Drag Queens in Germany

With the new reality show "Queen of Drags" an important signal was set for German viewers. Well-known faces like Bill Kaulitz, Conchita Wurst and Heidi Klum are looking for the best drag queen in Germany as jurors in the casting show. The best drag queens have to demonstrate their talent, creativity and personality. The makeup, the often self-made costume and the performance, which also has to be planned spontaneously on some occasions, are evaluated.

Who are drag queens?

Drag comes from Shakespeare's time and can be derived from "Dressed as a guy / girl". Many who think of drag only have a picture of flashy and brightly painted men in mind. Sure, the look with makeup, outfit and wig is an important part of the art form. Drag is also an opportunity for people to invent a character in which one can freely live out. Drag queens take on a role they have created and also choose their own drag name. Drag queens can often be found in the gay scene in various cities and are still fighting for acceptance. In addition to the fun of performing, the political aspect is very important for many drag queens. Through their passion they can convey a message - to like-minded people, to critics or even to children who may not even be accepted by their own family.

Violence and threat

During the show, the drag queens also report about people who not only don't understand the art form, but also threaten it. Many of the drags do not take to the streets in their role because the risk of being attacked, spat upon, insulted or even beaten is too high. Safety comes first, even if that means that your own personality has to be at the back of it. It is shocking to learn that even today people are threatened for being themselves. That is why it is all the more important to put these people in the spotlight.

Although the casting show by Prosieben naturally has a large entertainment facet - with goat war, exaggerated emotions and staged situations - the step of bringing this topic into general German television is big and modern, which is up to date. The show has already received a lot of criticism because it reaches an audience that has probably not yet come into contact with Drag and the LGBTQl + community. It is a test, a first mutual sniffing, which has long been time. The message of the format is loud, shrill and clear: show yourself!

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