Audience Diversity and Well-being at Uk Drag Events

Abstract

Over the last 15 years, there has been a significant increase in the promotion and integration of drag culture into mainstream society. Drag events have the ability to create a safe place for people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate and gather. What were once underground expressions of gender and political protest for the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus other identities) community, drag events have now transcended into a modern-day phenomenon, bringing people together to participate and feel a sense of enjoyment and wellbeing. The current literature on drag culture focuses on the performers’ perspective rather than the audience’s. This study aims to explore the diverse nature of attendees at UK drag events and to demonstrate how these events create a sense of inclusivity and impact the wellbeing of those attending. An online qualitative survey of respondents (n=248) who had attended at least one drag event in the UK was carried out. This was a UK study which encompassed experiences from across the country. This focus on the UK is justified due to the dearth of literature in this geographical area.The results indicate that drag events in the UK have become more mainstream, with the audience demographic becoming more diverse and inclusive. Drag events were considered by the attendees as a safe space, where they seek escapism from everyday life by immersing themselves in the drag experience. This enhanced their mental and emotional wellbeing. The study demonstrated that drag events provide an exciting, stimulating, and novel experience where individuals have a place for self-expression, can socialise, have fun, be accepted and feel a sense of freedom and happiness in a non-judgmental environment.

The infiltration of LGBTQ+ safe spaces

“…These spaces are open for those who feel part of the community or support the community, yet this poses its own problems. As Baxter et al (2022)…”

“…According to Cisneros and Bracho (2020), some spaces can feel safe for members of particular groups (based on gender, sexuality, race, class, and age), but unsafe for others. Baxter et al (2022) alluded to there being a feeling within the LGBTQþ community that their safe spaces were now changing due to a shift in the demographic attending and suggested that this was making them feel unsafe. Myslik (1996) found that feeling safe is the emotional and psychological safety that comes from being in a space in which one has some sense of belonging or social control.…”

“…LGBTQþ venues Heterosexual women. Respondents acknowledged the impact of RuPaul's Drag Race in attracting more heterosexual women to LGBTQþ venues, particularly when these venues host events featuring stars from the show (Baxter et al, 2022):…”

“…Considerations have been given to the challenges between how those consuming spaces participate within them and then how they are controlled and, at points, manipulated against those they are there to serve. This in turn has impacted the safety of these spaces, which can be evidenced by the increase in heterosexuals attending LGBTQþ spaces (Baxter et al, 2022(Baxter et al, , 2023. Moreover, while public spaces are open to all, those who use them need to negotiate how they use the spaces and, most importantly, how they interact with others using them.…”

“…Research is being conducted that demonstrates the need and value of LGBTQþ venues for the community. Baxter et al (2022Baxter et al ( , 2023 evidenced that there has been a changing dynamic of attendees at these venues, with the audiences becoming more diverse, and a trend towards more heterosexuals ("straight" people) visiting LGBTQþ spaces (Casey, 2004(Casey, , 2013Pritchard et al, 2000;Skeggs, 1999;Skeggs and Moran, 2004). While this change has been attributed to the proliferation of LGBTQþ culture into the mainstream, such as drag, and the implicit acceptance of the LGBTQþ community, few studies have yet to establish the impact this intrusion of heterosexuals is having on the community.…”