The Transformative Effects of Drag Performance : A study in identifying the empowering effects of drag art performance on LGBT+ with mental health issues

The purpose of this thesis is to determine whether drag performance can give LGBT+ people who have either social anxiety or symptoms of depression, the tools to cope with those mental health issues in their everyday lives. This was done through exploring the unique stresses and factors that make LGBT+ people more at risk of having mental health issues and was substantiated by research conducted through academic articles, journals and through personal interviews conducted with active members of the drag performing community in Helsinki who are LGBT+ identifying and have or have had some degree of social anxiety or symptoms of depression. The research was followed up with a practical study that was qualitative and participatory in nature. The study took place over a period of two months in 2018. The study consisted of two participants of LGBT+ background with mental health issues, they were coached in how to perform drag and given the means to become drag performers. The results of the study showed a positive correlation between performing and participating in drag and improvement in the metal health of the participants