Drag Kings of the UK | BBC Newsbeat

Drag Queens are a fixture of pubs, clubs and bars across the UK. But there's a smaller community of Drag Kings across Britain - the women who dress up and perform as men. More club nights are being put on especially for drag kings and more girls are getting into it. Newsbeat meets three drag kings to find out why they do it, and address how being a drag king relates to someone's gender, identity and sexuality.
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[@bababuba]

As a gay man I find many of these Kings to be highly attractive! Im a big fan of Rupaul's drag race, now I want to see a show like that only with drag kings!!

[@ILOVEMYSINGINGMONSTERS]

or both...its rpDRAG RACE....no certain drag...all drag should be there

[@MadDuckInc151]

+I Love MSM & DOF I never considered that but that's a great idea!! I can't really think of anything they do on the show that couldn't be done with both kings and queens.

[@angelsspirit154]

Yes I would love to see that! Doing drag as a female is just as valid as doing drag as a dude :)

[@CodeDeb]

Wouldn't that be great!

[@poemsbypoetry]

RUPAUL,GET ON IT

[@Adretea]

Adam is hot in and out of drag. I am confused.

[@allyk6920]

Adretea mate me too the fuck

[@ronjahansen1245]

Damn me too, am I bi now?

[@nematoaddd]

@@ronjahansen1245 yeah, it doesn't take much.

[@DS-ke1cr]

When I saw Jen with blonde hair and that white suit damn... I was like if I wasn't straight i would date her. ʕ ꈍᴥꈍʔ

[@Armando2609]

Well, they said they were non-binary or gender-fluid anyway, so whatever, really. :) They're great anyway!

[@Capybaraism]

DRAG KINGS ARE REAL KINGS

[@Quetzalcoatl-Dragon_97]

*pulls out green saber* ALL MEN ARE KINGS!!!! *enemy pulls out red saber* IF HE BREATHES, HE'S AN AAAAAAAAASS!!!!!

[@theycallmesomething4532]

When Adam opened up his shirt I was like "I'm actually bisexual and turned on help me lord"

[@larsstoerloes6619]

I love dragkings and dragqueens. And dragkings DEFNITELY do not get the attention or recognition that they deserve. I'm hoping RuPaul might see the hole in the market and make a dragKING version of his show. Come on, ladies! Get them beards on and make some noise! You rock :D

[@gothiccouture9500]

Lars Stoerloes I want to be a drag king so bad, I’m probably gonna dress up as one for Halloween and get my boyfriend sexually confused 😂

[@Saxshoe]

RuPaul would not be the person to pitch or host a drag king race, it's not in his wheelhouse. He would have no grounds to judge and give advice to such performers. The show would lack credibility.

[@WeatherMondacicci]

@@Saxshoe RuPaul can possible get the show created and started, then have someone else host, give advice etc. It could be through his production company.

[@boot2470]

OMG YESSS

[@angelacooper8973]

R Berg it’s an art same as drag queens. It’s just the drag queens have had a running headstart

[@rianroberts16]

Drag kings do not get the recognition they deserve. I know this because I'm a junior king and the first thing I was told when I told people I did drag was "youre not a dude you can't do drag". I then had to explain that I'm a drag king. They then told me that's not a real thing. Drag kings need more recognition!!!!! Life update: it turns out that I'm actually a trans lad and that's why i liked doing drag so much but i will continue to absolutely love watching drag kings preform

[@jesseissnazzy4268]

I want to be a drag king

[@viscera8442]

@R Berg they don't hate men...they just don't wanna have sex with them...there's a difference. and queens don't look like real woman half of the time too. seriously who tf hurt you?

[@melodiclogic9904]

R Berg I’m going to be completely honest with you. No lesbian I know is a man hater. There are more misogynistic men out there than lesbian “Man haters”. Also, what’s wrong with them playing a character? They’re having fun.

[@rianroberts16]

@R Berg 1. No need to use slurs 2. Most of the lesbians I know are best mates with lads 3. Just because you feel small and insecure doesnt mean you have to take it out on everyone else

[@rianroberts16]

@@jesseissnazzy4268 go for it!! Do t let anyone stop you

[@wonju5627]

i wish there was a drag king race

[@ladderstothemoon7415]

*Paul Ru's Drag Race,,,*

[@ineffablemars]

Jen is beautiful Adam is hot

[@trashcannottrashcant3887]

Agreed!

[@eveatkinson9928]

TRUTH

[@xsaintproductions]

I wish this could be a long documentary or a series.

[@Radio1Newsbeat]

Evelyn Danger Thanks for watching. Really glad you liked it and sorry we couldn't make a longer film.

