Dressing in drag can allow people to access a different side of their personality.
But how does one create their new persona and dress to bring out that personality?
Those wanting answers were in attendance on Sunday, Apr. 22 at a Drag 101: Kings, Queens, & In-betweens workshop hosted by Moose Jaw Pride in Yorkton.
The event was a hands-on, introductory workshop to the world of drag with instructors Caesar Melons and Yada, the stage names of two drag performers from Regina. It was designed so the dozen participants could find out anything they wanted to know about becoming a drag performer.
The two instructors said there are a lot of different ideas and misconceptions about drag, but it comes down to an interest in going onstage as someone different from a person’s everyday persona.
“It’s taking on a different role,” explained Caesar, who said the idea can appeal to anyone, regardless of their sexuality. “… There’s a lot of different facets of being in drag.”
Once into a role, the stage becomes the place to express it, but drag is not purely about gaining applause. It is also very much about entering a broader community of drag which can become like a very supportive family.
“You meet so many people,” said Caesar. “We have another drag family, really.”
In terms of the creativity of making characters, Yada, who has travelled extensively to perform, said he is “in awe of what’s been accomplished” within the Saskatchewan community.
“Drag has grown to such a wide range now.”
And the process of creating a drag character can let a person explore a different side of themselves, too.
It can reveal “what they feel is inside,” he said, adding in everyday life they may be unsure “how to let that part out.”
Caesar picked up on the idea.
“You’re allowed to be somebody different and not have anybody judge you,” she said.
Yada said as a person builds their character, creating a name, an attitude, a look, “you create something you can have a lot of fun with.”
As a form of expression Yada said drag can be as inexpensive as one wants, with him having created costumes for under $20. But he added he has a bedroom in his home stuffed with costumes, so one can also be as elaborate as desired.
The next event in Yorkton and Melville for the group will be Pride week, May 12-20, with a list of events coming soon.
