Faux Queens: an exploration of gender, sexuality and queerness in cis-female drag queen performance

Abstract

This research explores the cultural implications of cis-women performing as drag queens; focusing on straight-identified performers.The exegesis and creative production examine intersections between heterosexual and queer identities, and whether straight-identified faux queens may be queered by performance practice. Drawing on practice-led research, autoethnography and in-depth interviews, the thesis explores challenges in negotiating cis-gender iterations of drag and discusses ways that faux queen performances maintain the challenge of queer and resist reincorporation.