Amidst attacks on the LGBTQ+ community by conservatives and Republicans, a right-wing drag queen from Utah named Ryan Woods, who performs as Lady Maga USA, has announced that she is giving up her drag queen persona and referring to herself as a “costume artist” instead. Woods, who is gay and Mormon, has been walking a fine line for years by appearing in conservative circles and attending Trump rallies, all while trying to bridge the gap between drag culture and conservative ideology.
The move comes amidst a growing conservative narrative that seeks to cast drag queens as dangerous for children, with some even going so far as to call them “groomers” for their interaction with children. However, drag queens have pushed back against this narrative, pointing out that they are performers who play characters appropriate for the audience before them, much like other costumed characters or performers whose range exceeds one note.
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Lady Maga USA’s decision to leave behind the “drag” label is a response to the “predatory filth” that she claims has ruined the credibility of drag culture. She says that being a “costume artist” better reflects her artistic style and focus on creativity and fun.
The tensions between the LGBTQ+ community and conservatives have been high, with attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and representation occurring across the country. Woods’ decision to distance herself from the “drag queen” label is just one example of the ways in which members of the community are navigating these tensions and trying to find ways to express themselves without being unfairly maligned.
In recent years, drag queens have become a symbol of resistance against conservative values, with many performers using their platform to push back against anti-LGBTQ+ policies and rhetoric. Despite the attacks, Lady Maga USA remains a fixture on the right-wing circuit, performing at events like the Conservative Political Action Conference.
While the shift from “drag queen” to “costume artist” may seem like a small one, it speaks to the larger tensions between the LGBTQ+ community and conservatives, and the ways in which drag culture is being co-opted for political purposes. Whether or not this move will help to bridge the gap remains to be seen, but for now, Lady Maga USA is forging her own path and trying to stay true to her artistic vision.
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