Drag queen. This is a performer who takes the appearance of a woman by highlighting feminine features or exaggerating them. These performers can do this for comedy, to show a spectacular appearance, or to comment on society and culture. Drag queens are also called female impersonators. Traditionally, it’s men who are presumed gay and cisgender who perform as drag queens, but people of all genders, cis or trans, practise this art. The male equivalent—playing a character whose masculinity is emphasized or exaggerated—is a drag king.

Synonyms:
female impersonator, female impersonators, drag king, drag kings, male impersonator, male impersonators