Communication to Enhance Awareness of DRAG Queens in Thai Society :

Perspectives From Work and Real Life

Chinnaphat Worrawittayathon
Corresponding author’s E-mail [Link]@[Link] Contact Number 0959877794
Patranit Ditso
Corresponding author’s E-mail patarnitditso@[Link] Contact Number 0626988237
Poomrapee Pianroj
Corresponding author’s E-mail [Link]@[Link] Contact Number 0954250492
Suwanmanee Promtong
Corresponding author’s E-mail [Link]@[Link] Contact Number
0894622429

Abstract

The purposes of this study are to: 1) understand drag queen identities in Thai society; and
2) develop communication methods for communicating drag queen identities. In-depth
interviews and non-participant observation are both included in this quantitative research project.
The answers to the questions came from researching a variety of topics through documentation
and the state of drag queens in Thai culture today. Using Purposive Sampling in accordance with
the inclusion criteria, the researcher has identified three groups of key informants to be used: 1) a
group of drag queens, consisting of three people; 2) a group of watchers, consisting of nine
people; and 3) a group of experts, consisting of three people.
The study's findings showed that 1) Drag queens' identities; Regarding their sexuality,
identities, and aspirations to become drag queens. The researcher has investigated drag queen
identities because of the study and interpretation of the collected data, it was determined that
drag queens are regarded as Service Innovation in the performing arts. This gave the researcher
the opportunity to observe how drag queen performances have changed over time and identified
some key components from the standpoint of drag queen performance art. 2) Communication;
Every key informants agreed that although there are many options for media channel of drag
queens in Thai society, there is still a lack of information. Furthermore, recommendations
derived from comprehensive interviews with all significant donor groups are included. There's a
belief that short videos are the most engaging and accessible kind of media. As a result, the
researcher selected this kind of media as a communication channel to accurately portray drag
queens.

