5 Simple but Important Rules of Attending a Drag Show

For those new to the world of live drag

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We’re coming up on January, which I hear is a bad month for drag (not sure why exactly — maybe because of the weather). For those of us in the U.S., we’re also coming up on a major change in political leadership, and queer artists of all kinds are feeling it.

If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with a vibrant drag scene (even a small one), I highly recommend going to a show. It’s a wonderful way to witness and support queer art.

That being said, there are some ground rules you should know first. Nothing crazy — Some of it may seem like common sense, but I like to have things laid out so I know what to expect. Maybe you’re the same.

Tip the performers

This may be obvious to some, but not everyone has seen a live drag show.

Drag performers tend to rely heavily on tips. Even if they’re being paid a base rate to be there, it probably isn’t what they’re really worth. Venues, makeup, costumes, and props aren’t cheap, and when you’re a regular performer, the costs can add up.

If you can, bring cash. Ones are fine. Fives are great. Some people go even higher, but don’t worry too much if all you can afford is a dollar per…