Introduction / Rationale: Drag is a performative art form that allows individuals to explore identity, challenge societal norms, and foster community through exaggerated gendered performance. While often associated with the LGBTQ+ community, Drag remains underexplored within occupational science and occupational therapy literature.
Objectives: The purpose of this study is to apply an occupational lens to the experiences of an individual who does drag. To do so, the goal of our research is to answer the following question: What are the experiences of individuals who perform in drag in California?
Methods / Approach: This qualitative study employed interview methods and explored the experiences of drag performers in California, applying an occupational lens through the framework of form, function, and meaning. Five participants who performed Drag were interviewed and reflective thematic analysis was utilized to interpret qualitative data.
Results / Practice Implications: Our findings revealed identity as the central theme, interconnected with form, belonging, non-belonging , meaning and motivation, and resistive occupation. Findings highlight Drag as a transformative occupation that enables identity exploration, nurtures community connections, and resists societal norms. While Drag provides a space for self-expression, participants also face challenges, including exclusion within and outside the drag community.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: The authors recognize that this study, situated in California at a university that supports academic freedom, afforded a unique and relatively safe opportunity to research this important topic which may not be the same in other places across the United States or globally. Our research highlights Drag’s significance as a multifaceted occupation, advocating for its recognition within occupational science and therapy to support identity exploration and resilience.