“Gilded Age Divas: An Overlooked Drag Cameo”
Did you catch the groundbreaking drag cameo in the latest episode of The Gilded Age? If you blinked, you might have missed it! While the show typically dazzles with ball gowns and intricate drawing room drama, this season’s fifth episode surprised viewers with a nod to drag culture in the late 1800s.
In a scene where Larry Russell and Jack Trotter celebrate a big sale and engagement, the show took a turn as they visited Haymarket, a New York hotspot reminiscent of Paris’s Moulin Rouge. Amidst the excitement of ladies’ boxing, a male figure in an elegant ladies’ dress made a brief appearance, showcasing the subculture of the time.
The costume coordinator, Matthew Carlsen, who was part of this groundbreaking moment, shared his excitement for bringing visibility to female impersonators from the 1800s. Although featuring impersonators like Julian Eltinge was a rare feat, the scene unfortunately ended up being significantly cut from the final episode.
Despite the limitations of screen time, Carlsen emphasized the importance of representing queer history in historical dramas like The Gilded Age. Drag culture in the Gilded Age flourished among expansive mansions and arranged marriages, with drag balls becoming highly sought-after events.
While drag has ancient roots, its presence in the United States dates back to the mid-19th century, often connected to racist minstrel shows. However, the Gilded Age saw an explosion of drag popularity, with notable figures like the first self-proclaimed “Queen of Drag” making waves in American society. Through brief but impactful moments like this drag cameo, historical retellings like The Gilded Age shed light on the diverse tapestry of our past.
