Drag in the US being started by slaves who rose against their oppressors and that becoming the first advocacy efforts for queer people in the US is one of the biggest and clearest examples of intersectionality I have ever learned
As i just posted about her,Takiko Mizunoe and many other women kept the tradition alive into the post-War era. I can't find much information about her, but what I've seen of her, it's in a Western style, but a lot of traditional Japanese art forms embraced Western style after the Meiji Restoration. It's odd to see the Western style geisha of the 20s before they shifted back to Japanese fashion.
I have a fantastic photo of my Dad and his mates performing the " can can" in full drag. He was a soldier in the 60s from New Zealand. I really need to frame it!
More stories we don't hear about of People of Colour, especially black people, being the key to queer liberation movements and being almost erased from history. I hope some day William Dorsey Swann get their flowers.
As a little baby queer I remember going to the public library near my high school looking for any mention of queer people in the books there and with the whispers I had heard I looked at the stories written by people I had been told may be queer. Even then I had to read between the lines and my how things have changed. My heart delights when I encounter these pieces of our past. Much love ❤
Brother Brigham Jr dressed in drag and performed at the birthdays parties of the Mormon ELDERS?! Brother, please. Best rabbit hole I’ve been down in a while.
This video should be required reading for every gay. I was so shocked to learn about different aspects of drag history, like how it was actually viewed positively by the public at some points - and it was even IN THE ARMY????? And that drag shows were invented by a literal former slave in the US. This is why it's so important to learn your history, because this video completely contradicts so many talking points of modern LGBT-phobes. The same majority culture that is leaning hard into the "it's unnatural" standpoint modern day (somewhat) accepted drag in our recent history. Even if it is miserable how the US treats trans people and drag artists, it's freeing to know that it's possible to get to a point where gender bending becomes actually accepted, because we've seen glimpses of it in our history. When you're surrounded by a culture that rejects who you are, it's so easy to believe them and start hating yourself on their behalf. History lets us take a step back and realize the important things; we've got to stay strong, stick together, and support each other.
As someone who's a history buff I really appreciate it this entire video and also the quote, *"being an effeminate man is one of the most badass things you can be."* Hearing that made my entire being feel validated especially after being harassed and being underestimated upon for so many years of my life.
Yeah just because its feminine doesnt mean its not badass. Going against gender norms regayof backlash is badass no matter how people try to say it isnt just because its feminine.
To the question of making more videos like this - oh my god, please. All of the drag history/accomplishments/deep dives. There is little that can bring joy like someone going on a wild tangent about the thing that they are most passionate about and I could FEEL it in this. Queer joy :D
Francis, this finds me as I’ve just begun my queer history journey!! I watched “Paris Is Burning” 2 nights ago (cried quite a bit learning that many of the queens have passed) and have been on a deep dive for more drag history. THIS is exactly what I needed 😁
While your recent vids are necessary call-outs, I totally understand the gift and power of making videos that fill you with love. Thanks you for the bitter joy...
This was very interesting. Let’s not forget the diva of interwar avant- garde - Rrose Sélavi, also known as Marcel Duchamp, yes, the guy who labeled urinal as a Fountain and thus began the found object art, also the guy who painted the ever-slaying Nude Descending Down stairs. Philadelphia Museum of Art - Rrose Sélavy-the female alter-ego of the "daddy of Dada," Marcel Duchamp-looks out at us from beneath the brim of her hat, meeting our gaze with a sad, seductive stare framed by smudged eye liner. Her right hand bares a simple wedding band that, in European fashion, mates Rrose to her male counterpart. Her name was first documented as "Rose Sélavy" in a signature Duchamp added to Francis Picabia’s 1921 painting L’Œil cacodylate (The Cacodylic Eye). She eventually added an extra "r," becoming Rrose Sélavy, a play on the French phrase "Eros, c'est la vie"-meaning "Eros [or Love/Sex], that's life." Photographed by preeminent American Dada and Surrealist artist Man Ray shortly after his arrival to Paris, this photograph documents an early collaboration between artistic comrades that challenges gender conventions. Man Ray would photograph Rrose Sélavy many times, recording her transformation over the years.
