Drag as a meaningful occupation: A scoping review

Drag is a form of entertainment in which performers caricature or challenge gender norms. It is increasingly present in the media and research and seems to involve multiple interrelated activities. The objective of this study was to explore the scope of empirical research regarding the experience of drag performers and its relations with health and wellbeing from an occupational perspective.

A scoping review was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Gender Studies Database, and Social Sciences Abstracts from their inception to May 2025 to scope for empirical studies. The search strategy consisted of keywords related to 'drag'. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. The data of the included studies were extracted and analysed based on the four dimensions and 15 components of the 'Do-Live-Well' (DLW) framework.

Consumer and community were not involved.

Among the 5132 references screened, 34 studies were included. Disparities were observable in the coverage of the different components of the DLW. The most frequently DLW components discussed were as follows: 'social forces' (33/34), 'developing and expressing identity' (27/34), 'connecting with others' (25/34), and 'meaning' (21/34). The least DLW components discussed were as follows: 'balance' (1/34), 'control/choice' (3/34), 'experiencing pleasure and joy' (5/34), and 'activating the body, mind, and senses' (6/34).

Findings from empirical research highlight how the occupation of drag plays an important role in the development and expression of personal identity for performers and in the creation of social bonds with their peers, the audience, and the community in a context where stigmatisation is present. Studies focussing on the factors influencing engagement in drag, such as the associated abilities, tasks, activities, routines, and life balance, are yet to be explored to deepen our understanding of doing drag on health and wellbeing.