Perceptions of Drag in Relation to Sexuality and Class in the 19th to 20th Century

The word drag is synonymous with flamboyant, fun performances. But where does the term come from and what does it mean? 

This more modern story of playing with gender identity’s dates back to the 1870s, and it’s a history that takes in the wars, censorship and fears. Heaven forbid!

Taking us through this fascinating history of drag as we know it today is Jacob Bloomfield, author of Drag: A British History. 

This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

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