Comments
by Java Mann
A few
columns back, I mentioned a friend who was a drag queen, or rather, who
does drag. I believe that back then I said I didn’t get it, and I still
don’t.
I’m sorry, but a six foot
three inch tall guy in three inch heels looks about as much like a woman
as he does a telephone pole. I don’t care how much make-up they apply,
the only woman they're gonna end up looking like is Linda Tripp, and that’s
no accomplishment in my humble opinion.
So, you may well be asking
where this is going. Well, truth be told I’ve recently made the acquaintance
four or so more (drag queens). I initially felt they were a snobby clique,
but have learned that their standoffish attitude was merely a reflection
of my own. Obviously my innate curiosity was overcome by uneasiness.
When the ice was broken I
found them a warm and friendly bunch of guys. Or do I mean girls? I’ve
learned that when dressed as women they like to be treated like ladies.
They appreciate a kiss on the hand, lighting their cigarette and of course
buying a lady a drink. I’ve also learned that when dressed as guys they
also like to be treated like a lady. Go figure.
I’ve learned that they know
the truth and don’t get deluded in the fantasy. Their goal is to create
an illusion of glamour, and as masculine and glamorous do not generally
go hand in hand, they become women. I’ve also learned that no drag queen
ever really hopes to pass as a woman. The names they choose spell this
out.
I’ve met Shada Blue and Ima
Cummin to name but two. They know the joke, they’re in on the joke, and
they’re the ones who laugh first, And that’s the birth of Camp. So, despite
my effort to avoid it, we come to the painful crux of this column.
I might be dating a drag
queen. Some background information for you: I am a born flirt. I can be
as charming as the day is long when the spirit so moves me. Unfortunately,
this trait is only effective with women. In the presence of an attractive
man I’m a stuttering fool.
Ironically, this trait does
seem to work with drag queens. Maybe the hard-wiring in my brain is unable
to handle the confusion. I dunno. When I’m in the presence of a drag queen
I am suave… I said I might be dating a drag queen, and that’s where it
stands. I like him and he likes me. We kiss, cuddle and he’s gotten me
to dance in public (a major accomplishment).
He is, however, the complete
opposite of what I normally look for in a guy. Literally. There is a small
internal struggle in my mind as to whether I should pursue this or not.
I know if I allow this to go any further and then pull back, I risk hurting
him. I also know I’m unsure of what I want. Details as they develop.
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