In our new LGBT column, our writer Marlon Ma, occasionally known as Kinki Sakura, talks about the drag scene in Beijing.

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LGBT: Queen For a Night

How Do You Say "Drag Queen in Chinese?"

I was a little surprised that I didn’t have a quick translation to the phrase “drag queen.” Though I’d seen drag shows abroad, I had never seen one advertised in Chinese. So I had to think about it.

I first thought about traditional Chinese opera, dating back 1,200 years. There, males commonly play female roles and it is called fanchuan (反串). But is that the same? Probably not, but when my friend asked, that was the (incorrect) answer that I gave.

Hair & Makeup

A few months ago, a friend was planning a charity event for the Beijing LGBT Center. Together we brainstormed about fun and unique ideas. “Why not just do a drag show?” she suggested.

Great idea! But then, do we know anyone who does drag in Beijing? Surely there must be (there are!), but we didn’t know who they were (we’ve met five by now!). Later, over lunch, still not sure who to turn to, she looked me in the eyes and said, “You can totally do it, Marlon!”

Ai ya! Even though I’d been wearing my mom’s high heels since I was a kid and love dressing as female characters for Halloween, me a drag queen? No way. But before I knew it, I was standing on the stage at X25 Club at the W Beijing all made-up, wearing a flowing red wig, fishnet stockings, a glittering short dress and serving up the Scissor Sisters’ Let’s Have a Kiki.

And just like that, I was a drag queen. I did it because I wanted to do something to support the Center. And I wanted to set an example for all the boys here who used to wear their mom’s high heels to say it’s OK to explore your inner drag queen. Plus it was super fun.

Queens of the Scene

At the Beijing show, I worked with two other great queens who taught me a lot. My drag universe was just beginning to expand and, apparently, so was Beijing’s. A month later, I found myself shopping on Taobao for dresses for the Gender Switch fundraiser at Alfa. That was a blast, filled with so many drag queens I had never met before! Soon after, Adam’s—the only gay bar on Sanlitun’s “lady bar” street—advertised another drag queen pageant. Ooh la la!

Many expats are probably familiar with drag shows. But for the locals, our experience runs from “not really” to “not at all.” I remember the reaction when I told my foreign friends about our show. They were enthusiastic, but also surprised: “There is a drag show here in Beijing? No way!” On the other hand, many of my Chinese friends responded: “Sounds great! But hold on ... drag queen? What do you mean?”

Spotlight

Though most of my friends are very supportive, I realize they are not the majority here in China. The LGBT fundraiser in May received a lot of social media coverage and I saw Kinki Sakura (my drag persona) splashed across many websites. Overnight, thousands of comments appeared (mainly in Chinese), some supportive, but many telling me to go to hell.

As I learn more about drag culture, I hope others will too. In time, people’s attitudes will become more understanding about this kind of performance. In our wigs and beautiful makeup, each of us can transform into stunning empresses and consorts.

So, how do you say “drag queen” in Chinese? Banzhuanghuanghou (扮装皇后). I don’t have to hesitate anymore.

UPDATE: Adam's is holding a drag night once again, on the evening of September 12.