Why You Might Have Never Seen a Drag King—And Why That’s About to Change

For the curious queer who’s felt drawn to Drag Kinging but wondered, “Where are they?”

Wait—Drag Kings exist?

Let’s start here.

You’ve seen Drag Queens. Maybe you’ve cheered for them at Mardi Gras, binge-watched Drag Race, or played bingo with them in a packed queer bar. But Kings? They’re harder to spot. Maybe you’ve never seen one. Maybe you’re wondering if you missed something.

You didn’t.

You’ve been living in a world where Drag Kings have always existed—just not always been seen.

And that’s not your fault. It’s also not because Kings aren’t out there doing incredible things.

It’s because of visibility. Access. Money. Power. And gender.

Let’s name it: Drag isn’t a level playing field

Drag Kings are underrepresented, not under-talented.

Here’s why you might not have seen a Drag King (yet):

• Kings tend to be AFAB, trans including (trans masc and some trans femme people) or non-binary performers—already marginalised in queer spaces.
  
  
• Most venues book what they think sells—which has historically meant Queens.
  
  
• Media attention (and the budgets behind it) still overwhelmingly prioritise cis gay male stories.
  
  
• Many Kings start from scratch—with no makeup training, no stage experience, no access to community.
  
  

This isn’t about blaming Queens. It’s about naming the gendered systems that shape visibility in drag—and about reshaping the future of what’s possible onstage.

The tide is turning—and you’re part of it

We are in the middle of a Drag King renaissance. You might not have seen it everywhere yet, but it’s happening. It’s growing. And it’s beautiful.

Across stages, streets, and screens, Drag Kings are:

• Claiming space with joy, power, and precision
  
  
• Creating new personas that honour queerness, masculinity, and gender fluidity
  
  
• Building communities (like Kings of Joy) where expression is more important than perfection
  
  
• Starting with nothing but a song, a wink, and a spark—and turning that into something unforgettable
  
  

You don’t need to wait for the mainstream to catch up.

You’re invited now.

What if you never saw a Drag King—because you’re meant to become one?

Let that land.

Maybe the absence you’ve felt is actually an invitation.

And what if you haven't see enough BIPOC Drag Kings on stages? 

Maybe that absence is an invitation to powerfully represent your culture. If not you, who?

If you’ve felt the pull toward exploring your masculinity…

If you’ve imagined performing but thought, “I wouldn’t know where to start”…

If you’ve ever whispered, “That looks amazing but I could never…”

You are exactly who we’re here for.

At Kings of Joy, we create a space where you don’t need to know anything to begin. You don’t need to know your style. You don’t need to know how to do makeup. You don’t need to be a dancer or a performer.

You just need to show up curious—and be willing to try.

You belong in this story

We are changing the face of drag. Not by fighting to fit in, but by creating our own stages. And you can be part of that.

You don’t have to be famous. You don’t have to be fearless.

You just have to be ready to explore who you are through performance.

Whether you want to perform once, or dive deeper into persona, costume, or solo work… you’re welcome.

You’re needed.

You might not have seen a Drag King before. But someone—maybe someone younger, quieter, or also searching—might see you.

And that visibility could change everything.

Xx

Danica Lani

The King Coach

P.S. Want to see 35+ Drag Kings unleashing their masc selves on stage in the world's largest regular Drag King show? If you're in Sydney, come to Drag Kingdom, Thrus 12 June at The Red Rattler and witness the Drag King underground community for yourself.

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

📸 Tori Folkard