How to 'Read' Someone
So you wanna read someone to filth hunny?
Reading is more than just 'trading insults' between Drag Queens. The art of reading has long been practised in the gay and queer community as both an art form and a defensive manoeuvre against would-be-attackers. Writer and comedian Christian Cintron explains:
“Throughout history, gay people have had to use their words as weapons to survive playground bullies [and
attackers]. We
soon learn shifting the focus to other people is the fastest way to get bullies’ attention off you."
A great example includes those scathing one-liners delivered by 'outcast' characters like Janis Ian in 'Mean Girls'. "Hey Janis nice wig, what's it made of?" "Your mum's chest hair!". Drag queens in particular use well-crafted observations, insults, and one-liners to keep their audiences in check and deflect negative attention.
What is Reading?
Reading is to read someone ‘like a book’ and comically point out their problematic behaviour. For example, calling
out your boyfriend for not splitting the bill or for his bad hygiene. However, it's about delivering
critique playfully, without making the subject feel worse. Reading isn’t about being ‘mean’ or a ‘bully’ for sport.
On popular TV shows like RuPauls Drag Race, reading is a performance art delivered by Drag Queens. Queens verbally
insult other Queens about their acts, looks, or persona, in jest. The act of several queens taking turns to share
insults is
called a ‘library’.
The 'library' is open girls
Now it's your turn. Imagine this, you’re hosting this year's inaugural Christmas Lunch with your family. Your pretentious Grandmother, who is hypercritical of everything you do, continues to insult you - from your hair to your cooking. You’ve had enough! Time to read Grandma to filth and get her off your back.
Hot Tips for Reading:
Always remember to be clever and don't go for the obvious, hurtful, or cruel. Instead, point out the ridiculous thing, then compare it to a pop culture reference or two. The "fake compliment" is also a easy winner. For those more advanced readers, going "Bianca style", where you both insult and enlighten, takes the cake.