Performance Involvement, Identity, and Emotion Among Cisgender Male Drag Queens

Abstract

Quantitative research on levels of depression and gender dysphoria in drag populations is lacking. It is possible that this lack occurs because researchers tend to include drag queens within transgender samples. Such sampling practices may result in inaccurate assumptions about drag queen populations. This study established rates of depression and gender dysphoria in a sample of self-identified cisgender drag queens. Participants reported low levels of gender dysphoria and significantly lower levels of depression than have been found among trans women, however, these participants presented with higher rates of depression than have been found among gay men who do not perform drag. Higher rates of involvement in drag performance were positively correlated with depression and negatively correlated with gender dysphoria. Results indicate that self-identified cisgender drag queens are unlikely to experience gender dysphoria and are less depressed than samples of trans women. The researchers discuss implications and future directions for mental health practitioners.