Original Research Abstract (Ella)

Drag, having high prevalence in historical events protesting for gay rights, was a major factor in the establishment of social rights. Therefore, drag queens are forefront figures for gay liberation, and have been in many points throughout history. In order to test the effects of drag culture on societal acceptance of queer culture, the film Paris is Burning was presented to an audience of students and faculty at the Renaissance School in Charlottesville, Virginia, along with three surveys. Nine individuals participated in this study. The results from this study show that the film, as exposure the world of drag, had a increase in making participants believe that drag holds a positive effect on the progression of queer rights.