The Hidden Influence Behind Black Fashion, Slang, And Culture

person in a yellow shirt and colorful skirt holding a pride flag
Alyssa Guzik
October 20, 2024

Black culture, drag, is the secret sauce in nearly every corner of the world! If you think drag is just about wigs, heels, and lip-syncing, prepare to be gagged.

The drag balls of Harlem weren’t just parties; they were a cultural sensation, redefining self-expression and pushing the boundaries of gender long before it was trendy. Begun by William Dorsey Swann in the late 1800s, these fabulous gatherings set the stage for Black performance art and fashion.

During the 1950s, drag culture moved from private ballrooms to bars, the theater, and the big screen. Suddenly, fashion, art, and distinctive slang became part of popular culture and the building blocks of Black culture and society.

Fast forward to today, and Black drag queens are still snatching wigs and hearts wherever they go. Icons like RuPaul, Bob the Drag Queen, and Shea Coulee remind us that drag isn’t merely performance; it’s a celebration of identity, history, and community. They sprinkle cultural references and social commentary into their acts like glitter bombs, turning the stage into a powerful platform.

The hate, abuse, and violence directed against the drag community is ignorance; it’s a strong anti-Black sentiment dating back to the late 1800s. Supporting and standing in solidarity with Black drag culture supports Black liberation for us all.

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