Curious About Becoming a Drag King? Here’s Where to Start
Jun 19, 2025You don’t need experience. You just need curiosity.
If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably feeling that magnetic pull—the one that says, “This is something I want to try… but is it really for me?”
Let me tell you: if you’ve ever watched a Drag King performance and felt a surge of excitement, recognition, or even longing—you’re in exactly the right place.
Whether you’ve never performed in your life, don’t own a single bit of makeup, or still feel unsure about what your masculinity looks or feels like—you are welcome here.
At Kings of Joy, we create space for people just like you to explore. Safely. Joyfully. Creatively. Boldly.
What Is a Drag King, Anyway?
A Drag King is someone who’s ready to lean into their own masculinity and explore it—as far as they want to go.
It doesn’t matter what your gender identity is or who you sleep with. The real question is: Are you ready to lean into your masculinity?
Most people who are drawn to Drag Kinging are AFAB (assigned female at birth), but not exclusively. Some trans women—and definitely not all—feel called to explore masculinity on their own terms. Drag Kinging makes space for that.
It can be a parody.
It can be satire.
It can be political commentary.
And sometimes, it’s just a good ol’ lip sync.
At Kings of Joy, we’re not impersonating men. We’re not impersonating anyone. We create personas—larger-than-life expressions rooted in who we already are.
We’re not acting out characters. We’re not trying to fit into someone else’s mould.
Instead, we draw on our own rich cultural heritages to invent Drag King personas that allow us to explore gender, claim space, and express ourselves in liberating, joyful, and powerful ways.
Meet the New Kings of Joy (and Know This Could Be You)
Right now, a brand new group of first-time Kings—our Gold Stars crew—are rehearsing for their debut performance at Queers of Joy. They’re learning choreography, building personas, and discovering parts of themselves they never knew were there—or that they’d held quietly as a deep knowing waiting to be expressed.
They’ve come from all walks of life: nurses, comedians, yoga teachers, baristas, corporate workers, performers. Many had never worn a binder, picked a King name, or danced on stage before.
And now? They’re shining.
That same journey is open to you.
They’ll be performing live at Queers of Joy on Thursday 26 June—a Sydney variety night that showcases trans and gender-diverse performers. It’s a celebration of trans vitality, and the Kings of Joy always bring the house down.
Want to come cheer them on? Find Queers of Joy on Instagram @queers.of.joy or check out the upcoming show here
Feeling Unsure? Totally Normal. Here’s What Helps:
If you’re feeling intimidated or unsure where to begin, start small. You don’t have to leap straight to a stage with backup dancers and glitter cannons (unless you want to!).
Here are a few gentle ways to begin:
- Play with masc energy at home
- Put on music that brings out some masc expression in you
- Try a button-up, suit vest, or boots and notice how you move
- Name the part of you that’s curious
- Maybe he’s cheeky. Maybe he’s suave. Maybe they’re a chaos gremlin in a leather jacket. Give that spark a name—or let it come later.
- Get in a room with other people trying it too
- This is where something shifts. And this is why we created King for a Day.
What Happens at King for a Day?
King for a Day is a 3-hour hands-on workshop designed for first-time Drag Kings. No experience needed—just curiosity.
We’ll explore:
- Movement and presence
- Masculine personas
- Gender expression through performance
- How to create joy, power, and connection through Drag
You’ll be guided by me, Danica Lani—The King Coach—and Max aka TEABOI, Kings of Joy’s Assistant Choreographer. I’ve mentored over 138 first-time Drag Kings and built a joyful, affirming culture around performance—with Max now supporting that journey through choreography and creative collaboration.
And while we say there are no rules in Drag Kinging, I’ve found there are actually two:
- Don’t do anything racially problematic on stage. (We talk about what this means and why.)
- You can have a dick. Just don’t be a dick.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Exploring your masculinity, identity, or performance self doesn’t have to be something you figure out in isolation. In fact, it’s not meant to be.
Kings of Joy is more than a performance group. It’s a community. It’s a space to play, reflect, be witnessed, and be celebrated.
You Could Be Next. Come See Where It Leads.
If something in you is curious—follow it.
Join us for King for a Day on Sunday 22 June, 11am–2pm at Qtopia Sydney.
Book your spot: https://events.humanitix.com/kings-of-joy-workshop
And if now’s not the time? That’s okay too.
Just know this: You’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to play. You’re allowed to be seen.
With joy,
Danica Lani
The King Coach
Hello handsome, 🌈 I'm Danica Lani, also known as The King Coach. I'm here to empower you in your exploration of gender, sexuality, and performance. I have proudly mentored and choreographed 138 first-time Drag Kings since December 2020. Welcome to the joyous community of Kings of Joy, where we uplift and celebrate each other every step of the way! 🎉🤩 Let's embark on this Drag King journey together! 🤗💖 #KingsOfJoy
📸 Sarah Malone
