logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2023
36m 58s

Drag Queens

History Hit
About this episode

RuPaul. Lily Savage. Bianca Del Rio. Dame Edna Everage. These iconic drag queens are household names, but have you ever heard about Princess Seraphina? Or William Dorsey Swann, aka 'The Queen'?


Today we're bringing you a very special mash-up episode for Comic Relief, all about the history of Drag Queens. Kate is joined by Gossip Gays hosts Danny Beard (winner of RuPaul's Race UK) and DJ Billy Andrew.


Where did the term Drag Queen come from? What is a Molly House? And why could you expect to be served a stewed prune there? It wasn't to aid digestive health that's for sure...


Red Nose Day has always been a time to spread a bit of joy. We know there’s a lot going on right now and for many people things are really tough. But if you can donate, every penny will add up to a life-changing difference. Text PODCAST to 70205 to give £5 today. To donate £5 text the word PODCAST to 70205. Texts cost your donation amount plus your standard network message charge and 100% of your donation will go to Comic Relief, a registered charity. You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill-payer’s permission. For full terms and conditions visit comicrelief.com/podcastmashup


Produced by Charlotte Long & Lucas Poole. Mixed by Stuart Beckwith.


Betwixt the Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society. A podcast by History Hit.


For more History Hit content, subscribe to our newsletters here.

Up next
Today
Origins of Virginity
From luring in unicorns to protecting the Roman Empire, myths have surrounded virginity for centuries. But is virginity itself a myth?In this episode from the archive, Kate speaks to Anke Bernau about where the so-called cherry comes from, what it stands for and why it has been i ... Show More
49m 18s
Aug 22
How Hot Was Henry VIII?
With SIX wives, Henry VIII must have had something going for him, right? Was he handsome? Charming? Intelligent? Just plain powerful?In this episode, Kate is joined by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb, host of our sister podcast Not Just the Tudors. They discuss the vanity of Henry VI ... Show More
45m 27s
Aug 19
The Real Virgin Mary
Why has the idea of the Virgin Mary’s virginity been so important?What does this tell us about the relationship between Christianity and sex? And what else do we know about this woman?Joining Kate today to help her get to know more about Mary, her life and her influence is author ... Show More
42m 5s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2023
Betwixt The Gossip Gays
RuPaul. Lily Savage. Bianca Del Rio. Dame Edna Everage. These iconic drag queens are household names, but have you ever heard about Princess Seraphina? Or William Dorsey Swann, aka 'The Queen'? Today we're bringing you a very special mash-up episode for Comic Relief, all about th ... Show More
35m 56s
Jun 2023
A History of Drag
Thanks HelloFresh! Go to HelloFresh.com/teatime16 and use code teatime16 for 16 free meals plus free shipping!Please go to https://transequality.org/ to help fight discrimination!Want to travel with me in 2024? Take this survey to help decide where we'll go!: https://my.trovatrip ... Show More
39m 19s
Sep 2022
4 Tudor Queens: 1. Jane Grey, The 9 Days Queen
The Tudor era is all about the women. Once you get past Henry VIII and his six wives, three successive Queens got a chance to warm the throne of England. But being a Queen in a man’s world wasn’t easy. Unfortunately these reigning women were pitched against each other in deadly s ... Show More
30m 57s
Apr 2023
The Forgotten Queer History of Drag (feat. Bob the Drag Queen) | Beyond the Scenes
Conservatives are outraged by kids’ exposure to drag shows and there’s been an increase in protests at drag events. But drag dates all the way back to ancient societies and Shakespearean theater. Host Roy Wood Jr. chats with the star of HBO’s We’re Here, Bob the Drag Queen, Princ ... Show More
1h 3m
Jan 2017
RuPaul
This week on Unqualified Anna and Sim sit down with one of the kindest people in the world, the magnificent RuPaul (RuPaul’s Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, What's the Tee?)! RuPaul gives Anna and Sim their drag names, they talk about sexuality, spirituality, their firs ... Show More
1h 29m
Oct 2022
4 Tudor Queens: 3. Queen Elizabeth I
The Tudor era is all about the women. Once you get past Henry VIII and his six wives, three successive Queens got a chance to warm the throne of England. But being a Queen in a man’s world wasn’t easy. Unfortunately these reigning women were pitched against each other in deadly s ... Show More
33m 42s
Dec 2023
Les drag-queens sous le feu des projecteurs et des polémiques 💄 [REDIFF]
Pendant les fêtes, "L'Heure du Monde" vous propose de redécouvrir ses meilleurs épisodes. Rendez-vous en 2024 et prenez soin de vous 🎅🎄🎁 --- Longtemps cantonnées aux bars LGBT, les drag queens sont aujourd’hui sur le devant de la scène à la faveur du succès mondial de l’émissi ... Show More
30m 46s
Oct 2022
4 Tudor Queens: 2. Queen Mary I
The Tudor era is all about the women. Once you get past Henry VIII and his six wives, three successive Queens got a chance to warm the throne of England. But being a Queen in a man’s world wasn’t easy. Unfortunately these reigning women were pitched against each other in deadly s ... Show More
33m 34s
Sep 2023
The Queer History of Drag and Conservative Backlash
Conservatives are outraged by kids’ exposure to drag shows and there’s been an increase in protests at drag events. But drag dates all the way back to ancient societies and Shakespearean theater. Host Roy Wood Jr. chats with the star of HBO’s We’re Here, Bob the Drag Queen, Princ ... Show More
1h 5m
Jun 2016
Wade in the Water
Saturday night takes an unexpected turn when Phoebe goes down a Richard Gere rabbit hole. Can Jessica save her BFF? Plus: Dulce Sloan searches for a Jewish bae, Ahmed Bharoocha finds Jesus, Jamie Lee gets a labradoodle and Lindy West says sorry, not sorry. Get tickets to our next ... Show More
1h 4m