Men performing as women: Explorations in the world of female impersonators

Abstract

Female impersonation, the public presentation of a feminine appearance, mannerisms, and character by males, is a neglected, but informative, area of inquiry for gender theorists. This paper examines the experiences and identities of a sample of professional female impersonators. Using data from semistructured interviews, the virtual (externally imposed) and actual (internally constructed) social identities of such men are analyzed. Reliance on impersonators’ own accounts of experiences as both performers and socially stigmatized persons uncovers discrepancies between perceptions of self and social labels. The social constructionist interpretation of gender is explored in light of the essentialist beliefs of both impersonators and their critics.

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