Jackie Cox on Drag

Cosette Brochu

She/Her

Staff Writer

1/5/23

Jackie Cox, a Canadian-born New York City-based drag queen, came to visit our very own Plymouth State University on Dec. 8, to host the school’s annual sex-toy bingo. She is best known for her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race during the twelfth season of the show, placing fourth in the competition and before that, competing on Hell’s Kitchen.

Taking a two day break from her 16 City Christmas tour, Cox was greeted with no adversity and a packed theater, despite protests in schools around the country about drag queens and safe sex discussions in an educational environment.

In drag, Cox uses “she/her” pronouns, and out of drag uses He/they. She was provided a dressing room along with a package of water bottles and a veggie platter which she seemed quite excited about. “I got a… fruit! I ate all my vegetables… Everyone was great.”  When asked why she had come to Plymouth in the middle of her many performances, She smiled and said “Because y’all would have me!”.

According to Cox, “Drag usually involves some form of gender expression, but not always. Drag can be a lot of things, but my drag is very much a performance of my character, Jackie… The difference between drag and gender identity is that drag is very much art.”

Cox firmly rejects the idea that drag is inherently sexual, stocking it up to a common misconception. Acknowledging the fact that drag has sexual elements to it, she explains how sexuality is present in all art forms and not every artist is for every person. Cox shared that her character, “…isn’t necessarily sexual at all, really”

Elaborating further, Cox muses on the role gender identity plays in drag, saying “I think drag does talk about gender identity, but I don’t think that is a sexual thing in itself. Gender identity is a lot more than just sex.”

Cox continued to explain her opinions of Drag performance in an education setting and why people in other parts of the country may have a problem with discussions involving sex.

“I’m here to bring some fun to it, and create a safe space. I personally am not encouraging anyone to do anything…. This is a campus of adults… I know parents often see their college-aged children as still kids, but I think it’s important that we start having these honest conversations..”

Furthering the topic of age-appropriate sex education, Cox touched on it with, “I think sometimes parents are, I wouldn’t say delusional, but sometimes parents aren’t honest with themselves about the age of their children. Once they’re in college, and they no longer live with their parents, it is a time of exploration, it’s a time when you’re learning about yourself and the world, and this is a part of that. Anything we can do to educate people… It’s so important, especially, to have conversations about consent. ”

Addressing the notable controversy around presenting drag queens in an educational setting, Cox observed, “Parents have a lot of autonomy over what their kids do and don’t do. I don’t know of a case where a child was forced to go to a drag performance, or someone forced parents to make their kid see a drag performance…this a voluntary event. No one is in trouble if they don’t see today’s event. If there are students who don’t want to see a drag performer, then they don’t have to. I think the idea that we should hide drag from students is stupid, because drag exists all over. To pretend it doesn’t exist as an art form is like saying gay people don’t exist. This whole idea of ‘Don’t Say Gay’, where if you’re a teacher in Florida you can’t say you have a same sex partner, is ridiculous. You can’t pretend a whole group of people don’t exist..” 

Although Cox’s stance on the autonomy of students is firm, her opinion on the influence drag may have is more open to the idea of inspiration through the art form.

“The only thing that may change, is seeing a drag performer may inspire someone to maybe look at that art form themselves. That art form can exist at any level, at any age. If I inspire someone, either with my drag, or with my personal story as an out-queer person, to be their true selves, great. That’s all I’m here for. I’m not here to change anyone’s view of themselves. But if simply existing is THAT threatening to people, unfortunately nothing they will say will stop me from existing.”

Commenting on the politically conservative expectations of Northern New Hampshire compared to the enthusiastic reception here at Plymouth, Cox noted, “What’s amazing is, no matter what part of the country you’re in, you’re gonna find people who appreciate drag… People who don’t necessarily believe in the idea that not everything has to be so traditionalized. ….The average person just wants to go about their life, live in it, and have a good time. I’m not gonna agree with you, and you’re not gonna agree with me, and you can stay over there.”

As a final thought Cox reiterates her hope for acceptance and positivity for the coming year. She also hopes others will keep an open mind and avoid pinning negative intent on things they do not understand.

“Have an open mind to new people, new experiences, things that are different from your own experiences in life, and to assume that everyone wants positive outcomes.”