How to Start as a Drag King (Even If You’ve Never Performed Before): Meet the New Kings of Joy Gold Stars
Aug 14, 2025So… you’ve seen a Drag King or two and something stirred inside you. Maybe it was at Queers of Joy, maybe on Instagram. Maybe you couldn’t even name it at the time, but a part of you whispered: I want to do that.
And then maybe another voice came in, louder, saying:
“But I’ve never performed before.”
“I don’t even know how to do makeup.”
“Do I really belong in that world?”
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
I’m Danica Lani, aka The King Coach, and I want you to know this: You don’t need experience, perfect makeup, or the right body to be a Drag King. You just need curiosity. The rest? We figure that out together.
Let me introduce you to the newest Kings of Joy Gold Stars group—four bold, brilliant humans who also started with a whisper of curiosity and said yes.
👑 Meet the Kings
(L to R)
Sage Presence
Sage Presence is your earnest local yoga teacher by day. By night, he’s emotionally invested in the boy bands of his youth and working through the trauma of a failed So You Think You Can Dance audition. His signature style? Experimental somatic sync…and TikTok.
Boye Sivan
@boye_sivan is Australia’s most undiscovered gay pop icon, raised in the glittery shadows of eisteddfods and jazz splits. Under the glitter lies heartbreak, yearning, and a soft twink stare trained for the Bonds AU camera. His momager is relentless. His selfies? Flawless. His ambition? Stadiums. Or at least Mardi Gras.
Good Jobbo
If you need it done, Jobbo’s your man. Lifeguard, handyman, arts teacher, reptile enthusiast, and ex-figure skating prodigy (a tragic VHS incident still haunts him). He’s the heart of his small town and a community legend—even if he doesn’t quite hit the nail in every time.
George Engorge
George grew up in the foothills of Byron Bay with very alternative parents. In an act of pure rebellion, he became a Sydney stockbroker. He’s new to joy—but practicing daily. And we love that for him.
These four Kings are gearing up for their debut performance at Queers of Joy on Thurs 21 August, 7pm at The Red Rattler, Marrickville. It’s going to be magic, messy, emotional, hilarious, and deeply joyful.
🎟 Grab your ticket now – they always sell out.
What is Kings of Joy?
Kings of Joy Gold Stars is a 5-week program for first-time Drag Kings—people just like you. We go from “I’ve never done this before” to creating your Drag King name, backstory, persona, look, and makeup—all leading up to your debut performance in a supportive group routine at Queers of Joy.
We don’t do competition. We do community.
We don’t do perfection. We do joy.
And most of all, we uplift each other.
You’ll be guided by me (The King Coach) and our amazing support team through choreography, stage presence, and inner confidence—whether you’ve performed before or not.
Why Drag Kinging Matters
When you put on your King persona, something shifts.
You step into a version of yourself that’s powerful, expressive, confident—even if just for 4 minutes on stage. But that 4 minutes? It stays with you.
This is about more than performing.
It’s about:
- Reclaiming your masculinity on your own terms
- Exploring parts of yourself that maybe never had space before
- Being witnessed and celebrated exactly as you are
It’s about joy, liberation, and community magic.
What’s Next?
If you’re feeling that familiar stir—that whisper of maybe this is for me—here’s how to say yes:
- Come to Queers of Joy on Aug 21 and cheer on the new Kings. Witness what’s possible. Get your ticket here.
- Start small with the free guide: Step Into Your King: Choosing a Drag King Name That Fits
- Join the next round of Gold Stars and be on that stage yourself. You don’t need to be ready. Just willing.
And hey—if you’ve already started imagining your Drag King backstory, now’s the perfect time to take a deeper look. What if your King had more dimension, more heart, more messiness? That’s where the gold is. Don’t worry, we’ll help you mine it.
What would it feel like to be seen on stage as your most powerful self?
Let that question linger. And when you’re ready… we’re right here.
Xx
Danica Lani
The King Coach
About Danica Lani, The King Coach
Hey you 👋 I’m Danica Lani—also known as The King Coach. I’ve mentored 140+ 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.
