My Top: Drag and Burlesque Themed Media

As performers, I'm sure we're always looking for inspiration and activities of leisure that still have that theatrical spirit. In this article, I've compiled a list of my personal top picks for movies, TV shows, and books that I find myself frequently watching, which include heavy themes of drag, burlesque, and performance as a whole.

1. The Birdcage

This film is an absolute favorite of mine. It is a comedy starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, which details the hijinks that ensue when a drag club owner and his (drag queen) partner plot to navigate a family dinner at which they first meet the ultra-conservative parents of their son’s new fiancée.

This movie is a classic and still holds up today. Not only is the plot gripping, but the cinematography itself is truly lovely. I often throw on this movie while costuming, and it truly never gets old.

2. Le Jardin, Paris (A Boy Named Rose)

Gaëlle Geniller, one of my greatest inspirations when it comes to drag and burlesque. I originally found her work on Instagram in the 2010s and immediately fell in love. Originally creating characters based off of Moomin Valley, she then branched off and gave her characters a complete makeover. Her book "Le Jardin, Paris" (or "A Boy Named Rose" in the English print) was published in 2021 and depicts Rose, a 19-year-old boy, who was raised above a theater. After getting the opportunity to perform, he quickly becomes the main attraction at the cabaret and gains the attention of a particular patron.

This is a very sweet book and inspires me greatly. A common theme of Geniller's work depicts the two characters mentioned and another OC of hers in various luxurious clothes and quirky circumstances. Often supporting themes of showmanship, luxury, and polyamory.

3. Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart

My favorite animated movie of all time! It was originally a French play written by Dionysos. The movie is quite packed with plot but paired with dazzling visuals. The story follows Jack, a boy who was given a clock for a heart. After accidentally stabbing his school bully, he flees Edinburgh on a trip across Europe alongside the filmmaker Georges Méliès in search of an old flame who now works at a circus.

It's a tragic story of forbidden romance and soaring dreams. There are many abstract concepts in this movie, and many sentiments in this story can be seen as a representation of gender dysphoria and coming to terms with oneself, most notably in the song "Human Illusion." There is also healthy polyamorous representation as well.

*It's worth mentioning that many fans of "A Monster in Paris" also love this movie.

I look forward to sharing more recommendations soon in a part two. Each selection highlights the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility in cinema. I would love to hear your favorites, classic or recent, as I've only seen so many movies. Your insights contribute to a broader appreciation of queer art. As a community, we can celebrate the creativity these can bring and hopefully it can inspire you to make more creations of your own. Stay tuned for more exciting content!