak.

Have you ever dragged up? Properly with make up, eye lashes, heels you can keep on without looking like Bambi trying to walk for the first time.

Finally a quote: "Drag is there to remind culture not to take itself too seriously. All of this is illusion."

Arnt the majority of drag queens gay? The majority of viewers will not be so isn't this just a "freakshow", just voyareism (cant spell it) like drag shows are in Blackpool etc.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *my-ColetteTV/TS
over a year ago

Luton

"It seems that you believe that if someone has talent, they are entertaining but if they do not, they are a freak.

Have you ever dragged up? Properly with make up, eye lashes, heels you can keep on without looking like Bambi trying to walk for the first time.

Finally a quote: "Drag is there to remind culture not to take itself too seriously. All of this is illusion."

Arnt the majority of drag queens gay? The majority of viewers will not be so isn't this just a "freakshow", just voyareism (cant spell it) like drag shows are in Blackpool etc."

Surely it's just acting, like any perfomer, the dress up is just a prop is it not?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ee_p_ToesTV/TS
over a year ago

Escaping

Arnt the majority of drag queens gay? The majority of viewers will not be so isn't this just a "freakshow", just voyareism (cant spell it) like drag shows are in Blackpool etc."

I don’t see how that’s relevant. Aren’t the majority of airline passengers not trained pilots. It’s not a freak show to appreciate the talent of those two pilots upfront.

Eurovision has a large gay following, yet the majority of the viewers are straight. It might be cringeworthy at times but it’s seen as entertainment rather than a freak show.

Was The Cosby Show a freak show because so many white people watched it?

I’m off to listen to Woman’s Hour on catch-up now to marvel at all the “freaks” on air!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rucewayne1stMan
over a year ago

Nottingham

Drag has been going on for decades, just look at Devine, Lilly Savage,Danny La Rue.

Weither gay, straight, TV,lesbian,ts,CD...etc,etc,etc

As Ru Paul said " We're all born naked, and the rest is drag"

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"....clip

Pub owners up here in Newcastle seem to think that shoving one behind the DJ stand is an attraction..... clip "

This was done years ago. The Royal Oak in Hammersmith had a DJ called 'Dolly'.

Totally talentless.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My ex is a drag queen. She has a channel on sky promoting old B movies. I find it funny that Henry rollins has met ru Paul.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *uffolkmale54TV/TS
over a year ago

Lowestoft

i love drag queens

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *illingbtmMan
over a year ago

meath cavan

Queen's rule

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I missed my vocation in life, obviously.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *illingbtmMan
over a year ago

meath cavan

Never 2 late

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A young top (22) from “oop north” has been staying with me since Tuesday.

Tonight we went to the bear bar in Bristol where Lola Lasagne was performing.

He’d never seen a drag queen, he said.

He seemed to enjoy himself.

Myself and few others warned him beforehand how drag queens can pick on audience members.

He and I both escaped, but he said afterwards he thought Lola was always catching his eye.

I told him she was not the only one - I noticed he was turning quite a few heads in the crowd.

He gave drag a thumbs up 👍

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *owzerMan
over a year ago

Chester... Where the streets have no name

Does anyone else like Freaks by Timmy Trumpet? 🎺

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *lasgow1975Man
over a year ago

Parkhead

I think there's definitely been a shift trend wise largely thanks to RPDR, drag used to be entertainers who slogged the circuit, could sing, joke, and put a heckler down at 20 paces, now every twink with a bit of mascara thinks they can have a career because they can death drop every 5 minutes instead of actually having to work an entertaining routine. And yes, every bar has latched on to the trend

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *assist88Man
over a year ago

Burnley

I absolutely love drag queens. Love the look and attitude/charisma but have never been to a drag show. Printed to change that

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ildwestheroMan
over a year ago

Llandrindod Wells

"A young top (22) from “oop north” has been staying with me since Tuesday.

Tonight we went to the bear bar in Bristol where Lola Lasagne was performing.

He’d never seen a drag queen, he said.

He seemed to enjoy himself.

Myself and few others warned him beforehand how drag queens can pick on audience members.

He and I both escaped, but he said afterwards he thought Lola was always catching his eye.

I told him she was not the only one - I noticed he was turning quite a few heads in the crowd.

He gave drag a thumbs up 👍 "

Reminds me of being in a gay bar whilst on holiday a few years ago. A drag queen, who had done an 'act' [dreadful singer and appalling jokes] latched onto me. I politely told him/her/it I wasn't interested. I promptly got reported to the door stewards for being 'aggressive' which I wasn't. I left before being actually asked. Didn't like drag before but really hated it since.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *laireKTV/TS
over a year ago

Manchester

Maybe the uptick in drag queens is related to these reality shows.