Keywords: Identity, Drag Queen, Sexuality, Service Innovation

__________________________
College of Social Communication Innovation (COSCI) Srinakharinwirot University
Introduction

Even though Thailand seems to be a liberal and accepting country right now, there are
still parts of Thai culture that are closed off to and do not completely welcome people who are
LGBTQ. The internet community plays a significant role in fostering acceptance of the LGBTQ
community. The gender varied group in Thai culture is becoming more accepted as a result of
these people's frequent socializing, self-expression, and communication with one another through
various applications. In Thai society, there are still persistent biases on sexual bodies. Individuals
who don't fit the conventional definition of beauty are frequently faced with challenges in their
quest for acceptance (Kanokwan Tharawan et al., 2560). Due to the rules and attitudes that have
been ingrained in Thai society, these things have a significant impact on how Thai society
adheres to and values beauty. Therefore, there was less rigidity in gender roles in Thai culture in
the past. There are several historical accounts of same-gender sexual behavior. It's thought that
this happens often. This is thought to happen frequently. In the past, society did not tolerate it at
all, but unlike in some other nations, they did not detest it to the point of murder or serious
injury. Up to King Rama VI's reign, Thai society started to adopt Victorian ideals; that is, having
a rigid sexual orientation was seen as a necessary step toward becoming a distinctly heterosexual
society. People are compelled to consider their gender identification in order to determine their
place in society because of the set duties and obligations for men and women (Gatting, 2558).
Attempting to instill in individuals the notion that femininity and masculinity are normal is
another idea. Women are expected to be delicate, orderly, and gentle, whereas men are expected
to be powerful, brave, and possess leadership traits, among other attributes.
The issue of careers that are not open enough and discrimination against the third gender
is another way that Thai society's standards continue to hinder LGBTQ persons. As per the
World Bank's 2018 study on the economic engagement of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Thailand.
The most severe kinds of discrimination against LGBTQ people are found in the labor market,
where they limit access to professional prospects and replicate existing inequities in the
workplace, according to a survey conducted among 3,502 LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ individuals.
wherein LGBTQ individuals are still perceived by Thai society as being less equal than others.
Those of different genders have to prove themselves more than everyone else, which is even
more representative of the stigmatization from society that they believe must be like that and that
being LGBTQ implies needing to be skilled at cosmetics or having a career in dancing. from the
World Bank's 2018 report on LGBTQIA+ economic engagement in Thailand, which examined
the economic and financial contributions that this group makes to Thai society. Regarding their
discrimination and deprivation, as well as their involvement and opportunities. from 19 key
informants from all throughout Thailand, representing a range of gender identities and sexual
orientations. It was discovered that discrimination in the workplace and its surroundings differs
depending on the profession and industry. LGBTQ people have poorer access to professions in
law enforcement and other discrimination-related fields.
The LGBTQ community was once stigmatized in Thai society, and those who worked in
dance were frequently perceived as individuals whose sex was not determined at birth. Third
genders were so marginalized and subjected to discrimination by society. Dancing is also
frequently perceived as a menial and immoral occupation. Consequently, society frequently
regards persons who work in this field with contempt. But in recent decades, attitudes toward
dance and the third gender have started to shift in Thai society. This is due to a variety of
circumstances, including globalization, which has increased society's access to knowledge and
given the chance for third gender and dance professionals to express themselves. This increases
the impact of initiatives advocating for gender equality from the younger generation. mentioning
the media's constructive portrayal of issues pertaining to the third gender and the dance industry.
Thai culture nowadays has started to accept the third gender more as a result. Values and
expressions have evolved along with the times. in a time when variety in taste and gender is
becoming more and more acceptable. Another profession that embraces and allows them to
showcase their abilities while donning the most extravagant attire and cosmetics that make the
audience happy is drag or drag queen dancing. Dressed Resembling a Girl is the exact definition
of "drag queen," and it is open to individuals of all genders.
Drag is becoming more and more common in Thai society these days. Workpoint TV's
reality series Drag Race Thailand provides evidence of this. Drag queens are beginning to play a
part in Thai society, although they are not yet well-known or accepted. The program was crucial
in bringing drag queen culture to Thai society and raising public awareness of drag queens.
Additionally, some individuals are still unaware of what a drag queen is. a complicated identity
for which there is no satisfactory explanation, particularly in light of the false impression that
drag queens are Nang Show. A cabaret show's female performer is known as the "Nang Show."
carried out by a man who identifies as transgender and who has changed her appearance and
behavior to more closely resemble a woman. All female entertainers are expressly referred to as
"Nang Showl" when discussing individuals in this line of work. The lead actor is responsible for
lip-syncing the lead singer's voice in songs used in the performance, while the supporting actors
lip-synch in songs used as dances to highlight the singer's individuality. People in society are
confused by the striking similarities between drag queens and Nang [Link], in some
aspects—such as the culture and setting, which include the nature of the show that is presented—
the identity of a drag queen is actually deeper than Nang Show.
The study of drag queen identity is important because drag is a performance art with
complex symbolic meanings. Drag queens often use the drag performance stage to present a
variety of identities, such as their own, who they aspire to be, who society defines them to be, or
who they want to challenge. The study of drag queen identity will help us to understand drag in
more depth, both in terms of gender expression and gender identity. In addition, the study of drag
queen identity is also important to society in terms of promoting gender diversity and
challenging gender norms. From the research data, there is not much research or work related to
drag queens in Thai society in Thai academia. Therefore, it is very important to conduct research
related to the drag queen group in order to create understanding in society about the identity and
conditions of drag queen expression.
Therefore, research on drag queens is important because drag is a subculture that plays a
significant role in LGBTQIA+ society. Research on drag will help us to understand drag queens
in more depth, both in terms of performance art, subculture, and gender expression and gender
identity. This leads to research to create communication to increase understanding about the
identity of drag queen in Thai society. This can lead to an understanding of the meaning and
characteristics of drag queens, as well as an explanation of the reasons and life experiences of
people who are drag queens. This is beneficial to the study of groups of people with diverse
sexualities and challenges social norms. This research will further knowledge and its application
to create a space for accepting diversity and promoting equality in society.
The main body of the article
Objectives

