“We’re born naked, and the rest is drag.”
This post is from a blog I wrote for my class, Theology and Theory of Gender and Sexuality at Andover Newton Theological School.
In light of some of our readings from a few weeks ago (specifically Judith Butler’s chapter, “Gender is Burning” from Bodies that Matter and bell hooks’ chapter, “Is Paris Burning?” from Black Looks) I wanted to discuss drag.
Butler wrote in Gender Trouble that “There is no gender identity behind the expressions of gender; that identity is performatively constituted by the very ‘expressions’ that are said to be its results” (p. 34). Essentially positing that there is an identity behind the expression of drag, Butler shares some sentiments with the quote from RuPaul Charles, “We’re born naked, and the rest is drag.”
Indeed, there is a more foundational identity that exists behind the veil of a drag queen or king’s expression but it is not rooted in their gender identity necessarily. Drag forces the notion of gender identity construction as a deliberate, ongoing, and dynamic act. Using Butler, I would agree that her idea of gender performativity could propose that gender is drag insofar as it is a continual and repeatedly constructive effort to “solidify” gender in terms of identity formation.
Taking identity and moving past the binary categories of sex, it appears that regardless of the biological discourses around sex (not gender) the gender identity of an individual is indeed a reiterative constructive effort that by no means is actually constrained by a socially imposed structure but rather a perpetuation of idealizations, whether consciously or subconsciously.
In terms of ministry, I believe that illuminating the subconscious acts for people so that they become more conscious to some degree or another can really help to dislodge the harmful perceptions of concrete gender binaries, especially in the youth of the church. Bringing dialogue around gender and sexuality into discourse with spirituality and faith is an important next step for the church and those entering ministry today. I can’t help but think about the impacts of increasing open dialogue around not only sexuality but the ideas of gender and their implications for all.
A Truthful Heretic? 
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