TL;DR
- Clowns are emerging as symbols of queer identity.
- Performers like Lollygag challenge traditional norms.
- Queer clowning is vibrant in NYC’s nightlife.
- Clowning allows for playful gender expression.
- The clown archetype subverts societal expectations.
In the back room of a gay bar in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, a yellow mullet shines under the spotlight. Enter Lollygag the clown, dressed in a puffy jumpsuit reminiscent of Ronald McDonald, complete with a lacy white ruff and a smiley face strategically placed over the crotch of his pants. The audience is captivated, not by a sexy dance number like the drag kings before him, but by a whimsical act involving lollipops and a pre-rolled joint. As he struggles to fit the joint through a mouthful of candy, the crowd is initially perplexed, but soon realizes that Lollygag is not just funny—he’s downright sexy.
Are clowns fundamentally queer figures? In the thriving Gen-Z clown scene of New York City, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. Venues like C’Mon Everybody and the vibrant Bushwick event space Rubulad have become havens for queer clowning, where performers like Lollygag and other transjesters are redefining what it means to be a clown. Miles, the person behind Lollygag, embraced clowning during the pandemic, inspired by TikTok trends. They share, “I just had to get over the hump of accepting that I’m making a mess all the time now.” With a tattoo machine in hand, Lollygag creates “ignorant” style tattoos—amateurish yet charming doodles that resonate within the queer community.
Clowning is not just about humor; it’s about breaking rules and embracing transgression. Miles explains, “Clowning is all about breaking rules, revisiting rules, and also problem-solving through dilemmas.” This punk spirit is what fuels the new wave of street clowns, who often perform in unconventional settings rather than traditional birthday parties. Lottie, a circus performer, reflects on the appeal of street clown style: “Funky clothes and bright colors” are a magnet for those who defy gender norms.
Michelle Tea, publisher of Dopamine Books, emphasizes the intrinsic queerness of clowns. “Clowns are faggy,” she states bluntly, highlighting how clowns challenge rigid masculinity with their sloppiness and openness. This queerness is not just a coincidence; it’s a deliberate act of defiance against societal norms. Miles, a trans man, shares that he feels “genuinely euphoric” in clown makeup, experiencing a confidence that transcends traditional drag. Clowning becomes a playful critique of gender, allowing performers to explore their identities in a way that is both liberating and provocative.
As the night unfolds at C’Mon Everybody, Lollygag returns to the stage, this time in a baby-pink blazer and holographic platform heels. His performance evolves into a chaotic yet captivating display, culminating in a reveal of his “disco stick”—a playful nod to the absurdity of gender expression. The audience is left in stitches, not just from laughter but from the sheer audacity of the performance.
Clowns, especially queer ones, challenge the notion of innocence typically associated with their archetype. They tackle uncomfortable subjects with humor, creating a space for vulnerability and connection. In Kristen Arnett’s upcoming novel, “Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One,” the protagonist’s alter-ego, a rodeo clown named Bunko, navigates the complexities of queerness in a hostile world. Clowning becomes a vehicle for transgression, allowing characters to express their identities in ways that society often stifles.
Miles encapsulates this sentiment perfectly: “The experience of having the eyes of the clown on you… it’s a dare or challenge for you to be so vulnerable.” Clowns, through their antics, encourage society to embrace vulnerability and challenge the status quo. They stand at the forefront of resistance against conservatism, using humor as a tool for social commentary.
In a world that often seeks to box individuals into rigid categories, queer clowns remind us to embrace the absurdity of life. They invite us to laugh, to question, and to celebrate the colorful spectrum of human experience. So, the next time you see a clown, remember: they might just be the most authentic representation of queerness you’ll encounter.
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