We're Here is expanding what drag entertainment can be

The Ringer

The HBO reality show featuring RuPaul's Drag Race alums owes a debt to RuPaul, but it "both draws on and demonstrates drag’s new place in the zeitgeist," says Alison Herman. "We now live in a world where drag queens walk the Oscars red carpet and have for several years," says Herman. (To be fair, we also still live in a world where Drag Queen Story Hour has the power to reduce right-wing pundits to a state of apoplexy.) But We’re Here cements a different kind of mainstream legitimacy: the idea that drag is truly for everyone, as an audience member or even a performer. As the crew scopes out a venue in Branson, Missouri, the proprietor suspiciously states the theater limits itself to 'family' fare, the clear implication being that drag is automatically disqualified. With infinite patience and just a slight edge of irritation, Bob replies, 'We have families too.' Then Shangela starts twerking."