Tranimal is a drag and performance art movement that began in the mid 2000s in Los Angeles. Deriving from 'transvestite' the aim was to create interpretive, animalistic and post-modern interpretations of the 'drag queen.'
The term "tranimal" was coined by artist Jer Ber Jones. Jer Ber Jones is responsible for starting the movement and popularizing the movement in 2006, and again in early 2007 with the original stage production of the dance musical FOWL, a collaboration with choreographer Ryan Heffington. Which grew into a drag and performance art scene based in Los Angeles.
In contrast to traditional genres of drag such as camp and pageant, tranimal drag de-constructs fashion and make-up, often using found objects, and elements of surrealism. A visual emphasis was placed on hiding or exaggerating male attributes, but not necessarily shaving, tucking or plucking, creating a constant push and pull between the genders. The tranimal movement was inspired by Leigh Bowery, Radical Faeries, the Cockettes, Boy George, Grace Jones, Cindy Sherman and John Waters.
Verse 1:
You look great as we dance under the moon
Living in a euphoric state
Your hips shake, a surrealism dream,
An exaggerated girl on the make
Lead In:
You're all torn up on a Saturday night
A genderless lover freaky delight
Whoa o, tranimal tranimal
Chorus:
I'm so in love with a tranimal
(I'm so in love)
So in love with a tranimal
(Really In love)
Whoa o, tranimal tranimal
Whoa o, tranimal tranimal
Post Chorus:
Dysmorphic hearts with an open mind
Beauty only we define
Verse 2:
You look great, yeah you're hooker street smart
A (higher archy) hierarchy of art
Off stage, you're a performance piece
A lieutenant in the dream police
Lead In 2:
You're a modern Warhol living dream
A superhuman ninja queen
Whoa o, tranimal tranimal
(Repeat Chorus)
(Repeat Post Chorus)