Rhetorical Analysis of "Drag & Burlesque History and Origins"

While we can appreciate that RuPaul’s Drag Race has helped bring a spotlight to the drag community and made some queens household names, drag kings and burlesque performers remain largely hidden backstage so to speak. Historically, these art forms have been overlooked. In the article “Drag & Burlesque History and Origins”, Morningstar Darkling combines passion, historical evidence, and emotionally charged language to challenge the erasure of this culture and uplift marginalized performers who were the pioneers of this artform. Through the rhetorical appeals of ethos, logos, and pathos they not only educate the reader but inspire them to learn more about the radical roots of burlesque and drag. 

Morningstar Darkling, a local draglesque artist and drag king based in Denver, wrote this piece to not only educate readers, especially those who attended their masculine burlesque dance class, about these often overlooked histories. They aim to pull back the curtain and shine a light on the BIPOC performers, drag kings, and the political roots of drag and burlesque. Morningstar makes their purpose clear with statements like, “Drag kings have existed for centuries, yet they are often left out of the conversation,” emphasizing the need to correct the erasure of these artists from historical narratives.They write for an audience that includes new and seasoned burlesque performers, queer readers, and curious visitors browsing the blog. Morningstar writes with the assumption that readers are familiar with specific terms from the community like “ball culture” or “vaudeville,” connecting this text firmly to queer cultural contexts. 

The article opens by analyzing the timeline from the 1830s through to the mid-1900s Harlem balls, situating drag, and burlesque within broader cultural and political movements. Morningstar expertly ties these historical periods to modern day issues, including the current wave of anti-drag and ant-trans regulation. Quotes such as “risked social rejection” connect past marginalization to the modern threats facing queer expression today, building a bridge between history and present day activism. 

Morningstar creates a logical and chronological flow that helps the reader understand how parody in performance evolved into political statements. They ground the piece in factual details, citing specific eras and performers, such as the observation that “Victorian burlesque was a parody of high art, performed by both men and women crossdressing as characters.” These examples effectively appeal to logos because they illustrate that drag and burlesque have always held political significance and a deeper cultural connection rather than being simple entertainment for the masses. 

Morningstar’s ethos stems from their lived experience in the drag and burlesque community lending authenticity and authority to their writing. As an active performer, teacher/drag father, and visible advocate in the Denver drag scene, Morningstar has firsthand knowledge of both the artistic and political dimensions of the art forms.  By referencing figures like Gladys Bentley, a blues singer who performed in men’s suits and who was openly lesbian, they bring credibility and demonstrate their deep knowledge of queer history and continue to reinforce their credibility. This ethos reassures readers that the information they shared is trustworthy and rooted in genuine expertise. 

Pathos plays a significant role as well, you can feel Morningstar’s empathy and drive for justice through their writing, using phrases like “risked social rejection,” “marginalized performers,” and “exotified and underpaid.” There’s a palpable sense of pride in queer heritage and emotional current or resistance and survival. This article stirs both compassion and solidarity in their readers by connecting historical injustices to ongoing challenges faced by the queer community. 

All in all, Morningstar’s article succeeds in both educating the reader and challenging cultural erasure. This builds solidarity within the queer community while shining a light on the hidden chapters of artistic and political history. The combination of activism, raw emotion, and historical evidence makes “Drag & Burlesque History and Origins” a very powerful and effective rhetorical piece. It also reminds us that drag and burlesque are not simply forms of entertainment, they are acts of resistance woven into the history of queer survival and joy. It is important, especially in today's political climate, it’s crucial to remember  and honor these marginalized histories.

Written by Hailee Robson

July 2025