Relevant as Ever – Lessons From “To Wong Foo”

“My name is Miss Vida Boheme and your approval is not needed, but I will take your acceptance.”

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) is a heartwarming tale of friendship, acceptance, and love that touches on some of the most pressing issues that are faced in the LGBTQ+ community to this day. Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo star as a trio of drag queens from Manhattan who are on a road trip across the US until their car breaks down in a small town in the Midwest where they have to do their best to fit in with the locals. A celebration of diversity and self-expression, To Wong Foo inspires viewers to embrace their true selves.

With three straight cis men playing drag queens, can we still appreciate the film today when we are more aware of the importance of representation? Is it possible these characters had to be performed by actors from outside the Queer community in order to reach mainstream audiences?

Swayze, Snipes, and Leguizamo bring their characters to life with humor, heart, and depth. The three actors worked and studied with real drag queens to ensure their performances were as realistic and authentic as possible. They aimed not to be caricatures of drag queens, but to become them to the best of their ability, making their portrayals more authentic.

Although To Wong Foo came before Queer cinema became mainstream, the star power of its leads helped it reach a receptive and appreciative audience. Around the same time, Jennie Livingston’s Paris is Burning (1990) and Stephan Elliot’s The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) had shown there was an interest in Queer cinema beyond the LGBTQ+ community. Though To Wong Foo could have benefitted from better representation of actors from the queer community, it could be seen as a stepping stone that allowed viewers a chance to open their minds. The drag scene in the 1990s was big and beautiful, but often limited to the bigger cities, such as New York or San Francisco. Those outside these busy cities were left out of the party. Today, drag queens have their own shows and web series. It is important to share new stories but the fact that these actors were not a part of the queer community in any way does give the impression that part of this production was capitalizing on the LGBTQ+ community.

Recent protests and attempts to ban drag performances have made To Wong Foo’s message as relevant as ever. With threats and disinformation directed at drag queens and the LGBTQ+ community, films like To Wong Foo can remind Queer people that they are not alone. As well, positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals on screen can help to break down stereotypes and reduce discrimination. By investing so much time and effort into their roles, Swayze, Snipes, and Leguizamo helped to promote greater understanding and acceptance of drag culture.

Throughout the story Vida (Patrick Swayze), Noxeema (Wesley Snipes) and Chi-Chi (John Leguizamo) touch the hearts of the slightly dull and stern people of the town, over time breaking down the walls of some of the more guarded characters such as Clara who is described as mute and deaf by the fellow townspeople until Noxeema reminds her of her love for classic Hollywood. Eventually their passion and creativity inspire the entire town, culminating in strawberry social that is an extravaganza of self-expression and acceptance. The event takes a turn when an abusive homophobic cop, played ably by Chris Penn at his slimy best, crashes the party looking for the queens. In a display of unity, the entire town stands up in defense of their new friends, determined to shield them from any harm.

When I think of To Wong Foo, I can’t help but be reminded of the absence of accurate representation for drag queens on the big screen. It is unfortunate that the media still lacks these authentic portrayals. We could all benefit from their courage, beauty and strength. Embracing and showcasing their artistry would not only promote inclusivity but also provide a platform for their magnificent voices to be heard and celebrated.

Find the next play times for To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) on Hollywood Suite.