FASHION & DRAG IN THE SERVICE OF TRANSIDENTITY
While transgender people tend to be marginalized, even in the drag community—where those undergoing hormone treatment and/or gender reassignment surgery are sometimes considered to be going against the concept—their impact since the origins of this art form has nevertheless been crucial. Because yes, beyond being a performance art, drag is political. Yes, yes, it’s not just entertainment. Ouch, that’s a blow fot the far right.
Drag as a stage for FASHION expression
Ah, drag. It entertains, makes us laugh, comforts us, and generates a variety of emotions. But it’s also a stage where fashion tells a story. Whether we have an interest in fashion or not, our outfits always express something. Laziness, joy, camouflage, self-confidence, and even unhappiness—an outfit can easily reveal the inner state of the person wearing it. And drag takes this self-expression even further: drag queens, drag kings, club kids, drag creatures, and drag queers—all variations of it push the idea to its extreme.
We saw this with Mami Watta (“yes, click on the article”), our great winner of All Stars France 1, who, during her season, was able to highlight various African traditions and tell their story in her own way. Without words. Just looks. And when I will tell you that the same thing exists when it comes to transgender identity, telling its story, and embracing it? Oh Lord… you are not ready!
REAPPROPRIATE YOUR GENDER & IMAGE
The more we learn about ourselves, the more we seek to be true to who we are… which is not always easy. Duh. In fact, many transgender people talk about mental health, gender dysphoria, and various other issues that can make the transition difficult, both before and after.
LOUDER, OUR FAVORITE SWISS QUEEN! While drag can be a “source” of dysphoria after transitioning (having to put yourself back in the shoes of the gender you were assigned at birth can be difficult), it can also be a catalyser of reappropriation. Moon, Swiss drag queen, Miss Congeniality on Drag Race France season 2, and semi-finalist on the first season of All Stars France, spoke openly about this, sharing messages of acceptance, inclusion, mental health, and hope.
Gottmik, the fashionable, punk drag queen, occasionally Paris Hilton’s official lookalike, and the franchise’s first transgender man, also addressed the issue from a different angle. As a trans man, stepping back into the shoes of a drag aesthetic where femininity is praised could be complicated. And yet! In season 13 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, she showed us that fashion is a liberating, impactful, and significant means of expression.
FASHION, TRANS, DRAG
Transgender people have always been at the HEART of drag, fashion, activism, and change. Today, more than ever, giving them visibility is essential.
Because “PROTECT THE DOLLS AND ALL TRANSGENDER PEOPLE” is not just a catchphrase, here are the top 5 looks that highlight trans identity in all its beauty:
#5 LA BRIOCHÉE
“Hey, my little kitties! See you in early October at Madame Arthur’s for another crazy season! There are lots of surprises and projects in the works. Music, dubbing, but… Shhhhh… I can’t say any more for now.”
Dress: @artofdiucelu
Wig: @wigtsublu
Photograph: @gregkozo
#5 LA BRIOCHÉE
“Hey, my little kitties! See you in early October at Madame Arthur’s for another crazy season! There are lots of surprises and projects in the works. Music, dubbing, but… Shhhhh… I can’t say any more for now.”
Dress : @artofdiucelu
Wig : @wigtsublu
Photograph : @gregkozo
#4 KING PERKA $EXXX
“Chest reveal! I had top surgery a few months ago and I wanna say thanks to everyone who donated or shared the go fund me all 3 of us were able to get the teet yeet and are living our best(as we can) lives.”
Event: @emeraldcitykingsball
Necklace: @damiengreydesigns
Pasties: @mxaveryknight
Makeup: @kremeinakuchi
Photograph: @paradeimages
#4 KING PERKA $EXXX
“Chest reveal! I had top surgery a few months ago and I wanna say thanks to everyone who donated or shared the go fund me all 3 of us were able to get the teet yeet and are living our best(as we can) lives.”
Event: @emeraldcitykingsball
Necklace: @damiengreydesigns
Pasties: @mxaveryknight
Makeup: @kremeinakuchi
Photograph: @paradeimages
#2 GOTTMIK
“This look represents the pain and suffering I went through while all at the some time experiencing complete trans queer liberation in a way that I hope everyone seeing this will feel one day. I found my peace within the fashion drag artistry space and I hope everyone finds theirs in one way or another.”
Latex look: @xvenusprototypex
Faux arm + titties bag : @marcosquared ; @jon_neill
Photograph : @sanchezzalba
#2 GOTTMIK
“This look represents the pain and suffering I went through while all at the some time experiencing complete trans queer liberation in a way that I hope everyone seeing this will feel one day. I found my peace within the fashion drag artistry space and I hope everyone finds theirs in one way or another.”
Look: @xvenusprototypex
Fake arms + titties bag: @marcosquared ; @jon_neill
Photograph: @sanchezzalba
#1 MOON (again)
“For this runway show, I wanted to embody the pregnant woman that I will most likely never be. It is also a tribute to Alexander McQueen’s iconic Widow’s Weeds outfit from 2006, which has always fascinated me, so poetic and otherworldly.”
Look: @agap_rnis
Inspiration: @alexandermcqueen
Horns: @romaintheveninparis
Photograph: @valentinfolliet
#1 MOON (AGAIN)
“For this runway show, I wanted to embody the pregnant woman that I will most likely never be. It is also a tribute to Alexander McQueen’s iconic Widow’s Weeds outfit from 2006, which has always fascinated me, so poetic and otherworldly.”
Dress: @agap_rnis
Horns: @romaintheveninparis
Photograph: @valentinfolliet
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