16
Nov,2025
Drag brunch in London isn’t just about pancakes and prosecco. It’s a live, loud, glitter-covered celebration of identity, humor, and art - and if you’ve never been, you might not realize how much is at stake. One wrong comment, one out-of-place photo, one too many drinks and you could ruin someone’s day - or worse, make them feel unsafe in a space meant to be joyful. This isn’t a theme park. It’s a community gathering where performers risk vulnerability every time they step on stage. And the audience? They’re not just spectators. They’re part of the show.
Do: Treat the Stage Like a Sacred Space
The stage at a drag brunch isn’t a backdrop for your Instagram story. It’s the heart of the event. Performers spend weeks crafting looks, rehearsing lip-syncs, and writing jokes that land just right. When someone walks out in full drag - feathers, heels, face paint, and all - they’re not just entertaining. They’re declaring their truth. That takes courage.
Keep your phone in your pocket unless you’re asked to take a photo. Many drag artists don’t want their images shared online without permission. Why? Because drag isn’t just performance - it’s often deeply personal. Some performers are still closeted at work. Others have faced harassment in the past. A photo posted without consent can expose them to real danger.
When the music starts, silence your table. Don’t talk over the performance. Don’t shout random compliments like “You’re so hot!” - it’s distracting, reductive, and sometimes creepy. Applaud. Laugh. Cheer. But let the art speak for itself.
Don’t: Objectify or Fetishize
Drag is not a costume party for straight people to gawk at. It’s not a “hot girl show.” It’s not a novelty act for your bachelor party. Drag performers are artists - not props.
Don’t ask, “Are you a man or a woman?” That’s not a question you get to ask. Drag queens, kings, and non-binary performers aren’t here to explain their gender to you. Their identity isn’t up for debate. If you’re confused, that’s fine. But don’t make them your personal gender tutor.
Don’t touch. No hugging, no grabbing, no patting the wig. Even if you think it’s cute. Even if you’re drunk. Even if you’ve been told it’s “just a joke.” Drag performers are not your photo op. They are not your selfie prop. If you want to interact, wait for them to come to you - and even then, ask first.
And don’t say things like, “I wish I could be as brave as you.” That’s not a compliment. It’s a burden. They didn’t ask for your pity. They asked for your respect.
Do: Tip Generously - But Properly
Drag performers are paid per show. Often, they’re not salaried. Tipping isn’t optional - it’s how they make rent. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.
Put cash in the tip jar, or hand it directly to the performer with a smile. No throwing bills. No waving money in their face. No shouting “I’ll give you £50 if you do a backflip!” That’s not a tip. That’s a demand.
Some venues have digital tipping options - QR codes on the table or linked in the menu. Use them. But don’t use them to show off. Don’t post screenshots of your tip amount. That’s performative generosity, not real support.
And if you’re on a budget? That’s okay. You don’t need to spend £20 to be a good audience member. Just be present. Be kind. Be quiet when it matters.
Don’t: Take Over the Space
Drag brunches are often held in small, crowded venues. The tables are close. The music is loud. The vibe is electric. But that doesn’t mean you get to dominate the room.
Don’t bring a group of 10 people and book two tables. That’s not a brunch - that’s a takeover. Most venues cap group sizes for a reason: to keep the space inclusive. If you’re with a big party, split up. Let others have a seat.
Don’t bring a camera crew. Don’t film the whole show for your TikTok. Don’t livestream. Even if you think it’s “just for friends.” The performers didn’t sign up to be content for your algorithm. Many venues have strict no-filming policies. Break them, and you’ll be asked to leave.
And don’t treat the venue like your personal party. No yelling. No drunken dancing on tables. No throwing confetti unless it’s provided. Drag brunches are not wild raves. They’re curated experiences - and the performers are the ones holding the curtain.
Do: Learn the Lingo - And Keep It Real
You don’t need to know what “shade,” “reading,” or “gagging” means to enjoy a drag brunch. But if you hear it, don’t laugh like you’ve never heard it before. You’re not the first person to hear the word “yas.”
Don’t say, “I didn’t know drag was this fun!” That’s not a compliment. It’s a microaggression. Drag has been around for decades. It’s not a trend. It’s culture.
Don’t try to mimic the performer’s accent, voice, or walk. That’s not funny. It’s mocking. If you want to learn drag, go to a workshop. Don’t turn someone’s art into your Halloween costume.
Instead, listen. Watch how the performer connects with the crowd. Notice how they read the room. Pay attention to the jokes that land - and why. That’s where the real magic is.
Don’t: Assume Everyone’s There to Party
Not everyone at a drag brunch is there for the bottomless mimosas. Some people come because they’re queer and need to feel safe. Some come because they lost a friend to transphobia. Some come because they’re just trying to understand.
