Although this project has been in the works for a while, the untimely loss of our friend and Twin Cities Drag Legend, Roxy Marquis, made it clear that we now had a unique opportunity to pay homage to the legacy that was her career. We can't think of a better way to honor this Diva and her contribution to the industry. Not to mention, the name "Roxy," in itself, is Sexy, Bold, Sophisticated, and Elegant. All the things that she was... and all the things our space emulates.
Drag has been part of pop culture for centuries, with a rich history in theater, cabaret, and nightlife scenes worldwide. While many think of drag as simply dressing up in flamboyant costumes and mimicking celebrities, there is much more to the artistry of drag queens than meets the eye. They strive to entertain and engage audiences with their talents and work tirelessly to raise awareness and support for important social issues and charitable causes.
One of the most popular forms of drag is female impersonation, where drag queens take on the persona of a woman and emulate her style, mannerisms, and personality. This art form has been honed over many years through the work of countless talented performers, many of whom have gone on to achieve great fame and success in the entertainment industry. Some of the most notable female impersonators include RuPaul, Divine, and Dame Edna Everage, each of whom has brought their unique vision and creativity to the field of drag.
Another major aspect of drag culture is celebrity impersonation, where drag queens take on the guise of famous individuals from the worlds of music, movies, and television. This form of drag often requires a great deal of research and preparation, as drag queens need to study the mannerisms, speech patterns, and physical attributes of their chosen celebrities to create a convincing and entertaining performance. Celebrity impersonators have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many drag queens achieving great success by performing as celebrities, from Beyonce, Bette Midler, Dolly Parton and Lady Gaga to Cher and Madonna.
But drag queen culture is not just about putting on a show – it is also about using the power of performance to raise awareness and support for important social issues and charitable causes. Many drag queens are passionate advocates for LGBTQIA2+ rights, and use their public platforms to speak out against discrimination and promote inclusion and acceptance. Others work closely with charities and organizations that support causes such as HIV/AIDS research, mental health advocacy, and anti-bullying initiatives, using their talents to raise funds and public awareness for these important issues.
Drag queen culture is a multifaceted and complex art form, one that has deep roots in theater and performance but also has strong ties to activism and advocacy. From female impersonation to celebrity impersonation, drag queens have shown time and time again that they are not just talented performers but also powerful voices for change in our society. By embracing the artistry and history of drag queen culture, we can celebrate the diversity and creativity that makes this community so unique while striving to make the world more inclusive and compassionate for all. At Roxy's, we are dedicated not only to the art of drag but also the responsibility it comes with in our community.