In a recent episode of Canada’s Drag Race season four, the contestants engaged in an enlightening conversation about the use of terms such as “AFAB queen” and “bio queen,” discussing their potentially transphobic implications. These terms are commonly used in the drag community to describe cisgender women who perform in female drag, with “AFAB” meaning “assigned female at birth.”
During the discussion, 57-year-old contestant Kitten Kaboodle reflected on the inclusivity of the drag scene in the ’80s, noting the presence of both “bio queens” and trans queens. However, The Girlfriend Experience, a trans queen on the show, pointed out that the term “bio queen” is considered trans exclusionary in Vancouver, where performers prefer the term “hyper queen” for its emphasis on hyper femininity.
Denim, another contestant and the second trans man to appear on Drag Race after season 13 finalist GottMik, expressed discomfort with the terms “AFAB” and “AMAB” being used for cisgender people. Originally intended to describe trans individuals, Denim finds the use of these terms by cisgender individuals transphobic and confusing. She shared her own experiences of being incorrectly labeled as an “AFAB queen,” despite identifying as a man.
The conversation highlighted the evolving nature of language in the drag community and the importance of being receptive to these changes. The queens’ discussion serves as a model for how individuals can adapt their language use to be more inclusive and respectful of diverse identities. Kitten Kaboodle expressed gratitude for the insights shared, underscoring the value of such dialogues in educating and informing people.
This episode’s conversation comes in the wake of Drag Race Germany contestant Pandora Nox making history as the first cisgender woman, or “hyper queen,” to win any season of Drag Race. Canada’s Drag Race season four’s discussion on inclusive language reflects a broader shift in the drag community towards greater recognition and respect for diverse gender identities and expressions.