I never really comment on any videos but I just felt the need to say I've never been so interested while watching a video. I think its truly a crime that people aren't taught at least some of these things in school! It's an important part of history, and if more people knew it from a younger age in a historical context (especially in classes pertaining to the history of slavery in the US or ones about WW2), it would help to stop people from growing up to be hateful bigots more often if they could see what an integral part of human culture drag is. Thank you so much for sharing this, i don't think I've ever watched a video where I've learnt THIS much before, it was so fascinating, and I will be quoting you whenever people try to deny this proved history. I'm glad I have this knowledge now. Please make more videos on queer history, this was such an enjoyable watch, and it seems like it's a much happier and less stressful video for you to make, and I think while making videos on problems you see arising is important and should be talked about, I love seeing you talk about a topic you're truly passionate about with a smile, its a nice change of pace from the negativity and drama of the internet. I hope you have a wonderful day/night!!
I am very cis and boring but I have tremendous respect for the queer and drag community. I love learning about all the history so thank you for making this.
I recently overheard a dude with a London accent (in the American south? Why are you here, dude?) complaining about how America has a pervert problem because he "can't go anywhere" without seeing drag shows, as if a core part of British culture isn't drag. Monty Python himself is sobbing.
A Brit saying this is wild. We literally grow up with pantomimes. For those who don't know, a pantomime is a fairy tale play done at Christmas time. There's always a pantomime dame: an older woman (usually the protagonist's mother) played by a man in exaggerated drag-style makeup. The show is aimed at a family audience, but the pantomime dame occasionally makes jokes that are clearly aimed at the parents. But that just goes over the kids heads so it's no big deal.
its legitimately really refreshing to watch content celebrating queer history after seeing the rise in homophobia and transphobia rhetoric that we're seeing now, tysm for wielding such fearsome duality in your content diva
0:38 there’s nothing scarier than briefly looking away from the screen, only for the UA-camr you’re watching to snap to get your attention. Thought I was in a black mirror episode bro.
Queen Coke Francis, blessed be thy name- Please, teach the gays about queer culture. I may know not much, but learning is a passion all should have, and today I learned a lot. Thank you.
This was fantastic! It's nice to see the younger generation striving to teach drag roots. If you do another video like this, you should definitely talk about Gladys Bentley.
More videos on queer history in general would be amazing! With everything going on in the world, and being gay becoming demonized and even criminalized in places where it was at least legally allowed, it just feels refreshing to watch a video of queer people thriving against all odds. Queer pride is more important than ever despite what anyone might say.
Oh hell yeah, a Queen Coke Francis video on drag history? This is exactly the kind of content I want and need to see right now! I haven't even started the video yet but I already know this is going to be good. Thank you Queen Coke Francis! And long live the queen! 🤘🏻
I don’t have any jokes or pithy comments. This video is fascinating af and so well done. I had no clue William Dorsey Swann even existed til today and that fact makes me angry. Keep up the great work Queen! 👑
I came back to leave a comment after your latest video. This content is more valuable to me than any funny topic that is trending. This is timeless and strong. Please keep educating us all. I believe it is the best thing anyone can do with thier channel
Fantastic vid as always! Would absolutely love for you to do a follow-up that picks up where this one left off and talks about the development and evolution of drag culture post-war, and especially how it diverged between the US and Europe!
The segment about drag in the army reminded me of Suzy Eddie Izzard's Dressed to Kill bit about putting on makeup and climbing up trees. I didn't realize that she was just stating the facts. 😅
This is an absolutely terrific and essential viewing. Your skill as a communicator and your effort as a writer and presenter is so clear. Thank you for being you, and please don't ever stop doing what you do.
I watched this when it first came out and I'm coming back round again to give it an algorithm nudge comment. Best and most underrated drag artist I've followed yet
Great video! Swan was a "real queen", meaning one who crowned herself instead of one who happened to be called one just because she was born in a certain family. It was great to learn about all of the people who contributed to drag and to see that what's happening these days has happened before. Somehow people overcame it. Hopefully we'll get through this too. I also loved the Eisenhower/Gilbert Gottfried voiceover.
Extra fun fact - first depiction of Drag performance in full-feature movie was from polish film "Neighbours" (pl. "Piętro wyżej") from 1937, with song "Sexappeal" sung by Eugeniusz Bodo. Check it out, its fire!
