“How to Become A Drag Queen” is one class that will probably never be seen in a college catalog.
But there are tips and pointers for those interested in becoming a drag queen or wanting to know what drag queens go through to prepare.
There are many movies about drag queens. Watching some movies can be a good start for ideas of possible outfits and makeup styles.
The beginner should view “The Birdcage,” a story about two men who run a drag queen cabaret. Dazzling costumes and makeup styles abound in this film.
The more advanced should view “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” a film about a small group of drag queens traveling across Australia in an RV. Also, “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar,” a film about three drag queens who travel across America to get to a contest, is a good reference.
Both films show the process of getting dressed and doing makeup, as well as the social prejudices that drag queens encounter in everyday life.
Finally, for the advanced there is “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” a movie about a drag queen who works as a singer. Also, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” a film about a young couple who is taken in by a group of cross-dressing aliens from Transylvania, is a possibility.
Both contain outlandish and sometimes shockingly daring costumes and makeup styles.
Shaving the legs and armpits, as well as the face and chest, will help to create a more feminine appearance. Female friends can give advice on how to shave without cutting yourself. Be careful, the area around the ankles is a very difficult place to rid of hair.
Some undergarments will also help to make any man look more feminine. A padded bra will create the illusion of breasts, and pantyhose will create a more even skin tone on the legs.
The outfit is an important part of the drag queen persona. Most drag queens wear dresses, but some chose to wear pants or shorts. One rule of being a drag queen is “the flashier, the better.” A dress in a bright color or a dress covered with sequins or beads is always a good choice.
The more conservative drag queen might choose the classic “little black dress” and supplement it with accessories. Some good accessories are feather boas, garters, fishnet and large jewelry.
Men who do not have experience with wearing high heels may want to try walking around at home before going out in public.
Makeup is very important. Most drag queens wear makeup that accents their eyes. Using dark eyeliner and a lot of mascara is a good way to make the eyes stand out. Bright eye shadow, applied thickly, is another way to attract attention to the eyes.
Dark or bright red lipstick helps draw attention to the mouth. Combined, these two features help draw attention to the face. Make sure that the makeup isn’t too outlandish, however, or nobody will notice the outfit that goes with it.
Many drag queens add their own individual ideas or habits to the mix, but these are the basics of what it takes to become a drag queen.