[@CresencioMedina]

+Evelyn Danger I'm actually shooting a short documentary about drag kings. The certain group that I'm shooting is here in Sunny San Diego, California.

[@xsaintproductions]

Awesome, can't wait to check that out

[@KingmonCreativewa]

We are close to releasing ones for Seattle Kings going to go backstage we have some next level Kings here! Keep an eye out!

[@kingsley42]

If Adam hasn't already done a Prince William act, he needs to ASAP!

[@Radio1Newsbeat]

Great idea! Thanks for watching.

[@adamall8882]

+kingsley42 Fantastic idea! Thanks for watching!

[@JulianneHannes]

+Adam All If I were you I'd cosplay as Dean Winchester at every convention

[@el_bisexualo]

I feel like drag kings have so much potential, I hope they'll get more recoqnized because damn, there's so much to them that is unnoticed and unexplored

[@CatatonicDodd]

Jen: "It's a latex packer, and it's a good sort of **rapidly twirls latex dingaling** party trick, for when you're feeling... Jazzy!" That moment killed me! 😂

[@Bcarr122391]

'Adam' is hotttt

[@xsaintproductions]

***** yes!

[@jameshoughton7509]

Where?

[@ryrypoppy8353]

Brandon Carraway he is I love him so much

[@elise6970]

Right

[@eveatkinson9928]

TRUE

[@bethynah]

Oh my gosh! I never knew that this existed. I love dressing up as guys when going to dress up/themed parties. Male bartenders, fictional characters, rappers. If something like this is in Adelaide, Australia, count me in!

[@fedorable_youngblood1342]

Bethany Faulkner I've wanted to be a drag king for the longest time and I also live in Adelaide Australia! Lol

[@hanawana]

Go for it guys!

[@ConfuzzledTomato]

Mary Poppins? Lol idk if there are any lesbian bars in Adelaide

[@AlWolf]

Jen/Adam looks like, or reminds me of, Joey Graceffa for some reason

[@Radio1Newsbeat]

Adam is great isn't he!

[@AlWolf]

BBC Newsbeat And hot! :3

[@zahraz2443]

I know right. That was my first thought when I saw Adam.

[@joycelinlgbtq]

Looks more like Russell Howard to me lol.

[@elijahsmith1374]

IKR! THAT WAS REALLY MY THOUGHT!

[@roguedragking9037]

Well done BBC! Drag Kings are the original Drag performers and any social media that brings more awareness of these professional performers is a good thing. LONG LIVE THE KING!

[@TigerPrawn_]

I cant tell if Jen or Adam is hotter!

[@NataliaTheMonster]

this video really inspires me to follow my little dream and become a drag king

[@adamall8882]

+NataliaTheMonster Do it! If you're near London, come to BOi BOX, that's what the night is for :)

[@NataliaTheMonster]

not even close :/ but i will take a visit there when i'm in london^-^

[@Monkey-081hs]

I know I'm super late, but hows that dream going?

[@Cryptic_Scales]

You know when the girl said that she started off cosplaying as Thor I thought that was really cool because I'm starting off now cosplaying as Loki and I've been thinking about becoming a drag King when I turn 18

[@Edgeworthscravat]

I wish I had an ounce of Adam's confidence.

[@kawaiikittymeow1012]

When I am home alone I become a king and it is so much fun, he is like my alter ego and he makes me feel so confident, something I so don't have just being me.

[@PoppycockPrincess100]

Holy fuck; I feel like I've finally found my calling.

[@Monkey-081hs]

Same here!

[@Bumblebeerocks23]

As a bisexual girl who is comfortable being female, but always loved boyish things, I’m so excited this exists!! I’ve very recently started practicing my makeup skills to be a drag king!!

[@sjjaames]

I was a drag king last year for my universitys spring drag show and now I am going to audition for the fall one. I love all the makeup tricks they did, very helpful. :)

[@Radio1Newsbeat]

Glad you liked it and good luck in the fall.

[@mattcattxxx]

I saw Adam at a drag night called Dirty Bare in Brighton, he was absolutely amazing! so funny and charming.

[@mothastrud]

I wish drag kings were as modern as drag queens, you see them either dressing in a very vintage fashion or early 2000s/90s looks but never fashion trends of today

[@pictlander757]

I'm realitivly young and I really relate with the whole not knowing how to play the female characters. I don't think I'm transgender but the idea of being a drag king makes me so excited

[@SilveerStarr]

I really want to be a drag king, I could have so much fun.

[@hanawana]

Reid Orion do it!!