Loved it! Eisenhower voice so scary 😂 I have read a few books on Antarctic exploration and I think in both Endurance (about the Shackleton expedition) and Worst Journey in the World (about the Scott polar expedition) the authors describe holiday time plays with elaborate drag performances that the scientists / explorers put on, which everyone universally loved. So there is even a history of drag in Antarctica!
The military part reminded me of my OC. He was a trench runner in WW1, performs drag, and is a soloist in Ballet Russes after the war. Unfortunately I haven't figured out yet how to include him in my fic 😅
Really grateful for this! While I watched your last videos bc I watch anything you make and love to hear your thoughts on things, I definitely was craving something more light hearted
And remember, my good bbs. If ever you find yourself faced with a great force of adversity, remember the great mantra of our predecessors. “You is no gentleman.”
You just made me very happy, I was raised in the Mormon religion, and my last name is Swan. Next debate I get into with the "sisters" of the "Relief Society" i will be armed with what you said and some other factual historical stuff. Hope I am related to the Swan guy you mentioned.......that would really help the statue type thinking around here😊.
I enjoyed delving into the history of drag from around the world. Something I definitely hadn't learned when I was young due to how topics like this were deemed unnecessary in the 2000s and even 2010s.
Really loved this, and would love to see more videos about LGBTQ+ history! Like you mentioned, it's really a shame this stuff isn't taught in school, there is so much amazing history, and incredibly interesting people to learn about. History is also so important because when we try to wash over or ignore it, we will absolutely repeat it, and that's how we got to where we are rn with MAGA
A lot of political topics I struggle with because I'm so overwhelmed by how bad it is so I can only imagine how hard it is to write+research +script so this is always a welcomed reprieve 🎉🎉
Hi, Queen Coke Francis. Fascinating video as always. In this one in particular you are truly blowing my mind. Drag and LGBTQ+ history really does go hard. I’m shook. Major kudos to the historical divas serving looks at every turn. Speaking of serving looks, your wig and makeup for this video are INCREDIBLE. They’re giving Queen of Candyland, as in the board game. Can’t wait for your next video.❤️
More queer history please. This might be my favourite video you’ve made. Seeing the evidence of queers always existing is so heartwarming. I had no idea where the word drag came from until this video. Very good and important content. Well done. 👏👏👏
I’m a drag king and I’m making a drag-centric battle jacket for the coming years. SO many of these photos are going to be making an appearance. Drag forever
I remember looking up when the first gay people existed when I was around 11 years old. I had heard someone say something that insinuated that being gay was recently invented. Google didn't do much better, and I wasn't good at researching. All I found was some article that said the first record of a gay man in the US was in like 1940 or something. So glad that videos like this exist and that queer history and culture is more available than ever. ❤️❤️❤️
5:28 first drag show i ever went to was in a church and an older nonbinary queen did a number to I Am What I Am by gloria gaynor. i balled my fucking eyes out and when i tried to talk to her after the show i was crying too much to actually communicate. it was like 11:30 am and i was stone cold sober. (less than four months later i had my first gig and it’s been about a month since that)
18:50 I got such whiplash from this. I always assumed drag impersonations of female celebrities was a modern thing but that is absolutely a homage/send-up of Gibson girl Camille Clifford Amazing video though, I really appreciated the spotlight on the Black originators of drag and choked on the Eisenhower quote
It's insane! I am watching this while playing Kingdom Hearts: Remix and I am in the Aladdin world. Just when I hear a fabulous impersonation in the style of Gilbert Gottfried!! ❤
Drag in the US being started by slaves who rose against their oppressors and that becoming the first advocacy efforts for queer people in the US is one of the biggest and clearest examples of intersectionality I have ever learned
kabuki starting with drag kings is truly amazing
As i just posted about her,Takiko Mizunoe and many other women kept the tradition alive into the post-War era. I can't find much information about her, but what I've seen of her, it's in a Western style, but a lot of traditional Japanese art forms embraced Western style after the Meiji Restoration. It's odd to see the Western style geisha of the 20s before they shifted back to Japanese fashion.
I have a fantastic photo of my Dad and his mates performing the " can can" in full drag. He was a soldier in the 60s from New Zealand.
