Drag
Some websites claim that the popularity of drag faded in the 1970s but I find that hard to believe. In fact, despite the growing emphasis on masculinity in the gay community, it seems drag was immensely popular. Many iconic performers who incorporated some version of drag and experimenting with gender presentation - like Divine, Sylvester, and Frank-N-Furter from Rocky Horror Picture Show emerged in the 1970s. Systems of drag that still exist today were also established in the 1970s.
One such system that became increasingly prominent in the 1970s was the drag pageant system. Drag pageants are events where drag queens compete across several categories, which may include swimsuit, evening gown, talent, and question and answer, to earn the best score from a group of judges and receive a title. They exist at the local, regional, national, and even international level. One of the most prominent pageant systems in the United States, Miss Gay America, began in 1973. In both the 1970s and today, pageants are an important way for drag performers to showcase their artistry, receive validation, and build community. Though they are never explicitly mentioned in the play, it is possible that Arnold participated in drag pageants.
Norma Kristie, the first Miss Gay America, in 1973
One drag performer who is worth noting in particular is Charles Pierce - although he called himself a 'male actress' rather than a drag queen. Pierce was renowned for his impression of celebrities which included Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Mae West, Judy Garland, and many more. When Fierstein adapted Torch Song Trilogy into a movie, he wrote a character specifically for Pierce - a drag queen who works at the same club as Arnold who is absent from the play. In some ways, I imagine Arnold's drag performances were similar to Pierce's. Though Pierce died in 1999, some videos of his performances are available on YouTube. Here's one!
