Future Ru Girls? 20 Chicago drag queens that have us gooped & gagged
tracing back to the historic 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. During its earliest days, underground balls and speakeasies served as safe havens for drag performers and LGBTQ+ people in the Windy City.Over the decades, the drag scene has evolved dramatically, paralleling shifts in societal attitudes toward gender and sexuality.
Today, Chicago stands as a beacon of drag excellence, home to a diverse array of performers who challenge and redefine the boundaries of gender expression.Dive into drag culture and get a mix of entertainment, politics, and LGBTQ+ gems with our newsletter.Historical venues like the Baton Show Lounge, which has been entertaining Chicagoans and visitors alike for over 50 years, serve as pillars of the drag community, providing a stage for performers to showcase their talents and for audiences to gather in celebration of diversity and creativity.
Newer-comers like The River and Splash and other staples including Lips, Kit Kat Lounge, Roscoe’s, Hydrate, and Sidetrack continue to draw crowds and create lasting memories in the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.The faces behind Chicago drag offer their own unique flair and style and reflect the diversity of the city itself.