I really need to frame it!
Yes you do! And share it with the world if you're comfortable with it!
More stories we don't hear about of People of Colour, especially black people, being the key to queer liberation movements and being almost erased from history. I hope some day William Dorsey Swann get their flowers.
It looks like there’s a book coming out in 2026 about William Dorsey Swan’s life! I never knew about him and really want to learn more.
@@myqueerplantfamily Ooh! I'm going to keep an eye out for that. My library needs more queer literature :)
@myqueerplantfamily that's exciting to hear, I hope it is out soon :]
As a little baby queer I remember going to the public library near my high school looking for any mention of queer people in the books there and with the whispers I had heard I looked at the stories written by people I had been told may be queer. Even then I had to read between the lines and my how things have changed. My heart delights when I encounter these pieces of our past. Much love ❤
Giving the Gilbert Gottfried voice to the Eisenhower quote was downright divinely inspired
Who did the voice?
@@NTD2827Yours truly! Mitchell Pratt, co-producer of this channel.
Brother Brigham Jr dressed in drag and performed at the birthdays parties of the Mormon ELDERS?!
Brother, please. Best rabbit hole I’ve been down in a while.
This video should be required reading for every gay.
I was so shocked to learn about different aspects of drag history, like how it was actually viewed positively by the public at some points - and it was even IN THE ARMY????? And that drag shows were invented by a literal former slave in the US.
This is why it's so important to learn your history, because this video completely contradicts so many talking points of modern LGBT-phobes. The same majority culture that is leaning hard into the "it's unnatural" standpoint modern day (somewhat) accepted drag in our recent history. Even if it is miserable how the US treats trans people and drag artists, it's freeing to know that it's possible to get to a point where gender bending becomes actually accepted, because we've seen glimpses of it in our history.
When you're surrounded by a culture that rejects who you are, it's so easy to believe them and start hating yourself on their behalf. History lets us take a step back and realize the important things; we've got to stay strong, stick together, and support each other.
Well said.
🖤
✨💜✨
💫✨🌟❤️🌟✨💫
As someone who's a history buff I really appreciate it this entire video and also the quote, *"being an effeminate man is one of the most badass things you can be."* Hearing that made my entire being feel validated especially after being harassed and being underestimated upon for so many years of my life.
Yeah just because its feminine doesnt mean its not badass. Going against gender norms regayof backlash is badass no matter how people try to say it isnt just because its feminine.
Learning how the term drag was coined makes me appreciate the art so much more
the way I lost it at the Dwight D. Eisenhower voice...I think I may have pulled a muscle. 10/10
To the question of making more videos like this - oh my god, please. All of the drag history/accomplishments/deep dives. There is little that can bring joy like someone going on a wild tangent about the thing that they are most passionate about and I could FEEL it in this. Queer joy :D
your wig deserves its picture on here literal work of art
Francis, this finds me as I’ve just begun my queer history journey!! I watched “Paris Is Burning” 2 nights ago (cried quite a bit learning that many of the queens have passed) and have been on a deep dive for more drag history. THIS is exactly what I needed 😁
I saw that doc years ago and I cried so hard too….
Another queen coke Francis banger(I’m on the intro)
I MEANT COKE.
TYPO FIXED, REJOICE
W moment
@@h0rrorscope
*flaming font*
COCK TYPO
natsume pfp spotted (based)
I would fucking love to see more drag and drag history!
Shoutout to General Ulysses Grant in his role as Desdemona in Othello. Not even kidding.
I need most of these stories turned into novels and films ASAP
While your recent vids are necessary call-outs, I totally understand the gift and power of making videos that fill you with love. Thanks you for the bitter joy...
This was very interesting.
Let’s not forget the diva of interwar avant- garde - Rrose Sélavi, also known as Marcel Duchamp, yes, the guy who labeled urinal as a Fountain and thus began the found object art, also the guy who painted the ever-slaying Nude Descending Down stairs.
Philadelphia Museum of Art -
Rrose Sélavy-the female alter-ego of the "daddy of Dada," Marcel Duchamp-looks out at us from beneath the brim of her hat, meeting our gaze with a sad, seductive stare framed by smudged eye liner. Her right hand bares a simple wedding band that, in European fashion, mates Rrose to her male counterpart.
