How Drag Kings Can Queer Up Homophobic Spaces
In 2024, it’s a bummer to admit that there are still spaces where we queer folks don't feel safe. These spaces, often ruled by homophobic vibes predominately from some of the cis-gendered heterosexual white conservative men, are a no-go for many of us in the LGBTQ+ community. But AFAB drag kings (incredible performers who personify male characters) might just be the perfect ambassadors to break into these spaces and pave the way for greater acceptance.
The Power of Drag Kings
Drag kings are like the secret, under-utilized weapon of the drag world. Of any gender out of drag, they are often women or non-binary individuals, and they master the art of makeup, costume, and performance to explore and express masculinity. Unlike drag queens, who often face harsh prejudice in homophobic spaces, AFAB drag kings can sometimes sneak past the gates... Why? Because women "playing dress up" can be perceived as less threatening to conservative norms - which is SO PROBLEMATIC, but MAYBE we can use this understanding of bigotry to open up those spaces to ensure that everyone is safe - if it is safe for us to enter, and we are willing to advocate for the entire queer community safely.
This sneaky superpower can allow AFAB drag kings to act as a bridge, introducing queer culture to those who might be uncomfortable or even hostile toward other expressions of queerness. By showcasing our artistry and creativity, AFAB drag kings can start breaking down those stubborn prejudices and foster a broader understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.
This can be a dangerous situation, and any queer person or ally should enter with caution and have a plan. I recently have performed in such a space. Luckily, I was warned ahead of time, so I was able to enter the space with awareness and have my guard up. I made sure that I knew some of the people that would be there and felt comfortable with them. I trust the show host to advise me on interactions and inform me of possible aggression. I also went into this situation knowing that it was riskier than my local gay bar. Unfortunately, though, even our gay bars are targets to hostile anti-gay terrorists, and during pride month more than ever, we need to look out for each other and work together to spread queer acceptance.
A drag king’s performance can be humorous, satirical, and sometimes even tear-jerking. We challenge traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, highlighting the performative nature of gender itself - a lot of times, my drag expression is very androgynous and flamboyant, but I still incorporate masculinity and identify as a king. This subversive approach can be eye-opening for audiences who’ve never questioned the rigid gender roles society imposes on us.
A Gradual Shift Towards Acceptance
By introducing drag kings into homophobic spaces, we can strategically start increasing queer visibility and acceptance. These performances challenge stereotypes and open minds, paving the way for more inclusive attitudes. Over time (hopefully quicker rather than slowly), as these audiences grow more accustomed to drag kings, they may become more receptive to other forms of queer expression, including drag queens, transgender individuals, and gay men.
When I began my career in a conservative, male-dominated environment, many of my coworkers had never even met a gay person and often made gross, offensive comments. It took years of persistence, but eventually, I managed to change some of their attitudes. While my gender and sexual orientation still hold me back in that space, the overt orientation-based bigotry has diminished, and I have opened up a safe space for them to ask questions. I am able to explain gender non-conformity and at least show them a different viewpoint without an argument. I let them know that not every gay man wants to sleep with them, and not every lesbian is looking for attention… I have opened their minds to accept that gender non-conformity isn’t going away, and been open to their conversations - they know that as long as they aren’t being disrespectful then I am willing to have that conversation.
As a lesbian outside of drag, I often face sexualization and fetishization of my orientation, leading to a lack of seriousness and the perception that my orientation is temporary. Over time, I've become somewhat desensitized to this treatment and realized that change requires more than just my desire for it.
I aim to use this incorrect mindset to our advantage by exposing these groups to queer culture through my performances as a drag king. By being visible and engaging, I hope to challenge their prejudices and foster greater understanding and acceptance.
Imagine a world where every space is a safe space for queer individuals. In 2024, this shouldn't just be a dream. By leveraging the unique capabilities of drag kings, we can work towards a future where every corner of our society is inclusive.
Drag kings can also engage with these communities beyond the stage. Think workshops, discussions, and collaborations that build trust and rapport with local audiences. These interactions provide golden opportunities to educate, inform, and break down misconceptions, fostering a more accepting environment… just remember that it can be dangerous, and to be mindful and careful if you decide to take on this advocacy for change.
