DRAG AND BECOMING

This film was created for a documentary filmmaking course I took during my sophomore year at Vanderbilt. As you’ll notice, when I first uploaded it to YouTube, I hadn’t yet realized how copyright restrictions could mute or remove certain audio tracks — a lesson learned the hard way. Still, I believe this piece deserves to be archived, because the process taught me so much more than technical skills.

I’ve always considered myself a relatively shy person. Looking back, I was more outgoing in elementary school, but over time I became quieter and more reserved. Filmmaking, in many ways, has helped me step out of that shell — it pushed me to reach out, speak up, and connect with people even when it felt uncomfortable.

I remember the day Jeff and I took an Uber to Play, one of Nashville’s iconic drag clubs, hauling camera gear through pouring rain with no idea whether we’d be allowed to film. The manager wasn’t there, so we had to return empty-handed. But that experience only pushed me further. I began reaching out to local drag performers, messaging bars and brunch venues across Nashville through social media and cold calls. Many didn’t respond; some declined outright. But with persistence, we eventually gained access to film both on the Drag Bus and at Play — two of the most celebrated drag spaces in the city.

That journey reaffirmed my passion for filmmaking. It showed me that I can do things that don’t necessarily align with how I see myself — or maybe it’s helping me return to who I was before I became so hesitant. Meeting these confident drag queens, hearing them say “fake it till you make it,” and watching how they used drag as a way to fall in love with themselves again — all of it inspired me deeply.

Yes, the camera work is shaky in parts. There are things I would do differently now. But this project still holds immense meaning for me. We wanted to capture a drag queen preparing backstage, feeling the nervous anticipation before stepping onstage, and finally performing — not just for a show, but as a metaphor for the courage it takes to step into your full self. And in making this film, I think I took a step closer to mine.