Her name was first documented as "Rose Sélavy" in a signature Duchamp added to Francis Picabia’s 1921 painting L’Œil cacodylate (The Cacodylic Eye). She eventually added an extra "r," becoming Rrose Sélavy, a play on the French phrase "Eros, c'est la vie"-meaning "Eros [or Love/Sex], that's life."
Photographed by preeminent American Dada and Surrealist artist Man Ray shortly after his arrival to Paris, this photograph documents an early collaboration between artistic comrades that challenges gender conventions. Man Ray would photograph Rrose Sélavy many times, recording her transformation over the years.
The candy cane wig is SO GORGEOUS I cannot
Oh, I was thinking of cheesecake ice cream with strawberry or raspberry ribbons of sauce. Mmm...but yours is more seasonably appropriate.
I never really comment on any videos but I just felt the need to say I've never been so interested while watching a video. I think its truly a crime that people aren't taught at least some of these things in school! It's an important part of history, and if more people knew it from a younger age in a historical context (especially in classes pertaining to the history of slavery in the US or ones about WW2), it would help to stop people from growing up to be hateful bigots more often if they could see what an integral part of human culture drag is. Thank you so much for sharing this, i don't think I've ever watched a video where I've learnt THIS much before, it was so fascinating, and I will be quoting you whenever people try to deny this proved history. I'm glad I have this knowledge now. Please make more videos on queer history, this was such an enjoyable watch, and it seems like it's a much happier and less stressful video for you to make, and I think while making videos on problems you see arising is important and should be talked about, I love seeing you talk about a topic you're truly passionate about with a smile, its a nice change of pace from the negativity and drama of the internet. I hope you have a wonderful day/night!!
I am very cis and boring but I have tremendous respect for the queer and drag community. I love learning about all the history so thank you for making this.
The hair is absolute ART
I recently overheard a dude with a London accent (in the American south? Why are you here, dude?) complaining about how America has a pervert problem because he "can't go anywhere" without seeing drag shows, as if a core part of British culture isn't drag. Monty Python himself is sobbing.
A Brit saying this is wild. We literally grow up with pantomimes. For those who don't know, a pantomime is a fairy tale play done at Christmas time. There's always a pantomime dame: an older woman (usually the protagonist's mother) played by a man in exaggerated drag-style makeup. The show is aimed at a family audience, but the pantomime dame occasionally makes jokes that are clearly aimed at the parents. But that just goes over the kids heads so it's no big deal.
27:35 Yes, I always want to see more of this.
Same! I’m down for more Drag/general LGBTQ+ history.
Shout out to the Pharaoh Hatshepsut, who portrayed herself as a man in artwork during her reign!
its legitimately really refreshing to watch content celebrating queer history after seeing the rise in homophobia and transphobia rhetoric that we're seeing now, tysm for wielding such fearsome duality in your content diva
Okay you're ALSO a great history teacher? That was fascinating!
A great hers-tory of Drag!!! You summed it up in just one episode. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. Knowledge is power.
0:38 there’s nothing scarier than briefly looking away from the screen, only for the UA-camr you’re watching to snap to get your attention. Thought I was in a black mirror episode bro.
Gay History taught by Queen Coke Francis is the only thing I'd go back to grad school for.
Queen Coke Francis, blessed be thy name- Please, teach the gays about queer culture.
I may know not much, but learning is a passion all should have, and today I learned a lot.
Thank you.
I didnt know how much I was missing out on by not knowing/being curious about the history of drag. This was such a great watch
What an amazing video, thanks queen! BTW, the peppermint hair and look is mouth watering
24:58 The Eisenhower in the style of Gilbert Gottfried 👨🍳 Just perfect.
Loved this video, Queen. 👏
As a former FranCis, i appreciate you and your channel. I'm glad you're putting my deadname to good use.
Ayame's story shows how much joy and life one can find in their passions.
This was fantastic! It's nice to see the younger generation striving to teach drag roots. If you do another video like this, you should definitely talk about Gladys Bentley.
More videos on queer history in general would be amazing! With everything going on in the world, and being gay becoming demonized and even criminalized in places where it was at least legally allowed, it just feels refreshing to watch a video of queer people thriving against all odds. Queer pride is more important than ever despite what anyone might say.