1. Understand drag queen identities in Thai society

Methodology
communication to enhance awareness of drag queens in thai society
: perspectives from work and real life. This is a qualitative research study with the purposes of
this study are to 1) understand drag queen identities in Thai society and 2) develop
communication methods for communicating drag queen identities. The researcher collected data
from relevant documents, interviewed relevant people, and conducted research according to the
steps to obtain research data and questions. The data was analyzed and summarized, and
descriptive data was presented on each topic according to the research objectives.

1. Population and Sample group

1.1 Dang Queens: The selection of key informants in this research involved purposive sampling
based on inclusion criteria

1.2 Drag Queen watchers: The selection of key informants in this research involved purposive
sampling based on inclusion criteria. This method allows for the direct presentation of attitudes
and perspectives towards drag queen based on past viewing experiences. The sample is divided
into three groups: regular drag queen watchers, occasional drag queen watchers, and non-
watchers. Each group will consist of one male, one female, and one person of diverse sexuality.

1.3 Communication, Anthropology, and Sociology experts: The selection of key informants in
this research involved purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. This method allows for the
presentation of attitudes and perspectives towards drag queens based on the experience,
knowledge, and ability to study various aspects of human beings.

[Link] Review
A review of documents and research related to drag queen, including the meaning,
characteristics, and history of drag queen, as well as research related to drag queen in various
aspects. This was done to broadly understand drag queen in order to guide the data collection
process.

[Link]-participant Observation
In this study, the researcher employed non-participant observation with key informants
among the three drag queens. This involved observing the drag queens activities without
participating in them, but rather watching from a distance. This observation allowed the
researcher to understand the emotions and feelings of the drag queens based on their facial
expressions, gestures, tone of voice, and other mannerisms. Additionally, the researcher observed
the surroundings of the key informants, which helped to gain a deeper understanding of the drag
queen identities. Non-participant observation helped to eliminate observer bias and enabled
detailed recording of the observations.
[Link]-depth Interview
In-depth interviews with key informants from all three groups based on the interview
guide developed by the researcher and including questions that may arise during observation.
Semi-structured interview format was used. It is important to interview informants and combine
them with in-depth interview. The interview guide was used as a tool to collect data. During the
study, the researcher adjusted the interview guide to be consistent with the situation at the time in
order to obtain comprehensive data that meets the research objectives

Result

Objectives 1: To understand drag queen identities in Thai society

The study of drag queen identity helps researchers gain a deeper understanding of drag,
including sexuality, drag queen identity, the desired identity they aspire to be in the role of a drag
queen, and service innovation.

Sexuality
Sexuality has an impact on the role of being a drag queen and reveals differences
between the two genders in terms of the process of creating a drag queen identity. By being
gender queer or transgender in daily life, individuals are already presenting as women. Their
daily makeup and hair styling tend to be more exaggerated than the average person. However,
simply transitioning into drag is not enough. Gender queer individuals do not just replicate their
daily appearance when they become drag queens because it would not highlight the
transformation. Being a drag queen involves exaggeration and going over the top, pushing
boundaries further. When a drag queen has a gay gender identity, the transformation is even
more pronounced. Transitioning from male to female for drag makes the differences much more
apparent, as the transformation from male to female is visibly striking.
Additionally, the result of sexuality. In addition to Drag Queens, there are also Drag
Kings and AFAB Queens. Drag Kings are typically individuals who were assigned female at
birth but now dress and perform as men. AFAB Queen stands for Assigned Female At Birth,
which means that they were assigned as female at birth or are biologically female. In other
words, AFAB Queens are individuals who were born with female genitalia but identify as drag
queens. Therefore, drag is created to make people with diverse sexuality accepted and to promote
openness about gender. Drag is not limited to any one gender, and anyone can be a drag queen.