Don’t assume everyone is loud, drunk, and having the time of their life. Some people are quiet. Some are nervous. Some are crying quietly in the corner - not because they’re sad, but because they’ve never seen someone like themselves on stage before.
Don’t pressure someone to dance. Don’t ask them why they’re not smiling. Don’t make them explain their silence. Just be there. Let them have their space.
Do: Speak Up - But Not for Yourself
There will be moments when someone at your table says something inappropriate. Maybe they laugh at a slur. Maybe they make a comment about a performer’s body. Maybe they say, “I didn’t know drag was for kids.”
Don’t stay silent. But don’t yell. Don’t make it about you. Just quietly say, “Hey, that’s not cool.” Or, “That’s not what this is about.”
Most drag venues have staff trained to handle this. If you’re uncomfortable speaking up, find a server or host. They’ll step in. But your silence can make someone feel alone.
Being an ally isn’t about wearing a rainbow shirt. It’s about standing up when it matters - even if it’s awkward.
Don’t: Leave Without Saying Thank You
Drag performers don’t get a standing ovation every night. Sometimes, they get silence. Sometimes, they get half-hearted clapping. Sometimes, they get people leaving right after the last song.
Don’t be one of those people.
When the show ends, stay for the finale. Wave. Smile. Say “thank you.” Even if you’re rushing to catch a train. Even if you’re tired. Even if you think they’ll be back tomorrow. They might not be.
That moment - a simple “thank you” - means more than you know. It tells them they’re seen. That they matter. That their art is worth something.
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
Most venues handle violations quietly. A warning. A request to leave. Sometimes, a ban.
But sometimes, it goes further. A performer gets harassed online. A trans performer gets doxxed after someone posts their face without consent. A drag queen gets attacked on the street after a show because someone thought it was funny to call them “he.”
These aren’t rare. They’re real. And they start with someone thinking, “It’s just a joke.”
Respect isn’t optional. It’s the price of entry.
What If You’re New to Drag?
It’s okay. No one expects you to know everything. The best thing you can do is show up with curiosity - not judgment.
Ask questions after the show. Not during. Not loudly. Not when they’re still in full drag. Wait until they’re in street clothes. Say, “I’ve never seen anything like this. What’s the story behind your look?”
Most performers will love that. They’ll tell you about the wig they hand-sewed. The song that got them through their first year. The drag mom who taught them how to walk in heels.
Listen. Learn. Don’t repeat it to your friends. Don’t turn their story into your content. Just hold it gently.
Final Thought: You’re Not the Center of the Show
Drag brunch isn’t about you. It’s not about your Instagram feed. It’s not about your thirst for novelty. It’s not about your need to feel like you’re “supporting the arts.”
It’s about the people on stage - the ones who show up, every weekend, in full glitter, to remind the world that joy can be radical. That identity can be art. That love can be loud.
If you want to be part of that? Show up. Sit down. Shut up. Tip well. Say thank you. And leave your ego at the door.
Can I take photos at a drag brunch in London?
Only if the venue allows it and the performer gives permission. Many drag artists prohibit photos during the show to protect their privacy and safety. Always ask before taking a picture - and never post without consent. Some performers are still closeted, and a photo can put them at risk.
How much should I tip a drag performer?
There’s no fixed amount, but £5-£20 is common depending on the performance and your budget. Cash is preferred. Never throw money. Never demand a performance in exchange for cash. Tipping is a gesture of appreciation, not a transaction. Even £5 with a smile means more than £50 shouted across the room.
Is it okay to call a drag queen “he” or “him”?
No. Drag performers use the pronouns they choose - often she/her, but some use they/them or other pronouns. Never assume gender based on appearance. If you’re unsure, listen to how others refer to them, or politely ask after the show. Using the wrong pronoun is disrespectful and can be deeply hurtful.
Can I bring a large group to a drag brunch?
Most venues limit group sizes to 6-8 people to keep the space inclusive. Large groups can overwhelm the performers and other guests. If you’re with more than that, split up or book multiple tables in advance. Don’t expect special treatment - drag brunches are not private parties.
What if someone at my table is being disrespectful?
Speak up quietly. Say something like, “That’s not okay,” or “Let’s keep it respectful.” If you’re uncomfortable, alert a staff member. Silence enables harm. Drag performers rely on allies to protect their space - even small actions make a difference.
Are drag brunches family-friendly?
Some are, some aren’t. Many London drag brunches are all-ages, but others include adult humor or language. Check the venue’s website or call ahead. If you’re bringing kids, choose a show labeled “family-friendly.” Even then, be prepared for bold expressions of identity - it’s part of the experience.
