We asked our resident drag historian Lady J Martinez she states -
"Drag doesn't have a clear "big start" but rather several times that it comes in and out of favor in the mainstream. In the 30s drag became hugely popular for a very short handful of years."
So, It seems that like Rupaul today there was some great names in drag at the time and the biggest is speculated to be Julian Eltinge
shown here on this video. He toured simply as "Eltinge" which left his sex unknown and his act included singing, dancing and quick costume changes in a variety of female roles, including a Gibson Girl-like role called "The Sampson Girl".
"Drag's transition to where it is today is extraordinarily complicated, but a simple way to sum it up for a short piece like this would be to say that where drag in the 30s came out of vaudeville and burlesque and nightclubs, now drag takes its influences from everything from pop culture,
Las Vegas showgirls and burlesque to underground art, punk aesthetics, and ironic send up's of pop culture that often celebrate the campy aspects of something while also critiquing and satirizing politics. It's so much more complicated than this"- Says Lady J Martinez
"Drag continued to be an underground staple specially in Cleveland nightlife, Where Erica Martinez remembers using cassettes, records and 8-tracks to play her music when she began in the 80s in clubs here in the city"
She continues to add that she feel what makes a drag queen timeless is staying true to who you are as an entertainer. However, it is important that you stay with today times as far as music, fashion etc. However, I feel that you should never lose the character and the uniqueness that has made you the entertainer that you work so many years to become. At the same time I feel that it is important that you reinvent yourself as time passes, but still maintain the type of drag queen you have worked so hard to become. I consider myself to be the old school glamour drag, but tie in the trends of today to remain timeless as an entertainer.
As for how drag has changed from then to now? She says "I think drag is always changing! With drag, everything is off limits, the possibilities are endless! But even with all the change, there is still so much tradition and culture that still holds strong today!"
What do you think makes a drag queen timeless?
A timeless drag queen is someone who has a signature look, style and/or way of performance. You need something that someone is going to remember! Also hardworking, confident and commited. If you are not going to care about your drag, why should anyone else!
I started drag December 2014 at a Christmas show, my favorite time of year. I mean my name is a sugary sweet Christmas treat!
How has Drag Changed from then to now?
As for how drag has changed, I think drag is always changing! With drag, everything is off limits, the possibilities are endless! But even with all the change, there is still so much tradition and culture that still holds strong today!
What makes a Drag Queen Timeless?
A timeless drag queen is someone who has a signature look, style and/or way of performance. You need something that someone is going to remember! Also hardworking, confident and commited. If you are not going to care about your drag, why should anyone else!
Gidget Von Addams and Discord Addams have been keeping Akron Weird for some time at The Interbelt Nightclub with their Addams Family Values Show on Wednesday Nights.
Their esthetic from darker inspirations, club kid culture and at heart they are rockstars.
Discord Addams has been doing drag for 4 years and has been making a name for her self and her partner Gidget Von Addams. They have both made appearances in WOW Presents shows on LOGOTV for Transformations with James St James and Couples for Cash.
She is a a regular at shows at Bounce Nightclub, Liquid,
Aura Ultra Lounge Cleveland.
Since the laws changed in Cleveland there is close to no drag available to 18 to 20 year olds, The only drag for under 18 is at Collage showcases and Pride events.
Thanks to The Beachland Ballroom and Ohio Burlesque along with Porch Porch Productions we are able to present The 1st Annual Cleveland Drag Showcase.
ALL AGES SHOW
Tickets at the door are $10.00 (adv available) with VIP tables quickly going!
Join us Saturday September 10th at 8:PM Doors - 9:PM Show
*The venue has free parking
*Food available
This Show Is Sponsored by
Deville Rhinestones
Fear's Confections
Visual Grammar
Dare2Care
The LGBT Center
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