Crystal/Charley: Lessons on Youthful Queer Identity

Abstract

This article gives a view of queer youth culture as seen through the author’s newly focused eyes. While serving as mentor to a young butch dyke/drag king, I learned much about youthful conceptions of female masculinity and queer identity. Theory, history, and narrative are used to communicate my schooling.

In this article, I introduce readers to Crystal, a shy, young butch visual artist, and Charley, her alter ego, who nonchalantly seduces crowds of adoring fans. To put this story in context, I offer a brief overview of the history of male impersonation and drag kinging and discuss tensions and changes that have arisen as drag kinging comes of age. Following the historical overview is a synopsis of scholarship on drag kings and a discussion and analysis of theoretical stances on the phenomenon. Consideration of female masculinity—both in and out of drag—is a thread that runs throughout the discussion.

Extrapolating from my experiences with Crystal/Charley (and taking into account the difficulties inherent in categorizing phenomena that rest, ultimately, within individual notions of gender identity) I propose a fluid conception of gender that does not cement performers or practices into single categories. Gender rendition allows room for individuality, paradox, and change. The notion of gender rendition is applied to the ways Crystal enacted gender in her daily life as well as how Charley performed it on stage. While I tried to help Crystal negotiate college entrance exams, fight workplace discrimination, and strengthen her art portfolio, she taught me important lessons as well. My understanding of drag kinging, gender identity, and youthful queer desire have all been enriched through this work. I am thankful to Crystal and Charley for giving me that opportunity.