By Anna Ludmirsky,
The world of drag is often reduced to the gay man dressing up as a highly feminized version of a character they are performing as. Although drag was established by men dressing up as women to exaggerate feminine features and characteristics; the word actually derived from these same theatrical origins, the men would complain that their garments would “drag” along the floor while trying to perform. Later, the term would be adapted into what we now know as a “drag queen”, describing the gay man who dressed in feminine clothing to perform in various queer spaces.
However, drag nowadays is a much broader umbrella term than what it once was. It doesn’t just have to be a gay man dressing as a woman; it could be a nonbinary individual who is also a drag queen, a transgender man drag queen, cis woman drag queen, nonbinary drag king, or gender non-conforming individuals who participate in the drag scene. The evolution of the scene has spread the inclusiveness that the LGBTQIA+ is widely known for.
In spite of that, one area of the scene that feels like they need a little more love is the art of Drag Kings. Off the top of your head, you could probably name a plethora of drag queens if asked; Trixie Mattel, Bob the Drag Queen, Gia Gunn, Gotmikk, Katya, Raja, Manila Luzon, Priyanka, Naomi Smalls, Yvie Oddly, and the list can go on and on. Somehow, coming up with even three drag kings can be difficult for those not completely invested in the world of drag kings yet they are the most inclusive bunch in the scene. Drag kings embrace gender non-conformity within the spaces, allowing for nonbinary, transgender, and cisgender individuals to do as they please without needing to stick to a binary with their performances, wardrobe, and makeup.
To shine a spotlight on our lovely Canadian Drag Kings, down below will be only a handful of talented kings to discover and familiarize yourself with:
Gay Jesus
Krēme Inakuchi
Big Mike
Manny Dingo:
Rock Biere:
Drag kings explain how shows differ from drag queens:
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