What Is a Drag King? Drag Culture’s Cockiest Performers

The evolution of drag culture never stops, henny. Drag queens are often in the limelight, but drag kings need their flowers, too! The impressive showmanship and costumes of these absolute kings are just as exciting as anything you’ll see from a drag queen on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

But what kind of performer falls under the drag king definition? All kinds! There’s a rich drag scene revolving around these male impersonators. Let’s see what the more masculine side of drag is serving.

What is a drag king?

Most already know drag queens are female impersonators who perform femininity in outlandish costumes. Drag kings are the exact opposite. These drag performers (often cisgender women and AFAB queer people) dress up and adopt a masculine persona, performing and lip-synching like you’d see a drag queen do. It’s almost like loving a parody of masculinity. And yes — they might even don a fake dick for added authenticity, much like a drag queen might tuck.

Drag kings: A herstory

Drag king history goes way back. Although the term “drag king” was first seen in print in 1972, the practice is centuries old. The Chinese Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618–907) often featured stage performances with women dressed as men. The 19th and 20th centuries revived this practice as drag kings rose to fame performing in British music halls.

American drag kings making history

The primarily underground art form garnered mainstream attention with the rise of performer Gladys Bentley, who took center stage in 1920s Harlem. Bentley wore a signature tuxedo and sang provocative and sexy songs as part of her act. Similarly, drag kings in white ties and tails were a highlight of 1930s French cabaret stages.

One of the most pivotal moments in drag king history was Stormé DeLarverie’s role in the Stonewall uprising. Not many know that DeLarverie is often cited as throwing one of the first punches at police that day. It’s another example of how drag kings rarely get the credit due to them by the community or, frankly, the rest of the world.

Drag kings of today

Modern drag king performances are as varied as the drag artists who present them. Many now blur gender lines, much like their drag queen compatriots. With the rise of mainstream queens among RPDR’s alums, drag kings are finally coming into vogue.

Drag Race France included a guest appearance by several drag kings in June 2022, a long-overdue sign that Drag Race is shifting in the right direction on gender inclusivity. Dragula is ahead of the game, even crowning drag king Landon Cider the winner in 2019. (You ready, RuPaul?)

The drag king glass ceiling

Why have drag kings struggled with widespread acceptance, even within the LGBTQ community? Drag queens are much more well-known and revered, even though their work is fundamentally the same as that of drag kings, but with a feminine angle.

Part of the responsibility lies within academia and gender studies circles, which have been mostly silent on drag kings’ impact. Whether this is intentional or subconscious, it has played a significant role in keeping drag kings from finding a seat at the table.

Another issue: Many still hold a “drag kings vs. queens” mentality. For whatever reason, they think drag kings’ masculine antics aren’t as radical as drag queens who dress up as women. This undoubtedly contributes to drag kings’ struggle to achieve the same mainstream acceptance. 

But it’s even more frustrating when you consider the implications this has for trans people and women within LGBTQ communities. Isn’t drag is for everyone? What does gatekeeping one as more impressive do (other than divide a community)? Don’t we have enough straight people trying to do that for us?

Kings and queens both still experience discrimination from outside and within the gay community. Fortunately, it seems like the modern LGBTQ community is finally using a beauty blender to spread its love for drag. Kings are finally getting their spot on the throne.

Who can become a drag king?

Drag kings are usually women, but that doesn’t stop other genders from donning that masculine realness attire. Anyone can be a drag king! Cisgender, non-binary, and trans individuals can all be drag queens, and you can expect the same inclusivity across the aisle. It’s all about claiming power and freeing others from gender constraints.

Oh, and slaying. Don’t forget about slaying!

Drag king makeup and lewks

Drag queen makeup is associated with big lashes, blocked brows, and bright, bold lipstick. Drag king makeup may also follow this rubric, but it usually calls for much sharper contouring to achieve an adequately masculine look.

If the goal is to look like a traditionally masculine individual, a drag king might use makeup to thicken their eyebrows or dot on some facial hair. But much like their queen counterparts, the drag king fantasy doesn’t stop after serving face — you need a lot more than blush to put on your superhero costume.

Drag kings may also sport wigs, bodysuits, packers, and chest binders to appear more masculine. And don’t forget about the outfits. Men aren’t necessarily known for having the flashiest fashion options, but that doesn’t stop drag kings from turning your average tux into something show-stopping. 

Famous drag kings you should know

Feeling left out of the drag king revolution? Don’t worry; we have a list of the essential drag daddies you need to know to immerse yourself in the regal robe of king culture.

Landon Cider

Landon Cider is easily one of the most mainstream contemporary drag kings and drag performers in general. He’s best known for winning Dragula’s third season and taking up the mantle of World’s Next Drag Supermonster. This was a big win for the drag king community, paving the way for more gender diversity and representation in TV. 

Aside from being an electrifying performer, Cider is also an advocate for the queer community. His boldness has highlighted marginalized voices and sparked talks on gender and queerness.

Murray Hill

Murray Hill, the “hardest-working middle-aged man in show business,” has been a professional drag king since the 1990s. His comedic stage performances continue to excite New York audiences. 

Hill is beloved for his wit and ability to think on his feet, often incorporating audience participation, much to the delight of those lucky enough to get tickets. He has also appeared in many TV shows, such as Neil Patrick Harris’s Drag Me to Dinner and the HBO series Somebody Somewhere.

Vico Ortiz

Vico Ortiz might be a fresher face to the drag scene than Murray Hill, but their star shines brightly among the biggest in the art form. Ortiz has made their mark with a punk-rock vibe and impressive acting chops. Their IMDB page lists popular shows like Our Flag Means Death and American Horror Story.

Tenderoni

Chicago-based drag king Tenderoni is a prime example of drag kings’ capacity for jaw-dropping spectacle. His aesthetic is bold and intense, with many outfits dappled in enough rhinestones to rival Drag Race’s divas and dolls. He’s also the first drag king to perform at Lollapalooza. If there’s a modern-day drag king to watch, it’s Tenderoni. With that level of glitz and glam, you’ll see his flashy fanfare from a mile away.