Pixel Perfect: Drag Queens Go Virtual

As live events continue being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more occupations have transitioned into using digital platforms. One of the biggest changes has been within the drag community. Drag queens have changed the way they receive income, the platform they perform on, and the content of these performances.

Drag queens used to perform live in front of audiences with clubs packed and crowded with fans eager to throw tips at their favorite performers. This is obviously impossible due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. All of the bars had been closed; some even shut down for good. There was no way to social distance in clubs and bars when the virus was at its height.

Drag queens have quickly altered the way they perform. Many drag queens have decided to create their own virtual performances for streaming sites such as Twitch, Instagram, and other sites as well. Other queens have done live shows on social media platforms to interact with the viewers in real-time. Queens have also gotten their tips through Cashapp, Venmo, or other similar apps instead of the original dollar tip. These apps will make it easier for people who do not carry cash to send tips in the future to their favorite performers. Digital drag performances have stepped up the presentation and creativity of the artists’ performances.

One queen named Kendall Gender made a digital drag performance to Doja Cat’s “Boss Bitch” where she dances and lip-syncs in a place where she can perform alone. Below you can see how it is a step up compared to a live show at a bar.

Source: Youtube

The twelfth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race had an unexpected reunion and finale due to the pandemic. They had filmed their reunion and finale at home, by sending the queens cameras, lights, and other equipment to show themselves on a video call aired to primetime television. Each queen had been sent the equipment from the show’s producers and had done their makeup and wardrobe from the comfort of their bedrooms. The finale always has a lip-sync battle, and it was very different without the live audience and large stage to perform on. They had all lip-synced from home and had to make their own backgrounds and sets themselves.

RuPaul didn’t even have makeup artists and hair stylists to help him get ready, so he ended up wearing a mask only showing his eyes and mouth, which had made the episodes feel weird compared to other seasons. RuPaul is always in drag for the finale, so it was so upsetting to see him in mediocre attire. It had made the final two episodes less theatric and professionally produced than the entirety of the season.

Digital drag has made a huge change within the drag community, and it will probably stay for an extended period of time. It has made the presentation of drag queen performances a much higher quality and lengthened the extent of creativity, while helping flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, who’s livestream are you going to tune into this week?