China's drag queens no longer content to wait in the wings
japantimes.co.jpShanghai – Neon lights lit up a Shanghai stage as a whistle from the crowd pierced the air, heralding the live debut of Chinese drag queen “Miss Cream.”Also known by his real name, Yan Anyu, the 18-year-old from the northern province of Hebei strutted out in glittering sequined gown, heavy make-up and curly blond wig to lip-synch Donna Summers’ disco standard “Last Dance” for a rapt crowd. “When I’m dressed like a man, I’m not so confident,” said Yan, outrageously long fake lashes fluttering from eyes framed by glittering make-up.That changes when he becomes “Miss Cream.”“She’s very confident, graceful and charming — a real queen.”Attitudes toward alternative lifestyles are slowly softening in China, and members of a small but growing drag.
