Sorry, haters — drag is everywhere

From Niche to Mainstream

Today, I am 54 years old (Yes, I'm an old queen). I've been around long enough to see drag go from the late-night dive bar to being celebrated mainstream on an international level, and bitch, I can't believe it.

It's funny how some of these conservatives try to push an anti-drag agenda when they are in drag, too! These are the same folks who bullied me for wearing pink and determined people's sexual preferences based on which ear they wore an earring. Exhausting!

Oh, how far we've come, but somehow, people want to pull us backward! Hell no, we won’t go! And we’ll wear as many articles of clothing of the opposite gender as we wish!

To quote the one who gave me my shot, "We're all born naked, and the rest is DRAG!" Drag is everywhere, my loves. Not just on runways, your favorite app, or at a crowded brunch moment. I mean everywhere: from the car you drive to the clothes you wear, we present ourselves in ways that make us feel comfortable, confident, successful, and seen.

The Many Faces of Drag

The same people who are attempting to "ban drag" are the ones wearing it. I can hear you saying, "Where, MKD? Where?! I need to toot or boot this!" Hold on to your tuck and glue down your eyebrows, queen, because everywhere you look, you will see people in drag.

Let's start small, local, and in your favorite coffee shop at 10 a.m. You'll find drag activewear in Lululemon leggings, monochromatic sweats, and a double espresso light, no foam, cream, water, or air, all headed to "work out" in light makeup, plumped lips, tousled hair, and a fit appearance.

Take a Saturday afternoon stroll to the Buffalo Bills game, where you will find everyone sporting their finest Bills team drag, from jerseys to sparkling mugs to the greatest and brightest blinged-out Crocs. And let's not forget the manliest of men sporting a face full of makeup–red, white, and blue, painted for the Gods. (Speaking of the Bills, Josh Allen, let’s get coffee—I bet you’re an ally!)

The car you drive is drag. When a young white man sporting Ray-Bans and an Under Armour hoodie chooses to have an oversized pickup truck–loud, large, and in charge–this is a form of dress with an alternative message. It's shouting to the roof, "See me! Respect me! My pickle is NOT SMALL!" (Chill, it's how you use it, Bruh!)

Your beautiful grandparents head off to church while you enjoy a Sunday game, dressed to the gills with color, sparkle, and sass to ensure their coveted spot in heaven. Many Baptist churches have drag queens and kings wearing their finest not only for the Lord and Savior but for all of their fellow parishioners to know who this week's ROYALTY is! Especially when these hat ladies put a twenty in the collection basket. (Gma is RIIIICH!)

Drag in Entertainment and Beyond

Take a break after dinner and tune into the wrestling match, and you will find DRAG, DRAG, DRAGAPALOOZA! No, I'm not talking about the latest episode of Drag Race, either. The WWE and similar professional wrestling broadcasts are filled with fabulousness, from Hulk Hogan’s feather boas and Ric Flair's robes to Goldust's full glam persona and Gorgeous George's pageantry. You don't have to look too close to see the theatrics, elaborate costumes, exaggerated personas, and scripted dramas!!! It's like watching an early season of RuPaul's Drag Race WITHOUT the filtered lens. These wrestlers do the same thing drag performers do: create a larger-than-life character, put on a show, and command a crowd.

Don't even get me started on cinema! Do you think the Barbie, Gladiator, or any Marvel comic flick is not drag?! Wait, wait, wait, how about the wildly popular Bridgerton? I need those wigs.

As for pop icons, no one will ever convince me that Cher and Dolly Parton are not in hyper-feminine drag! Who dresses like that at the grocery store? Some of my favorites include Elton John, Harry Styles, David Bowie, Lady Gaga, and Grace Jones, and the iTunes list goes on!

The Social Commentary of Drag

Recently, I witnessed a standing ovation at a performance of Mrs. Doubtfire here in Rochester, NY. As I scanned the predominantly white, suburban, elderly crowd, I remarked to Mr. Davis that this was ridiculous. WHY ARE THEY STANDING?! He was confused and let me quiet down as I was getting loud.

I remarked that this was unbelievable. After all, the character got divorced, dressed in drag to be with his kids, and then ended up doing a kids' TV show that's basically a drag story hour. I have a TV pilot out and a production team trying to sell the same thing, and networks are saying no, no, no, deemed unacceptable and too controversial.

Then it hit me. The character who dresses as Mrs. Doubtfire is straight. I'm gay. If he, in fact, got divorced because he was gay and wanted to do a kids’ TV show with a Drag Story Hour theme, there would be no one in the theatre.

Homophobia, to the most blatant degree!

Drag is everywhere, and it's not going anywhere, and for that matter, so is gender-affirming care. Conservatives are zeroing in on a small percentage of the population. Meanwhile, they or someone they know uses gender-affirming care daily. Using testosterone to bulk up and appear more masculine, and women and men obsessed with gender expression, they can't have enough Botox. Filler salons, breast enhancements, erectile function pills, and hair transplant salons, not to mention makeup, nails, and hair extensions. These are just a few examples of gender-affirming care.

Ultimately, the next four years will be crucial for supporting one another. If you don't understand someone, the least you can do is respect them! Everyone deserves to be seen, to be comfortable, and to be safe.

Drag, like life, is simply self-expression, showmanship, and transformation, things humanity has done forever. The real issue isn't drag itself but the fear of marginalized communities having power, visibility, and joy!

Remember to love and express yourself! And there's always time for kindness!

With Love,

Mrs. Kasha Davis

(P.S.: RuPaul, please cast me again if you're reading this! Time is of the essence, and I could use a social media boost. Thanks! I love your Instagram, Mom. Great job!)

Mrs. Kasha Davis is a drag queen, storyteller, and speaker, best known for competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7 and All-Stars 8, and is currently teaching Drag Culture, Theory, and Performance for her second semester at SUNY Brockport. Sober since 2015, Davis is booked to speak on addiction and mental health sharing positivity and inspiration. Recognized as an Out100 honoree in 2023 Mrs. Davis, along with Mr Davis, Tim Evanicki and Ricky Torres, launched Drag Me To The Stage producing drag events. In 2026, they are set to launch on to the seas with a special drag cruise in partnership with Norwegian Bliss. Learn more at dragmetothesea.com.

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