[@angelacooper8973]

Reid Orion inner you: DO IT!!!

[@SilveerStarr]

@@angelacooper8973 wouldn't you be glad to hear that i've performed as a king in my local area!!

[@jasmineclulow]

WE NEED A RUPAULS DRAG KING SHOW NOT JUST DRAG QUEEN

[@r_travel4306]

It wouldn't be as entertaining as the entire point of female drag is for men to release themselves and be carefree which abides by the stereotypes of femininity. Masculinity on the other hand is a lot more restrictive as men are simply prohibited from a lot more socially, so it really would be quite boring

[@crwmy]

But in that way, Drag Kings are also as much subversive as Drag Queens. Over the top masculinity can also be entertaining, and especially a political statement. Sadly, you can't count on RuPaul here. See www.advocate.com/television/2016/9/01/dear-drag-race-its-time-let-kings-compete

[@honeysuckle245]

I have an outer persona that I like to cosplay as named Xavier, it's so fun to dress like a guy and I feel almost more confident as him. I sent my friends a pic of me as him once with no explanation and one of my friends asked me who that was and I said it was me and she was like " I'm actually a little dissapointed because you are hot as a guy, wish he was real" haha loved this video!!!

[@Monkey-081hs]

Yeah, I cosplay as my own persona too. His name is Steven and I feel confident has him. He helps me feel good.

[@Tefixitafuckme]

I think Adam All looks somewhat like Joey graceffa

[@-LamiaSage-]

I'm genderfluid & thinking about clothing myself "official" as a drag king :)

[@bugpieoz1948]

It's so much fun you won't regret it

[@-LamiaSage-]

+Crazy4 ajproductions I started doing drag five month ago (mainly for photography) but I still don't do drag shows - although I really want to start with it. But I don't know where/how to begin.

[@RK-ev6dw]

Dearest _Senpai Because it is. Science.

[@Edgeworthscravat]

Bollocks. Show me the studies.

[@danni8594]

LamiaSage same

[@adlerfg]

We demand a Drag King race! Comme on mamma Ru... Or anybody else.. Come on. This needs to be seen and appreciated.

[@catmemes9994]

for college I plan on going to the UK but I'm also gonna be a drag king. I just love the style it's true art. also slay kings

[@Jordan-db2og]

adams jackets are on point tho. reminds me of Adam ant

[@sirkevzflorentinocudal9504]

Richard Von Wild looks like female Ginger Minj hahaha

[@richwedge4377]

kevin cudal the true DANNY DEVITO OF DRAG AAAAA

[@sarahlithium1680]

“It’s a good party trick when your feeling... jazzy” omg it’s so good

[@Raioneru93]

Jack the Lad should try a doing a man bun

[@zthang2458]

im 12 and i like dressing up as a boy but im also a girly girl so drag is a good option

[@vamp771]

ZThang same :)

[@angelacooper8973]

ZThang don’t be a drag just be a KING!!! The most feminine women can make good drag queens

[@hedwigraphael]

This is so encouraging to watch videos and documents about drag kings because even though I've just hit my puberty, I feel like I'm not fully a woman/girl. I'm really - I mean REALLY - shy and insecure to dress up, put make up on and go out wearing my drag King outfit because I'm so scared that people won't accept me as who I really am and who I feel myself to be! But watching videos like these really makes my self-confidence climb up high :-)

[@sarahl3721]

Be careful though...the last thing you need to add to shyness is fear but going out in drag can be dangerous...find some friends and explore!

[@sydneycardoza7034]

Every time I see these videos I’m like “god I love this” and it’s inspired me to start doing drag, as well. I thought it would have been very popular in my college town but apparently not. Either way, I can do it for pride festivals and it makes me happy. Adam All in particular is a huge inspiration for just doing what I want to do regarding drag and it’s so enlightening. :)

[@Danijones4571]

I want to try this! I think everyone has some feminine characteristics and some masculine characteristics about themselves!

[@angelacooper8973]

Rio Hemmings Prince had a feminine side and I have a serious masculine side. I can wear miniskirts and fart the alphabet at the same time. I have a VERY masculine side

[@Danijones4571]

Angela Cooper what did I just read 😂

[@user-xw5fs5fq5w]

X-chromosome?🤭

[@claudiajade624]

So glad to see this and to see that Drag Kings are coming into their own and being more accepted by the LGBT and wider community :) Edit: my mate and I totally went to She when we were visiting London! (from Aus)

[@blujay.artist]

Fantastic mini-doc!!

[@naomiroseoneill284]

This was so interesting and lovely!

