Dann, C. and Ward, L. (2018) Representing the (othered) other: a qualitative exploration of othered positionings in RuPaul's Drag Race. Paper presented to: Pop Culture Conference, University of Birmingham, 28 February 2018.
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Abstract:
Context/Aims: The success of RuPaul’s Drag Race (RPDG) has not gone unnoticed within the media - it has not long finished it’s ninth season, and continues to showcase an array of drag queens, tackling identity issues such as gender and sexuality (Gonzalez & Cavazos, 2016). Using RPDG as the focus, we argue that the drag queens negotiate multiple positionings in regard to being ‘othered’, and this intersectional lens is necessary in understanding these negotiations.
Method: Paying attention to the three most recent seasons (7-9, 2015-2017), we use an intersectionally-informed discourse analysis to explore the various ways that the queens are ‘othered’ within the show.
Findings: The discourses that emerge from the show function as a cultural, social, and historical lens for which drag queens are understood in today’s society. The discussions around gender, trans, race, and sexuality simultaneously conform to and resist against heteronormative and cisnormative identities.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we argue that it is how the drag queens navigate these multiple positionings that is important for understanding ‘othered’ identities.
Subjects:
Creators:
Dann, C. and Ward, L.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
Date:
28 February 2018
Date Type:
Publication
Event Title:
Pop Culture Conference
Event Dates:
28 February 2018
Event Location:
University of Birmingham
Event Type:
Conference
Language:
English
Status:
Published / Disseminated
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