My primary goal in building this platform is to use my drag as a gateway to creating a safer and more inclusive world for queer people, no matter where we are. I aspire to turn my drag into an activist platform, allowing me to host workshops and create opportunities to educate conservative members of our society on a broader scale. I aim to build a community where we are empowered to demand equality, both as kings within the drag community and as queer individuals within society.
The presence of drag kings in these spaces can act as a catalyst for broader social change. As people become more familiar with drag culture and its various forms, they might begin to challenge their own prejudices and biases. This ripple effect can lead to a society where diversity is celebrated, not feared.
Honoring the Legacy: Trans People and Drag Queens at Stonewall
To truly appreciate the role of drag kings in today's queer movement, we must honor the contributions of transgender people and drag queens who paved the way for our rights. The Stonewall Riots of 1969 were a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, led by brave individuals who faced immense adversity.
Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman, and Sylvia Rivera, a Latina trans woman, were at the forefront of the Stonewall Riots. Their courage and activism were instrumental in igniting the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Drag queens also played a crucial role, using their visibility and charisma to draw attention to the cause and rally support - this is an aspiration that I have as a drag king to use my performances for the same cause that we are still fighting - 55 years later.
These trailblazers showed us the power of visibility and resilience. Their legacy reminds us that every step towards acceptance and equality is built on the bravery of those who came before us. Today, drag kings continue this tradition, using their unique platform to challenge prejudices and advocate for a more inclusive world.
The contributions of Johnson, Rivera, and countless other activists highlight the intersectionality of the LGBTQ+ movement. Their fight for justice encompassed not only queer rights but also racial and gender equality. By acknowledging their legacy, we can better understand the interconnected nature of our struggles and the importance of solidarity in our pursuit of equality.
Personal impact of their inspiration:
They truly are inspiring. Out of drag, I identify as a cis-gendered white lesbian. I can leverage my cis and white privilege to break into discriminatory communities, expose them to queer culture, entertain with drag performances, and begin to open their minds. While I don't intend to immerse myself in these spaces beyond my activist goals, as I know how challenging it can be for my mental health, I feel resilient enough to enter these environments and promote my agenda.
My "gay agenda" isn't about making everyone gay; it's about making every place safe for queer individuals of all sexual and gender expressions. Throughout my life, I've faced significant discrimination and oppression due to my orientation and gender. However, the BLM movement in 2020 made me so much more aware of the privilege I actually have. I can access spaces where I experience discrimination, spaces that others aren't even allowed or safe to enter. Yes, I am both a victim and a survivor, as well as an advocate. What has happened to me is unacceptable and should never happen to anyone, but I recognize that some communities face even greater challenges. I belong to a marginalized community and stand as an ally to other oppressed communities to which I do not belong…
Although I am not part of communities with non-cis-gender expressions or races other than white, I feel a responsibility to use my privilege to enter those spaces and work to diminish the hate. This effort requires a strategic approach, and I will need to remain vigilant because it's not always safe. My experiences, combined with an understanding of the societal impact of oppression and injustice toward those more marginalized than myself, fuel the passion, determination, and rage that drive me to make a change.
The point….
In 2024, it’s more important than ever to strive for spaces that are safe and accepting for all queer and marginalized individuals. Drag kings have a unique potential to infiltrate homophobic environments and initiate change. By introducing conservative audiences to the world of drag kings, we can foster greater understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.
Let's honor the legacy of the trans people and drag queens who fought for our rights at Stonewall by continuing to push boundaries and create a more inclusive future. Every performance, every interaction, and every conversation has the potential to change hearts and minds, making the world a safer place for everyone, regardless of their identity.
The journey towards acceptance and equality is ongoing, and each of us has a role to play. Whether we are performers, allies, or members of the LGBTQ+ community, we must continue to advocate for our rights and challenge the status quo. By supporting drag kings and other queer artists, we can amplify their voices and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.
So… drag kings offer a unique opportunity to engage with homophobic spaces and foster acceptance. By leveraging their ability to navigate these environments, we can create safer spaces for all queer individuals and honor the legacy of those who fought for our rights. Together, we can build a future where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is free to be their true selves.
Let’s roll up our sleeves, put on our best rhinestone suits, and start breaking boundaries. Here’s to a world where everyone - no matter who they are or who they love, or how they identify - can feel safe and celebrated.
