Mothers, sisters, daughters and queens: family, kinship and its meanings among drag queens

Abstract

This research proposal is focused on exploring the discussions on the new forms of family. In the ethnographic context that I'm working on my Master's Research, I have been reflecting on a group of black and low income drag queens in the city of Campinas, Brazil, and the constitution of their artistic career. Pursuing of better opportunities in local and regional market, the drag queens in this ethnographic context congregate sons and daughters (mostly young drag queens), creating a large family of supporters, in both economic and emotional senses. I'm interested in analyse the meanings of family and kinship through a theoretical update and literature review, under the supervision of Professor Matt Cook, from Birkbeck College, of the discussions and reflexions on family, specially focused in LGBTQ. Professor Cook worked with non-heterosexual families in Britain, especially in urban contexts, and with narratives made by writers on their strategies in making family arrangements.