Don't be a drag at the drag show.
It's warming up, and your queens (and kings) will be sweatin' for ya all summer long. Get back into the swing of a good old-fashioned extravaganza of wigs, death drops, and shade so dark, you'll need your flashlight to find the door. Do not cross a queen. Instead, learn your manners of the court and support your local drag artists.
Front row has to tip
If you sit in the front row, you’re in the Dollar Zone, so bring some dollars. This is non-negotiable. Drag is expensive and time-consuming, so when you bring your hot little self to the show and push your way to the front, tip appropriately. The closer you are to your goddess of the stage, the more cash you should have on-hand.
No touchy, babies
It’s insane that this has to be said right up top, but please don’t touch your performer (or anyone!) without consent. Sure, there is a lot of padding there, but that’s still someone else’s body, and just because you’re grabbing a couple inches of cotton and foam stuffed into 10 pounds of sequins doesn’t make it any less rude or invasive.
Pregame for best results
Drag show bars are like a drag queen’s dress: stacked, packed, and busy as hell. If you want to actually get your tipsy on, it might be hard if you walk into the bar sober. Plus, you’re gonna spend most of your time waiting on your beverage, so have a drink or two at home, then take a car there.
No cash? Buy drinks
So you went to the drag show without stopping by the ATM first. No problem, as there are many ways to show love to your kings and queens. The most obvious is to buy them a drink at the bar, or go the Liz Lemon route and offer to buy her some mozzarella sticks.
Support the sponsor
Most drag shows will have a liquor or beer or some kind of sponsor, and it’s an easy way to support the event and keep it going. When sponsors see big sales during these events, they’ll put on lots more of them, thus keeping the ecosystem alive. Drink up and do your part, soldier.
Don’t try to steal the spotlight
Hey, listen, we’re all just trying to have a good time here and get some queens some money, OK? Everyone appreciates a good audience, so don’t get up on the stage, don’t yell throughout the whole damn song, just don’t make it about you. Let your girl do her thing and you do yours, which is watching and cheering and tipping.
It's not a competition...with you
The last thing your average queen wants to hear is how much better/more feminine/hotter she looks than you, bio-queens. She better. A well-beat face alone costs $300 minimum at Sephora and requires time and accessories your glammest look does not (glue sticks, wig tape, stacked lashes, the list goes on). Put simply, drag is a kind of theater art, and it’s not just about “female impersonation” anymore. Artists are telling stories through drag, doing social commentary, and there’s never been a better time to go out and catch a show. Just be respectful as you would be at the theater and you're good.
