The Rise of Drag Kings

Drag has become part of mainstream culture. However, drag kings have been largely left on the margins of this move to the main - until now.

• With the meteoric rise of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, drag queens have stepped into the global spotlight. However, their male counterparts, drag kings, are limited to a more subversive existence.
• A drag king can be a cisgender woman, transgender man or non-binary person, performing in masculine drag. The performer exaggerates their clothing and makeup to embody a certain identity.
• More generally, drag is a gender-bending art and entertainment form. For many performers, it is also an opportunity to express their identity which may not align with conventional gender constructs.
• Through this medium, “King Culture” questions and challenges conventional masculinity; particularly focusing on the patriarchy, toxic masculinity and mental health stigma.
• Drag kings face a number of obstacles. When performing, there is much less glitz and glamor, which can appeal to an audience. Also, a woman wearing trousers is not completely out of the ordinary.
• Yet, drag kings still continue to push the boundaries of gender and identity in their own way and are gaining increased levels of recognition for their craft.