I've never watch the Ru Paul one but I believe it's very popular.

The quality bar isn't very high these days to gain airtime.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *icole FanningTV/TS
over a year ago

Navan / Clonsilla

Each to their own, and all that jazz. But drag queen shows have never interested me. Never watched RuPaul’s Drag Race and I’d never dress in the drag drag queen look. But they’re very popular indeed … so whatever floats your boat, I guess.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *vmarisaTV/TS
over a year ago

Motherwell

I remember seeing Stanley Baxter in drag at a young age and just thinking it was pantomime. Later, I saw Danny La Rue on the TV and thought he looked like a Hollywood film star and his voice was mesmerising and he reminded me of Liberace who I thought was a nice man. As an adult I also saw Lily Savage live and just thought this is a very talented and funny person. Finally watching the naked civil servant I found my first non hetro hero, Quentin Crisp, who was so brave and I so badly wanted him to find happiness. I did once sleep with a drag artist and didn't enjoy the experience that much. Drag has it's detractors and it's supporters. Personally, it's not for me, but I support any drag Queens right to be one and fulfill their self expression, just as I have my own (although more clandestine) self expression.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *uffolkmale54TV/TS
over a year ago

Lowestoft

i love them so much

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *raig_KJMan
49 weeks ago

Southport

I saw and recorded some drag shows at Cafe La Belles in Gran Canaria.

Alan Ward etc.

In their day, they were entertaining.

I’d rather see Broadway Backwards type stuff or maybe a mix.

I certainly wouldn’t travel anywhere just to see a drag show.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *LASGOW 60s GUYMan
49 weeks ago

Glasgow

Never really 'got' drag acts. There is certainly an assumption the every gay lives a drag queen, oh no we don't! Some can be incredibly clever ' Lily Savage', for example but very few achieve that sort of brilliance

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *anformeMan
49 weeks ago

notts

In the sixties and seventies there were some very funny and talented drag artists.

Mark Fleming, Mrs Shufflewick , The hilarious Lee Sutton, Sandy Dennis and Dockyard Doris

They were funny and original.

I watch Ru Paul mostly to see the costumes, but today's drag queens have no action other than swearing and insulting the audience.

From what I gather, many of the Russian Paul contestants have no action, they are just obsessed how they look.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *orcester GuyMan
49 weeks ago

Worcestershire North

Not a fan personally

There are too many of them doing it

If you visit Benidorm probably not a pub without one

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *eefandfurMan
49 weeks ago

Edinburgh

There are a few very talented performers that include drag as part of their schtick. There are many who are less talented, but if you can make a living from it then why not.

Everything from the gay world is treated like a freak-show for some straight people: Gay comedians and TV presenters seem to camp it up for the audience. Tedious small-town hen-parties visiting gay clubs in the big cities to stare at the queers. Virtue-signalling suburban white parents bringing their kids to Pride Parades. Gay stereotypes played for entertainment in shows like queer-eye-for the straight guy or our own Gok Wan. Good for them; a brother's gotta pay the rent.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *oosterladMan
49 weeks ago

ipswich

Used to be good with live drag acts like the Trollettes and Lily Savage who could entertain and enthrall an audience ad lib you'd be frozen in your seat in case they picked on you. Real talent.

Went downhill with the boring dressed up mime acts that followed.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *hrisman82Man
4 weeks ago

Sale

I don’t mind drag queens I’ve had a few guys in past years. They can make you laugh and it’s great to watch Ru Paul drag race. Most of them are not freaks.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *astDevonGuyMan
4 weeks ago

Seaton

I really am conflicted . The comedic, theatrical Drag acts like Dame Edna , Danny La Rue , Lilly and Minge and Hacket, I found really entertaining. But I find the likes of Ru Paul drag race and the world of the “Drag Queen” cringingly uncomfortable.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *oxymusicMan
4 weeks ago

Cowbridge

Load of shit, hate drag artists

The only funny bloke in a dress was Dame Edna who used to take the piss out of himself, thus drag itself.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ildwestheroMan
4 weeks ago

Llandrindod Wells

"I really am conflicted . The comedic, theatrical Drag acts like Dame Edna , Danny La Rue , Lilly and Minge and Hacket, I found really entertaining. But I find the likes of Ru Paul drag race and the world of the “Drag Queen” cringingly uncomfortable. "

They were entertaining though having met Hinge and Bracket in person I was not impressed by them off-stage. On the whole I dislike drag and get really fed-up with the ridiculous assumption that if you are gay you must like it. I like blokes because they are blokes like myself. Not pseudo parodies of women.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

Post new Message to Thread