Oh hell yeah, a Queen Coke Francis video on drag history? This is exactly the kind of content I want and need to see right now! I haven't even started the video yet but I already know this is going to be good. Thank you Queen Coke Francis! And long live the queen! 🤘🏻
I don’t have any jokes or pithy comments. This video is fascinating af and so well done. I had no clue William Dorsey Swann even existed til today and that fact makes me angry. Keep up the great work Queen! 👑
I came back to leave a comment after your latest video. This content is more valuable to me than any funny topic that is trending. This is timeless and strong. Please keep educating us all. I believe it is the best thing anyone can do with thier channel
Fantastic vid as always! Would absolutely love for you to do a follow-up that picks up where this one left off and talks about the development and evolution of drag culture post-war, and especially how it diverged between the US and Europe!
The segment about drag in the army reminded me of Suzy Eddie Izzard's Dressed to Kill bit about putting on makeup and climbing up trees. I didn't realize that she was just stating the facts. 😅
This is an absolutely terrific and essential viewing. Your skill as a communicator and your effort as a writer and presenter is so clear. Thank you for being you, and please don't ever stop doing what you do.
So keen to see you hit 100k!!! Extremely blessed to have found your channel this year
I watched this when it first came out and I'm coming back round again to give it an algorithm nudge comment. Best and most underrated drag artist I've followed yet
Great video! Swan was a "real queen", meaning one who crowned herself instead of one who happened to be called one just because she was born in a certain family. It was great to learn about all of the people who contributed to drag and to see that what's happening these days has happened before. Somehow people overcame it. Hopefully we'll get through this too. I also loved the Eisenhower/Gilbert Gottfried voiceover.
24:56 Whoever you are, voiceover person, I love you. There's no need for you to go this hard, but you always do. Tears streaming down my face.
Thank you! I’m really happy you liked it 😊
Extra fun fact - first depiction of Drag performance in full-feature movie was from polish film "Neighbours" (pl. "Piętro wyżej") from 1937, with song "Sexappeal" sung by Eugeniusz Bodo. Check it out, its fire!
Grateful for all the draggies before us 😊❤❤❤❤
Loved it! Eisenhower voice so scary 😂
I have read a few books on Antarctic exploration and I think in both Endurance (about the Shackleton expedition) and Worst Journey in the World (about the Scott polar expedition) the authors describe holiday time plays with elaborate drag performances that the scientists / explorers put on, which everyone universally loved. So there is even a history of drag in Antarctica!
The military part reminded me of my OC. He was a trench runner in WW1, performs drag, and is a soloist in Ballet Russes after the war. Unfortunately I haven't figured out yet how to include him in my fic 😅
My boyfriend recommended me this video after I told him I’ve been into drag shows. This is an incredible video 🤗💙
the eisenhower voice acting is WONEROUS
Really grateful for this! While I watched your last videos bc I watch anything you make and love to hear your thoughts on things, I definitely was craving something more light hearted
the wig is slaying, giving princess bubblegum
the skeletal looking thing you have on your right hand is the coolest thing I have ever seen!
And remember, my good bbs. If ever you find yourself faced with a great force of adversity, remember the great mantra of our predecessors.
“You is no gentleman.”
You just made me very happy, I was raised in the Mormon religion, and my last name is Swan. Next debate I get into with the "sisters" of the "Relief Society" i will be armed with what you said and some other factual historical stuff. Hope I am related to the Swan guy you mentioned.......that would really help the statue type thinking around here😊.
So great🎉, please do more! Everyone that walked past my screen was hypnotized by you like same
Criterion needs to get on a This Is The Army restoration. They just have to deepfake Jimmy Stewart onto Ronnie Reagan’s mug.
I'VE NEVER BEEN SO INVESTED AND AMAZED BY HISTORY IN MY ENTIRE LIFE, PLEEAAAASSEEEEEE MAKE MORE FUN STUFF LIKE THIS THAT YOU ENJOY :DDD
I enjoyed delving into the history of drag from around the world. Something I definitely hadn't learned when I was young due to how topics like this were deemed unnecessary in the 2000s and even 2010s.