The identity of a drag queen and the desired identity they aspire to be in the role of a drag
queen
The sample of drag queens, it was found that their identities, personalities, and real lives
are similar to those of ordinary people. For example, some drag queens enjoy socializing, having
relationships, and expressing themselves. When they are on stage, they express themselves in the
same way. However, some people express themselves in the opposite way to their normal lives.
Not everyone expresses themselves in this way.
The persona of drag queens is that of ordinary individuals living normal lives, but when
they are on stage, they showcase their abilities and present themselves in ways they desire. Some
drag queens transform into different personas, for instance, I could become Beyonce. Everything
from speech, gestures, confidence, and even attire would be transformed into Beyonce.
Service Innovation
The identity of drag queens contributes to the discovery that drag is service innovation
form of performing art. Through the analysis and interpretation of gathered data, researchers
have observed the evolving performances of drag queens, recognizing various significant
components from the perspective of drag performing art.
Drag is a form of art that uses the body to convey stories and emotions through
performances presented to the audience. It is a form of performing art that combines four types
of art: Makeup, Performance, Musical Performance and Fashion Design.

1. Makeup: refers to the art of being an artist in creating artistic work on the face by
applying various colors and techniques. In drag, makeup artistry is utilized to create
beauty, exaggeration, and theatricality to establish an identity on the face, including
hairstyles that correspond to the desired role. It is considered a significant component of
drag.
2. Performance Art: Drag performances involve acting or role-playing to convey messages
to the audience. These messages can be social in nature, such as satirical social
commentary or activism for various social issues. Drag queens can also perform for
entertainment purposes
3. Musical Performance: refers to a performance with music as the conduction. Which is,
when the music sound on Drag will lip sync. And the audience was entertained by the
drag characters. Drag doesn't just rely on Makeup and hairstyle But songs will be used as
another tool to transmit this performance to the audience.
4. Fashion Design: refers to the design of clothes, costumes and accessories. All of them
will be designed under the same concept as the makeup and music that is about to lip-
sync. Including the main substances that want to be conveyed. The dress sometimes
corresponds to the original of the song, such as design clothes, costumes, and make-up
are similar or have certain characteristics that Associated with the artist such as a Drag
would like to perform “I will always love you” by Whitney Houston then tried to make
up her hair and make the dress look consistent or [Link] like a haircut and
a dress that reminds of Whitney Houston.
In conclusion, there are 4 types of art combined, as a performing art called Drag, all of
this are important elements of becoming Drag. Because Drag has exaggerated makeup and dress
to mock the sex in society and performances that have adapted the story to suit various social
issues. It is also a performing art that aims to อ entertain and can lead to social understanding or
change. Therefore, it is consistent with the meaning of performing art that is defined as a
communication between humans by using words to convey thoughts and the art of emotional
[Link] beings can use it as a medium to connect their emotions and thoughts to
convey to other people what they want to express. Performances are considered the art of
communication that visualizes and understands the audience easily and emotionally. Although it
is in an abstract form, the general audience can directly communicate with the performer.
From the perspective of Drag queen's performing arts, it reflects a pattern of Drag queen's
performance, which develops and passes through the process of creating and creating identity of
the Drag Queen. On the other hand, “Showgirl” the same performing arts as Drag [Link]
performance style is similar to Drag Queen, but there is a difference that Showgirl will not
present through the performer's identity, but will be a performance with dance, clothing, lighting,
color, and sound styles that are already clear. There are elements of the show in common.
Sometimes the audience can't even realize the name of the Showgirl. But the Drag queen's
performing style must go through the Drag queen's own thinking process. It will be presented in
the form of costumes, makeup, hair and shows. In addition, being a drag requires a combination
of four arts to convey a performance that reflects each person's identity. Therefore, Drag queen is
considered a service innovation. Because it is a new development in addition to the original
acting style of Showgirl.
Objectives 2: To develop communication methods for communicating drag queen identities.
From in-depth interviews on questions about communication, key informants from all
groups said in the same direction. The fact that Drag queen communication through various
media in Thai society has been presented in various channels, but there is still insufficient
amount of media to provide accurate understanding of Drag queen, demonstrating the
importance of media to communicate a variety of issues. To help people in society understand
Dracqueen better, and suggestions from interviews with all key groups, the media is interesting
and easily accessible, short video media. The researchers chose to communicate short video
cases as a communication tool to gain an accurate understanding of Drag queen's identity.
The researchers decided to create a video and use Youtube as the main channel for
publishing a video clip under the concept “1 day with Drag”. These perspective were conveyed
through drag queen representing the three drag queen samples studied, consisting of six topics
[Link] life and daily life 2. Identity in the role of Dracqueen 3. The beginning of being
Dracqueen 4. Definition of Dracqueen 5. The challenge of being a Drag artist [Link]'s
deep-rooted evils.
In addition, the researcher has created media other than short video clips to provide
additional research information on these following topics,the meaning of drag queen from an
artistic perspective. Branches in the art of drag Your true self and your desired identity in the role
of a drag queen. Including the issue of drag queens and showgirls. This media will be published
on the Tiktok channel because it is considered a very popular channel today and can reach a
wide range of audiences.

