Why Drag Kings Need Our Own Stage
Sep 18, 2025A love letter to the rise of Drag Kings—and an invitation to create the stage you deserve.
By Danica Lani | The King Coach 👑
So you’re a Drag King. Maybe you’ve done your debut performance and something has shifted inside you.
You’ve felt the thrill of stepping into your Drag King persona—the confidence, the joy of embodying a part of yourself that’s been waiting in the wings. And now, something else is stirring.
You’re starting to think about what’s next. Maybe it’s wondering how to be seen—as an artist, as a King, as someone who’s finally feeling at home in their own skin.
But here’s the thing you’ve probably noticed…
Where are the Drag Kings?
Let’s Talk Visibility—Without becoming the victim
I get asked this question all the time:
“Why are Drag Queens more visible than Drag Kings?”
The short answer? Patriarchy.
It’s about access—to funding, venues, media, and support. But it’s also about the internalised stories we carry around who gets to take up space. It’s not because Drag Kings are less talented. It’s not because we’re not doing the work. It’s about structural realities and internalised limitations—neither of which are the full truth of who we are.
But let me say this clearly:
I don’t resent where we are as Drag Kings. In fact, I love it.
We’re not behind. We’re just in a different stage of development.
Developmental Stages Are Not a Hierarchy
Think of Drag King culture like a creative movement growing up.
Mainstream visibility is like adolescence. It comes with attention, pressure, and expectations. Suddenly, everyone has an opinion about what you’re allowed to do and say. Some organisations might tell you to tone it down. Avoid topics that are too political or sexual. Fit the mold.
But we’re not there yet. And that’s not a problem. It’s a superpower.
Right now, as Drag Kings, we are free.
We’re underground. Emerging. Inventive. We can be as weird, wild, hot, heartbroken, messy, powerful, or poetic as we want to be.
We get to create something new.
There are only two rules that I’ve discovered in being a Drag King:
- Don’t do anything racially problematic on stage.
- You can have a dick. Just don’t be a dick.
That’s it. That’s the beauty of where we are.
Why We Need Our Own Stage
This stage of development—what I call the claiming phase—is sacred.
It’s where we don’t wait to be chosen. We choose ourselves.
We carve out space before it’s handed to us.
We create community instead of auditioning or competing for one.
This is the phase that Kings of Joy was born in.
When I moved from Melbourne to Sydney, I didn’t have a community where I felt like I belonged. So I built one—one that uplifts gender-diverse Kings, centres joy, and celebrates the full spectrum of masculine expression.
That’s how Drag Kingdom came to be.
And now, that’s how Bois Night Out was born.
Introducing: Bois Night Out 👑
Bois Night Out is your stage.
It’s the next evolution. A monthly Drag King show at The Factory Theatre in Sydney. Run by Kings, for Kings. Produced by the Kings of Joy Producers Team—who are also performers and creators just like you.
This isn’t just a gig. It’s a movement.
It’s a place to:
- Test new routines.
- Be seen as an artist, not just a community member.
- Build your body of work.
- Connect with other Kings.
- Take up space unapologetically.
This is the show I wish existed when I was starting out. A space where you don’t have to have it all figured out—but you do have to show up. Boldly. Joyfully. Messily. You.
What If I’m Not in Sydney?
Good.
Because this article isn’t just for local Kings—it’s for the global Drag King community.
If you’ve ever thought:
“I want this in my town,”
you are not alone.
Bois Night Out is a blueprint.
A reminder that you don’t have to wait for the world to catch up.
You can start small. With a group chat. A backyard stage. A queer open mic night. A monthly gathering.
You don’t have to be known to be a Drag King.
You just have to perform. And keep performing.
Visibility will come. But your artistry starts now.
Step Into Your Next Stage
If you’re creating your first solo routine in your bedroom, unsure where to start…
If you’re dreaming of Drag but unsure where you’ll find your crew…
Start with what you’ve got. Your idea. Your drive. Your joy.
- Pick a song.
- Create a mood board. (Yes, on Pinterest.)
- Film yourself in rehearsal. Learn from it.
- Connect with other Kings online.
- Find or build your next stage.
Need support? That’s what Kings of Joy is here for.
We’re building the world we want to live in—one packer, one knee drop and one bromance at a time.
Ready to Claim Your Stage?
Bois Night Out launches Thurs 23 October at The Factory Theatre, Sydney.
It’s our first official show—and it’s just the beginning.
Whether you’re near or far, you’re invited to be part of this movement. To be a King. To lift other Kings. To co-create a thriving Drag King culture across the globe.
We don’t need to be given permission.
We’re Kings.
We take the stage.
Xx
Danica Lani
The King Coach
P.S. Want to get involved—even if you’re not performing right now or you live overseas? Volunteer with us! From sharing posts to backstage support, there are so many ways to be part of this movement. Reach out and tell us what lights you up. We’d love to have you in the Kingdom.
About Danica Lani, The King Coach
Hey you 👋 I’m Danica Lani—also known as The King Coach. I’ve mentored 144 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.
