With Drag Race in its 13th year, we’ve seen the art transform drastically. Not just visually, or in its expected standards, but with those partaking on the show.
This year saw the first trans man – Gottmik – compete, and recent years have seen other trans competitors walk through the doors; notably Peppermint and Gia Gunn. Last year, on Drag Race UK, Scaredy Kat – a cis straight man – competed on the show too.
There’s now a rumour that one of the queens on Season 3 of Drag Race UK is a cis woman.
“A show that says they’re all about love and acceptance yet I’m still failing to see myself represented on it,” tweeted drag artist TeTe Bang regarding Drag Race.
TeteBang is a cis woman who identifies as queer and has performed for big brands such as Glitterbox.
“And of course we are finally get a fab [sic] queen on season 3, but why justb 1!? That’s tokenism not equality.”
And of course I know we are finally getting a Afab queen on season 3, but why just 1!? That’s tokenism not equality. And now after a decade I’m finally able to get on the show, a show which had platforms so many of my friends, yet I’m starting to think that maybe it’s not for me
— TeTeBang (@TeTeBangSOS) March 23, 2021
Bang weighs in on an already interesting debate.
I initially stated on this week’s episode of Cocktails & Confessions podcast, that I was unsure of cis female competitors (at least heterosexual ones).
On some level, it does feel somewhat like our culture is being co-opted; after all, they haven’t endured any of the obstacles of growing up queer, but yet seek to profit from its artforms.
And that’s from someone who puts their nieces in drag every other month for fun.
However, that wasn’t an issue at all for me when Scaredy Kat appeared on the show. So if heterosexuality isn’t a barrier for men, perhaps it shouldn’t be for women either. Although it should be noted that men (gay or straight0 wearing women’s clothes comes with a stigma to overcome.
Queer women like Tete Bang are a part of the community, so they should be included. (Not forgetting that when I first met TeTe Bang in her flamboyant and colourful get-up, I had no idea that she was cis female).
But if we bring it back to the acronym of the word, d.r.a.g = dressed as a girl, does it give cis women an unfair advantage? They won’t have to tuck, shave, and can find more heels and outfits in their sizes and proportions.
But perhaps that’s just something the judges need to take into consideration.
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And TeTe does have a point. How can you preach love and inclusivity and then leave people out? Especially if they are queer. The message and meaning of drag goes beyond just dressing up. It’s about strength and escapism, which anybody could use in today’s world.
I think seeing female competitors on the show may take some adjusting, and for many people who vehemently oppose change, it could put them off the show altogether. But I believe it’s something that will only flop if it isn’t well done.
Ultimately, as long as they’re a good contestant, (funny, entertaining and a look-turner) why wouldn’t the world fall in love with them?
Stay tuned to Cocktails & Confessions to hear TeTe Bang’s take.