Summary
From the research results The researcher has collected and interpreted the data. To
discuss the results according to the 2 objectives 1. To understand the identity of drag queens in
Thai society. 2. To develop communication methods for communicating drag queen identities.
Objective 1: To understand the identity of drag queens in Thai society.
From data collection and analysis The researcher found that the identity or identities of
drag queens were complicated and different. The researcher divided it into 3 topics 1. Sexuality
2. Drag queen identity 3. Service Innovation.
1.1 Sexuality
Sexuality affects the role of drag queen by being a transgender. In everyday life, the
person is already dressed as a woman. Makeup and hair in everyday life are more magnificent
than others. At the same time, if it is in the role of a Drag Queen, a transgender person, it is
necessary to think and create various elements to see the difference between the Drag Queen and
the current appearance. But a person who has Gay sexuality. Their Dressing or transforming into
a drag queen role can easily make a difference because male-to-female composition has a clear
difference in both dress and makeup. It is consistent with the 'Gender Performance' theory that
shows that drag queens have destroyed symbols that guide individual male and female
expressions in the bisexual system. From the fact that he has sexual orientation, the body is a
man, but instead wears a wig and clothes and creates a womanhood for himself, reflecting the
lack of attachment to either gender.
In addition, the researchers also found that gender topics are linked to the type of drag
queen. Drag King and AFAB Queen each have a variety of different gender ways. Drag is not
limited to any gender, but all genders can be drag, reflecting the gender identity and sexual taste
that do not always meet social standards, consistent with the Queer Theory and Identity concept.
That is compatible with Dracqueen's concept of gender diversity and has a variety of
characteristics to express oneself because of the identity, behavior and expression of Dracque. It
is considered a personal identity of any Dracqueen who has undergone the process of creating
without adhering to their gender.
1.2 The identity of Drag queen and the identity they want to be in the role of Drag queen.
Drag queen's identity is a normal person living a normal life. But when playing the role
of Drag queen, they will be able to express themselves the way they want. Some Drag queens
will become someone else or some will become the person they created in their mind. When they
play the role of Drag queen, they will pick up the person they created to play the role of Drag
queen. By the two identities. This aspect is considered an identity that belongs to a person.
Identity refers to the qualities of a person or something that expresses his or her identity and
knows who he or she is. What does it look like? What is the way of life and character? In which
a person may have multiple identities in themselves, as well as the Drag Queen, which the
researchers studied by the person, has both the identities in the role of Drac Queen and the
personal identities that are real life.
1.3 Service innovation
The research summary shows that Dracqueen is considered an innovative service because
it has passed. The process of identity development makes it modern, and Dracqueen can make
changes in direction. Society, especially in social and economic fields.

