HOUSTON — For centuries, men played female roles in theater because women weren't allowed on stage.
The first documented drag ball in the U.S. dates back to 1867 at the Hamilton Lodge in Harlem.
These shows also became popular during the Roaring Twenties at Harlem's "Rockland Palace," featuring extravagant performances by people impersonating the opposite sex.
William Dorsey Swann is the first person known to describe himself as a "Queen of Drag." Since then, many others have followed, including RuPaul, who brought drag into the mainstream with his reality competition show. Today, it's customary for audience members to bring cash to hand to the performers on stage.
Known as the Diva of Houston, Reign Larue is accustomed to this tradition, which is reflected in her name.
Reign is the Entertainment Director of JR's and South Beach. She shared her story as a drag queen and what life has been like since taking the stage.
