What is Esther Newton Saying?

In Role Models, Newton examines in depth the meaning behind drag. Mainly, the performance that drag queen undergo for the performance of gender. The performance of drag, reflects upon the performance of gender as fluid, being able to pass back and forth the roles of male and female. Newton writes, "There are relatively few ascribed roles in American culture and sex role is one of them; sex role radiates a complex and ubiquitous system of typing achieved roles" (20). This complexity is evident in the performance of gender in drag. If drag queens find gender roles easy to cross in the way they dress, act and perform, then sex roles are more than just genital sex, which Newton also points out. Newton confronts the connection between one's gender and one's sex when she writes, "Gay people know that sex-typed behavior can be achieved contrary to what is popularly believed. They know that the possession of one type of genital equipment by no means guarantees the 'naturally appropriate behavior"(21). This concentration on homosexual subculture, Newton believes, reveals more about gender roles than studying the "traditional" roles.