<P> There are many reasons people do drag including self - expression, comfort, transvestic fetishism, and spiritual reasons, as well as the higher - profile performing and entertaining . Drag can be a creative outlet, a means of self - exploration, and a way to make cultural statements . While the general public may be most familiar with the "high drag" of professional performance artists, drag is also part of regular life and street culture for many gender - nonconforming or gender - variant people, who may or may not consider what they do as "drag ." </P> <P> Drag queen activities among stage and street performers may include lip - syncing performances, live singing, dancing, participating in events such as gay pride parades, drag pageants, or at venues such as cabarets and discotheques . Some drag artists also engage in mix - and - mingle or hosting work in night clubs, such as drag bingo, and at private parties and events . </P> <P> The origin of the term "drag queen" is uncertain . The first recorded use of "drag" in reference to actors dressed in women's clothing is from 1870 . </P> <P> Another term for a drag queen is female impersonator . Although this is still used, it is sometimes regarded as inaccurate, because not all contemporary drag performers are attempting to pass as women . Female impersonation has been and continues to be illegal in some places, which inspired the drag queen José Sarria to hand out labels to his friends reading, "I am a boy," so he could not be accused of female impersonation . American drag queen RuPaul once said, "I do not impersonate females! How many women do you know who wear seven - inch heels, four - foot wigs, and skintight dresses?" He also said, "I don't dress like a woman; I dress like a drag queen!". </P>

Where did the phrase drag queen come from
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