Performative Tensions in Female Drag Performances

Abstract

Using an intersectional queer theory lens, I employ critical performance autoethnography to argue that female drag performances do the work of oppression and social justice simultaneously to question whether queer spaces are actually places of freedom and liberation. First, I explore existing literature of drag, female masculinities, and femme-drag performance; second, I detail intersectional queer theory and critical performance autoethnography; third, I offer my autoethnographic narrative from the site of a drag performance because it is imperative for problematizing female drag performance and the perpetuation of whiteness and misogyny in drag performance; finally, I offer remarks for further justification for intersectional analysis for female drag performance.