Famous Drag Queens: Breaking Barriers and Making History

Drag queens have been an integral part of the LGBTQ+ community for decades, using their bold fashion choices and dramatic performances to challenge societal norms and promote acceptance and diversity. From well-known names to rising stars, these famous drag queens have made significant contributions to the world of drag and beyond.

The Rise of Drag Culture

Drag culture has its roots in the underground ballroom scene of the 1960s, where performers would compete in categories such as high fashion, realness, and voguing. The 1980s saw a surge in mainstream interest in drag, thanks to hit films like “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” and “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar”. In recent years, we have seen a resurgence in drag culture, thanks to the popularity of shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

RuPaul

It’s impossible to talk about famous drag queens without mentioning RuPaul, who has become a household name thanks to his long-running reality competition show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” As the host and creator of the show, RuPaul has become a global icon, promoting self-love and acceptance through his empowering catchphrase, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” RuPaul has also released several albums, acted in film and television, and even has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Divine

Divine, born Harris Glenn Milstead, was another trailblazer in the world of drag. Known for his larger-than-life persona and outrageous performances, Divine became a cult figure in the 1970s and 1980s. He gained notoriety for his collaborations with director John Waters, appearing in films such as “Pink Flamingos” and “Hairspray.” Sadly, Divine passed away in 1988, but his impact on drag culture and underground film lives on.

Alyssa Edwards

Alyssa Edwards, also known as Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, is a star of stage and screen, known for her fierce performances and iconic catchphrases. She rose to fame after competing on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and has since appeared on the spin-off show “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars.” In addition to drag, Alyssa is a dancer and choreographer, known for her high-energy routines and trademark tongue pop.

Sasha Velour

One of the most unique and innovative drag queens on the scene today is Sasha Velour. As the winner of the ninth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” she quickly became recognized for her artistic and conceptual approach to drag. In addition to performances, Sasha is also a writer, illustrator, and designer, using her platform to promote inclusivity and queer representation in the media.

Drag Culture Today

Thanks to the growing popularity of drag, we are now seeing more diverse representation in mainstream media. Drag queens like Aquaria, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season ten, and Gia Gunn, from “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars” season four, are breaking barriers and challenging traditional gender roles in their own unique ways.

As we continue to celebrate and uplift these famous drag queens, we must also recognize the impact they have made in society. Through their performances and activism, they have used their platform to promote acceptance, love, and self-expression for all. Let’s continue to embrace and support drag culture and the incredible artists who are part of it.

Links:
– https://whyisexplained.com/drag-queens-history/
– https://whyisexplained.com/rupauls-drag-race/
– https://whyisexplained.com/divine/
– https://whyisexplained.com/alyssa-edwards/
– https://whyisexplained.com/sasha-velour/

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