Who Is Your King? How to Write a Drag King Backstory (Even If You Feel Totally Intimidated)

A gentle guide to crafting a persona that’s rooted in truth, swagger, and your wild imagination.

By Danica Lani, The King Coach

So… where did he come from?

If you’re just starting out in the world of Drag Kinging, first of all—welcome.

You belong here.

Maybe you’ve been daydreaming about your Drag King persona, your name is starting to take shape, and you’re curious about stepping onto the stage. And then someone says, “So, tell me about your Drag King?”

Cue blank stare. Sweaty palms. Mild existential crisis.

You’re not alone.

So many of us freeze when it comes to this step—not because we don’t have a story to tell, but because no one’s ever told us it was okay to tell our own.

This article is here to help you create a Drag King backstory that sounds like you—playful, powerful, and personal. Let’s lift the pressure and lean into the joy.

What Even Is a Drag King Backstory?

A Drag King backstory is the imaginary (or semi-imaginary) narrative behind your persona. It’s the “who” and “why” of your King. Where did he come from? What’s his vibe? What fuels his presence on stage?

Think of it like your persona’s origin story. But it doesn’t need to be deep trauma, a three-act novel, or even “real.” This is your creative playground.

A good backstory:

• Grounds you in your persona
  
  
• Gives you confidence and coherence on stage
  
  
• Makes you feel connected to your performance
  
  
• Helps others understand and connect with your King
  
  

Why Your Backstory Matters

I want you to hear this: Your Drag King persona is an extension of you—your power, your softness, your cheek, your mystery, your politics, your heart.

Writing a backstory is about giving yourself permission to explore masculinity, gender, performance, and self-expression on your terms. It’s not a test. It’s a liberation.

And trust me—this doesn’t have to be perfect, polished, or even logical.

It just has to feel alive for you.

Step-by-Step: How to Write a Drag King Backstory

Let’s take this one bite at a time. Open a doc or grab a notebook, and let’s go.

1. Start With the Vibe

Ask yourself:

What kind of energy does my King bring to the room?

Is he smooth? Mysterious? Campy? Chaotic? A lover? A loner? A dad? A pop star?

If you’re not sure, close your eyes and imagine walking into a party as your King.

What are you wearing? What kind of music is playing? Who do you gravitate toward?

🎤 Example: “Dario di Bello is the smooth-talking, velvet-wearing gentleman who never really left the 90s—and doesn’t want to.”

Let your imagination play here.

2. Play with Archetypes

When you’re just starting out, it can feel like you have a hundred different versions of your King in your head—and no clear way to bring them to life. That’s where archetypes come in. They offer a jumping-off point. A flavour. A mood.

At Kings of Joy, we work with eight Drag King Archetypes to help you begin shaping your persona—whether you’re still finding your feet or already know you’ve got main character energy. Think of them like creative invitations, not fixed boxes. Your King might be a blend of a few, or land solidly in one.

🎤 Example:

“Zaddy B Cool is a mix of Pop Prince and Lover—all slow jams and sweet moves. He knows he’s hot. You just figured it out.”

Naming an archetype can give your persona a voice, a posture, even a costume idea. It’s not about limiting you—it’s about offering a thread to follow.

📝 Want to meet all eight archetypes? They’re inside my free guide Step Into Your King.

Download it here and start discovering which King is already living inside you.

3. Where Did He Come From?

This is where the backstory gets fun.

Was he born in a dive bar in Newtown?

Did he rise from the ashes of a failed boy band?

Did he time-travel from the future to liberate masc expression?

The more playful you are here, the more your confidence will grow.

🎤 Example: “Georgio McHoein was born at a Bunnings sausage sizzle. The last great Aussie dad, Georgio’s got tools in the ute and moves on the d-floor.”

Backstories can be silly, sincere, cosmic, or casual. You decide.

4. What Drives Him?

This can be simple. What is your King all about?

Power? Play? Romance? Revenge? Joy?

🎤 Example: “Slaychuan Peppa exists to disrupt the binary—with a wink, a body roll, and a hint of spice.”

This helps you choose songs, create costumes, and carry your energy onstage with intention.

5. Keep It Personal—But Not Pressured

You get to choose how much of you is in your King.

Some personas are full-on alter egos. Others are you, turned up to 11.

Either way, honour your own truth and what feels good in your body.

And hey—if your backstory is literally just:

“This is the version of me that finally takes up space with swagger.”

That’s enough. That’s more than enough.

Template: Fill-In-the-Blank Backstory Starter

Need a place to begin? Try this:

[Drag King Name] is a [archetype] known for [signature vibe or move]. Born in [imaginary place or scene], he’s on a mission to [drive or intention]. You’ll find him [how he performs or interacts on stage]—and maybe even in your dreams.

Example:

“Maggot Banks is a Rebel with a big heart, ripped tartan and leather boots. Born in a gay bar in the ’80s and raised by lesbians, he’s here to fix your boundaries and your curtain rods. Watch out—he might leave you with a new perspective and a finished IKEA shelf.”

💬 Common Questions from Kings Like You

Q: What if I don’t know who my King is yet?

A: Perfect. Start with what you do know—your vibe, a name, a feeling. Your backstory will emerge as you play. It doesn’t have to be finished.

Q: Is it OK to change my backstory later?

A: Hell yes. Just like you, your King is evolving. Change it as often as you like.

Q: Do I have to be funny or clever?

A: Nope. You just have to be true to your own flavour. Funny is great. So is weird, poetic, mysterious, or tender.

You’re Not Alone in This

Writing your Drag King backstory might feel big because you’ve never been asked to imagine yourself this way before.

But you’re allowed to create a persona that makes you feel powerful, sexy, grounded, expansive—or all of the above.

You’re allowed to make it up. You’re allowed to take up space.

You’re allowed to be seen.

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.

Bookmark this post so you can return to it when inspiration strikes.

There’s no one way to be a King—and your story is unfolding just the way it should.

📸 Sarah Malone. L-R Danica Lani, The King Coach interviewing Big Dick Kwan