The Queer Haight Goes GAGA for TRIX @ TRAX
The art of self-expressionism in the form of drag has a long history that goes back to ancient Greece. Back then, men disguised themselves as female characters, and allegedly complained that their long dresses “dragged” across the floor. The art form continued into the modern age, including outstanding female impersonators in Shakespeare’s plays and later on, in vaudeville.
During the last century after World War II, there was a shift towards heteronormative culture, and drag artists and queer individuals suffered for many decades. But in the 1970s, drag started its rise in popularity - most notably in New York where some of the most Ab Fab drag balls were organized and the notion of drag mother/daughter relationships were birthed. And drag quickly became a key part of the LGBTQ+ rights movement with famous protests against police raids.
Today drag is alive and kicking, and has experienced a mass-media comeback from the likes of Ru Paul on international TV. San Francisco has become an international hotspot for drag performers known for their comedic performances and social activism. Yet until recently, there have been few drag performances available to enjoy in the Haight/Ashbury area of San Francisco that is famous for spawning the “Summer of Love” and was once known as a queer neighborhood with plenty of gay and lesbian bars back in the day.