1.3 Service Innovation

According to the summary of the results, Drag Queen is a service innovation Because they have
been through the development process, create an identity and make it contemporary.
Additionally, drag queen have the power to alter society. Especially in social and economic
terms.

1.3.1 Social

Legal Promoting and supporting drag queen services Drag queens will play a part in bringing
society a better understanding of diversity. Furthermore, in terms of social impact, the role of
drag queen can assist shape the law regarding equal marriage rights. DragQueen is a
representation of this group of people who help society get greater attention and recognize the
relevance of gender equality issues.

Entertainment Industry An innovative drag queen service. The show's style was developed to
be exotic. It combines art, music and dancing to attract a wide range of audiences. Furthermore,
the performing approach calls into question traditional practices. Presenting social concerns,
politics, and gender, pushing the audience to think, analyze, question, provide new ideas and
provide both enjoyment and thinking.

1.3.2 Economic

Drag Queen service innovation can stimulate the economy. Drag queens are currently regarded
as a form of business that attracts tourists to Thailand. They also help to promote the image.
Attract investment into the country. This is thought to stimulate the entire economy of the
country. In addition to the drag queen, they will affect the overall economy. Can also increase
people's incomes in society. Because the drag queen is currently regarded as a viable business
and a secure career, similar to other professions in society. When related to the concept of
ideology, it is discovered that Drag Queen is an anti-again that comes to negotiate the primary
ideology. In terms of careers, the primary ideology believes that in Thai society, a dancing career
does not result in a steady income. On the other hand, a career in dancing might provide income
and stability. Creating an anti-ideology that negotiates with the primary ideology

Furthermore, drag queen service innovation has the potential to enhance cultural tourism. Drag
queen and Experts say that drag queens should be supported in becoming soft powers (Soft
Powers) because they are a representation of LGBTQ+ culture and offer the viewpoint, way of
life and experience of the LGBTQ+ community. They can also draw in foreign tourists and boost
the economy. This is based on in-depth interviews with key members of the drag queen
community and experts. It was discovered that the majority of viewers of drag queens are
foreigners, even from non-participating observations. As a result, this innovation service can
improve Thailand's reputation for equality and its willingness to embrace gender diversity.

Objectives 2: Develop communication methods for communicating drag queen identities

Currently, the media presents Drag Queen's subjects or contents as simply a few points of view
or superficial facts. The data collection has led researchers to comment on how Drag Queens
should be presented in a more profound way, by telling their stories through their identities and
identities in an easy-to-interpret form, through popular media that everyone in society can access
and through the media content presented. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews, critical
information and data analysis, as well as a review of the Social Construction of Reality theory,
which gave them insight into what constitutes a Drake queen and an understanding of the
perspective.

The researchers picked short video clips as a medium of communication in order to gain a
thorough grasp of Drag Queen. We choose YouTube and Tiktok channels. The material
uploaded on the YouTube channel was a brief video clip titled "Beneath The Wig: Unveiling the
True Meaning of Drag Queen | One Day With Drag" to convey viewpoints that many people had
never seen in Drake. These opinions were shared by Drake Queens, who are DrakeQueen sample
group representatives. Furthermore, the researcher developed a media quality assessment to
determine whether the material is of sufficient quality to promote understanding for viewers.
Which is reviewed by one media specialist, one drag queen and three general audiences, with the
results of the evaluation of all four media, including content, presentation, information, audio
and language. And The average score is 4.26 out of 5, indicating great overall quality. Show that
the short video clip media is helpful in providing viewers with an accurate understanding of Drag
Queen. In addition to brief video clips, scholars have generated material to provide more
information about the meaning and genuine identity of DragQueen by publishing on TikTok
channels.

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