Final answer:
Cross-dressing or drag refers to the performance where an actor imitates the opposite gender, often seen in comedy acts. Traditional instances include male actors playing female roles in historical theater, while contemporary versions can challenge gender norms like Laverne Cox's portrayal of a transgender character. Compulsory heterosexuality in texts suggests enforced norms that dictate gender roles and behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The comic act where an actor or character imitates the opposite gender is known as cross-dressing or drag in theatrical terms. This type of performance has a long history in theater and film, where men or women dress and often act in the gender role opposite to their own. While traditionally many male actors played female roles, especially in periods like Shakespearean theater due to the prohibition of female performers, contemporary performances often have a more liberal and artistic motive.
For example, some texts show characters being compelled to adopt roles or behaviors due to compulsory heterosexuality. Compulsory heterosexuality is a sociological concept where heterosexuality is assumed and enforced by societal norms, often leading to characters in literature or film having to conform to certain gender roles and relationships. A notable individual challenging gender norms is Laverne Cox, an openly transgender actress and advocate for LGBTQ+ issues, who portrayed a transgender character on mainstream television, breaking significant barriers concerning representation.