Yay! Drag King Reading List: Explore the Culture, History & Art of Drag Kinging

So you've stepped into your King, strutted the stage, and tasted the magic. Now what? For many of us, performing opens up a deeper hunger - to understand where we came from, what we're part of, and what's possible next.

This reading list includes books, essays, and articles exploring Drag King culture, identity, and performance - from academic texts to personal reflections. Whether you're a newly crowned King or a long-time gender explorer, there's something here for you.

Books for Understanding Drag King Culture & History

1. "Intimate Investments in Drag King Cultures" by Kerryn Drysdale
   A deeply insightful academic work that draws from Sydney's Drag King scene - yes, our scene, but set in the 1990s & early 2000s. Kerryn Drysdale explores how Drag Kinging builds community, challenges gender norms, and becomes a site of intimacy and politics. If you're part of Kings of Joy, you might see yourself in these pages.
2. "The Drag King Anthology" edited by Donna Jean Troka, Kathleen LeBesco & Jean Noble
   One of the first comprehensive collections of essays and reflections on Drag King performance. Spanning personal stories, cultural analysis, and gender theory, it captures the vibrant, rebellious heart of the Drag King movement.
3. "Decolonize Drag" by Kareem Khubchandani
   While not exclusively about Drag Kings, this essential text challenges race, colonialism, and whiteness within drag culture. A powerful companion read for Kings wanting to expand beyond dominant narratives and centre diverse masculinities.
4. "Drag King Dreams" by Leslie Feinberg
   This novel follows Max, a working-class Drag King and trans masculine character navigating activism, survival, and community in New York City. It's gritty, heartfelt, and unapologetically political - and one of the only novels with a Drag King protagonist.

Articles & Essays You Can Read Online Right Now

If you're more of a digital reader or want to dip in quickly, these online pieces are gold:

•  "Long Live the Kings" by Heather Wiedenhoft (Oregon Humanities)
  A moving personal reflection on the impact of Drag King community, belonging, and joy. Read it here
•  "The Drag Kings show there's more to drag than RuPaul" (ABC Everyday)
  An Aussie take on Drag Kings shaking up the scene, this article touches on masculinity, gender play, and visibility. Read it here
•  "Finding yourself: Drag Kinging as a resource" (Gender & Society)
  Explores how Drag Kinging supports trans and non-binary identity development. Accessible summary here

Why This Matters (Beyond the Stage)

At Kings of Joy, we know that Drag Kinging isn't just about looking good in a moustache. It's an embodied exploration of gender, power, performance, and play. The more you know about who came before you, the more grounded and expansive your artistry becomes.

These books and articles offer windows into where we've come from and what we're creating together. And trust me - this is just the beginning.

2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Kings of Joy. Want to stay in the loop on what's coming - new programs, workshops, and ways to dive deeper into your Drag King journey? Explore Kings of Joy here and join the community bringing masculine expression to life with joy, power, and heart.

Stay curious. Stay kingly.

Xx

Danica Lani

The King Coach

Founder, Kings of Joy

About Danica Lani, The King Coach

Hey you 👋 I’m Danica Lani—also known as The King Coach. I’ve mentored 150 first-time Drag Kings since 2020, and I’m here to say: if you’re feeling the pull to explore gender through performance, you’re not alone—and you’re not too late.

Whether you’re new to this world or quietly dreaming of stepping into your masculine side on stage, there’s space for you here.

✨ Ready to name your King? Download Step Into Your King—a free guide to choosing your Drag King name.

💫 Want to see what’s possible? Explore Kings of Joy and discover the queer community bringing masculine expression to life with joy, power, and heart.

📸 Sarah Malone.