On this episode I am joined by the camp and colorful Carrot! Carrot is a drag performer and host. They are also the creator of The Enby Show. Today we talk about being non binary in the performing scene. We also talk about toxic masculinity in the form of cis white gay men, the gender binary and misogyny. As well as the importance of celebrating femininity rather than parodying it. You can find me on instagram @locqueslaroux and Carrot @carrotdrag

Masculinity 101:  During the rise of Shakespearian and theatre culture in the 1500s and  1600s, we see the start of what now may commonly be referred to as  “drag”. With many female roles in theatre, and only men allowed as  actors, men would frequently impersonate women on stage. During the following centuries, drag was used predominantly as a “man in a dress” humour gag. Moving into the 20th century, the rise of vaudevillian cabaret became the next notable transition for drag culture. From the 1930s, LGBTQ+ culture started to become more closely linked with drag culture. During this time period, there was a division among queer white men: You were either a masculine guy who blended in, or you were a fairy —  feminine and dressed in drag. 

Sources: https://www.tmwunlimited.com/forgotten-trans-focussed-past-modern-drag-culture and https://www.them.us/story/inqueery-drag

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.