Answer
The topic of drag queens has become increasingly prominent in contemporary culture. Modern media and entertainment often celebrate drag performances as expressions of identity. However, Christians must examine this phenomenon through the lens of biblical ethics. While society may view drag queens as a harmless form of entertainment or self-expression, the Bible provides clear guidance on issues of gender and sexual expression that should shape a Christian’s perspective.
God created humans as male and female, with distinct roles and purposes. Genesis 1:27 states, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (ESV). Gender is not a fluid concept or a mere social construct but rather a fundamental aspect of God’s design for humanity. The distinction between male and female is part of God’s established order.
The practice of drag, which involves men dressing and performing as women (or vice versa), directly challenges this divine order. Deuteronomy 22:5 states, “A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God” (ESV). This verse reflects the seriousness of God’s view on the blurring of gender distinctions. It is not merely about clothing but the intentional confusion of the God-ordained genders.
Engaging in or supporting drag is an endorsement of a practice contrary to God’s design. The Bible consistently upholds the importance of living according to the truth of God’s creation, and part of creation is a distinction between male and female. In Romans 1:26–27, Paul describes behaviors that go against nature, saying, “God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those contrary to nature; the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error” (ESV). While this passage directly addresses homosexual behavior, it indirectly upholds the biblical principle that deviating from God’s design for gender and sexuality has moral and spiritual consequences.
Drag culture also often involves exaggerated performances that can be seen as mocking or trivializing womanhood. The Bible calls Christians to treat all people with dignity and respect because everyone is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Men dressing as women in a way that caricatures or sexualizes femininity can be viewed as disrespecting a gender that God created with dignity and purpose. Such behavior is inconsistent with the biblical call to love and honor others.
Moreover, the practice of drag can be seen as a form of deception, which is another significant concern from a Christian perspective. The Bible repeatedly condemns deceit and calls for honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight” (ESV). A man presenting himself as a woman, or vice versa, is a form of deception that can confuse or mislead others about a person’s natural gender.
In Ephesians 4:22–24, Paul urges believers to “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (ESV). For Christians, this means rejecting deceptive practices and refusing to distort God’s truth. Believers instead embrace a life that reflects the holiness and righteousness of God.
Christians are called to respond to cultural trends with grace and truth. While it is essential to stand firm on biblical principles regarding gender and identity, it is equally important to approach individuals involved in drag culture with compassion and a desire for their redemption. Jesus modeled this balance of grace and truth throughout His ministry (John 1:17), speaking boldly against sin while extending mercy to lost people.
In John 8:11, after saving a woman caught in adultery from being stoned, Jesus told her, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more” (ESV). Jesus did not shy away from calling sin what it is, but He also offered a path to repentance and forgiveness. Christians should likewise seek to share the truth of God’s Word about gender and sexual expression while also pointing people toward the hope and redemption found in Christ.