YESSS I love looking at drag history this vid is fire
The way i need this wig in my diet
Really loved this, and would love to see more videos about LGBTQ+ history! Like you mentioned, it's really a shame this stuff isn't taught in school, there is so much amazing history, and incredibly interesting people to learn about.
History is also so important because when we try to wash over or ignore it, we will absolutely repeat it, and that's how we got to where we are rn with MAGA
Thank you for just being you and helping me keep my sanity in these fabulous times. ❤
The candy-cane hair is GIVING at this festive holiday season, and it might be my favorite look of yours.
I'm so happy that you did this history bit. It's about time our history was told! We have always been here!!! :3 -Skaði Jötunn the Snow Queen
Ngl I always have to rewatch the intros because I'm too busy being enamored by whatever Francis is serving that day holy f*ck dude *YES* 🥰😍🤩😍🥰
hell yeah would love to see some more wholesome and uplifting content!
So glas you plugged this in your other video! This is such an interesting video thank you for this:)
Please more history videos like this! I learned so much
A lot of political topics I struggle with because I'm so overwhelmed by how bad it is so I can only imagine how hard it is to write+research +script so this is always a welcomed reprieve 🎉🎉
Wait why am I crying tho?
I love queer history 😭😭
Why do AP classes say they are hard core yet leave out the hardcore stuff
Hi, Queen Coke Francis. Fascinating video as always. In this one in particular you are truly blowing my mind. Drag and LGBTQ+ history really does go hard. I’m shook. Major kudos to the historical divas serving looks at every turn. Speaking of serving looks, your wig and makeup for this video are INCREDIBLE. They’re giving Queen of Candyland, as in the board game. Can’t wait for your next video.❤️
havent watched yet but the look goes insane-preserving queer history and looking drop dead while doing it 💅🏼
I would love to see more of these types of videos! Admittedly I haven't been tuning into the more depressing ones lately
We have a history of drag course at my college and it was absolutely fantastic
This Video reminded me of Victor Victoria. Not because it was mentioned but because one of the stories reminded me of a scene in that movie
We owe SO MUCH to Black Queens, Kings, and Monarchs.
WHAT!? Are you seriously stopping there!?
You made such a great video PLEASE make a cont'd!
ty for covering dis queen, knowledge on our history is essential for these chaotic modern times
More queer history please. This might be my favourite video you’ve made. Seeing the evidence of queers always existing is so heartwarming. I had no idea where the word drag came from until this video. Very good and important content. Well done. 👏👏👏
diva!! i’ve been binging your content lately and this video made me sooo happyyy
This was great and very knowledgeable. Thanx Queen❤
I’m a drag king and I’m making a drag-centric battle jacket for the coming years. SO many of these photos are going to be making an appearance. Drag forever
I remember looking up when the first gay people existed when I was around 11 years old. I had heard someone say something that insinuated that being gay was recently invented. Google didn't do much better, and I wasn't good at researching. All I found was some article that said the first record of a gay man in the US was in like 1940 or something.
So glad that videos like this exist and that queer history and culture is more available than ever. ❤️❤️❤️
5:28 first drag show i ever went to was in a church and an older nonbinary queen did a number to I Am What I Am by gloria gaynor. i balled my fucking eyes out and when i tried to talk to her after the show i was crying too much to actually communicate. it was like 11:30 am and i was stone cold sober. (less than four months later i had my first gig and it’s been about a month since that)
congrats on your first gig!!
18:50 I got such whiplash from this. I always assumed drag impersonations of female celebrities was a modern thing but that is absolutely a homage/send-up of Gibson girl Camille Clifford
Amazing video though, I really appreciated the spotlight on the Black originators of drag and choked on the Eisenhower quote
How nice of Gilbert Gottfried to rise from the dead to do a cameo in a history of drag video
This was great and so what I needed! Also going to be very helpful for research on my grad paper ty!!
It's insane! I am watching this while playing Kingdom Hearts: Remix and I am in the Aladdin world. Just when I hear a fabulous impersonation in the style of Gilbert Gottfried!! ❤
I love this video so much! Our Queen serving looks and knowledge.
That wig belongs in a museum!
That was incredibly interesting! Love your work Francis.
25:14 please put an asthma warning when you put bits this funny in I actually am almost dead