[@forrestgumpthechump]

So... I've been looking into doing drag for a long time, and after seeing this, I'm totally sold. I totally want to be a drag king. My only question is, how do I start?

[@helenrae3848]

Adam is my literal spirit animal 🙌 . . . . . . I thought I was being weird when I dressed up as a dude, cause I never heard of drag kings. This made me feel so much better :))

[@opheliavonscum9787]

"when you're feeling... jazzy"

[@llamaoffspring2802]

This video is inspiring to me, as I've recently done my first drag king performance in a city where there are no drag kings I can go to for help or advice... I want to develop my character, style, etc, and this video is so nice :) My drag is gonna be most similar to the last one, but I like seeing the various characters and approaches, too :D I'm really excited to explore drag...

[@TheEmmieJade_1998]

I want to try it but I have no idea where to start and there's no one near me that I know of who do drag :(

[@thebestkatewinslet]

First step, find your drag king name Second step, learn to do makeup to look like a man Third step, practice lipsync and dance moves Four step, find a place where there's drag queen or drag king and get in touch with them I'm not a drag king yet, but I will try

[@alexavierherbert2481]

I want to hug Zoe they’re just so precious

[@thatsterroristsbro7855]

I would love to see a 'Drag Race' for kings. Is this more threatening to masculinity than a gay man in a dress and a wig? Or do they both just reinforce normative gender binaries? I didnt know this existed. It would be so cool to have drag days and stuff where we all switched. I would channel Antonio Banderas, Steve Buscemi and Maxwell Sheffield in my drag king persona/performance. This is deadli as.

[@AnjaFourie]

Can't they draw on a better beard? That sharpie looking drawn on beard sort of makes it look a bit comical.

[@sarahl3721]

I mean, I doubt it IS sharpie considering...

[@Quetzalcoatl-Dragon_97]

I do agree with you there, but the lashes on drag queens are sort of cheesy and comical in their own way.

[@beethreefour]

Thats the whole point. UK drag culture is very different from US drag culture. UK drag can be ugly, is comedic, isn’t about being glamourous.

[@NoReplyAsset]

yeah they should use mascara for beards. it makes use of your peach fuzz, really makes a realistic beard.

[@jesseissnazzy4268]

It's supposed to be comedy

[@Luci11.11]

Dude, so inspiring. I love it

[@giovannafranca1434]

Hi! I really really liked the video! I didn't know there were drag kings. And so I really wish you'd put subtitles (CC) in the video. I have a dear friend that would love watching it, but she is hearing impaired and could only watch it if it was subtitled. Thank you!!

[@jsnoldyt1495]

this looks like sooo much fun!

[@calinfus80s]

American queens are better than british queens, but british kings are better than american kings, these kings are cocky flashy and handsome, i liked them

[@herbie2605]

I loove it. Im a King to...the only one in Copenhagen. Keep up the good work guys.

[@OurWorldAhead]

+Herbie Eriksen another dane! Funny cause I was just thinking to myself (very hypothetically), if I ever were to get close to becoming one, and let alone trying to make a career out of it, I'd probably have to start in Copenhagen, if it were to be in Denmark.

[@sarahl3721]

NO! I'm the only king in Copenhagen! Haha...good on you :)

[@handsomefemme9130]

There's no way I'll ever achieve male looks with makeup ;_; my face is wayyyy too feminine.

[@RR-tk1sp]

/OLD/ Izy Virgin you can do anything with make up and prosthetics, that is if you want to learn

[@samarac143]

Well you have a nice jaw line you could work with that its the lips that are the issue. You're beautiful but there's definitely a way to make you masculine if you really put in work

[@Cerialyeti]

Those abs and pecs of Adam's were brilliant!

[@intellectualhybrid2]

So interesting!

[@Daisy-mb8kt]

I really love this idea of drag kings that’s amazing actually that I never really heard about them until recently, I really hope drag can get more recognition, this is remarkable! And it kinda makes me wonder if I could pull off dressing as the opposite gender as well as these three do...

[@Ketston]

Oh God, i'd like to be in England so much... Not only for this, obviously, but i love British History, literature, poetry, architecture, cities, the english language and this kind of weird freedom i'd need so much. :(

[@RK-ev6dw]

Ketston We here in the Middle East, Asia and Africa aren't a fan of British history. We're tired of being colonized, slaughtered and erased. :)

[@tricksforfrogs]

R K youre absolutely amazing

[@someoneyoumightknow2795]

There was Brighton in this video, such a beautiful city, fell in love with it

[@dudeitsalexthefirst]

R K boohoo

[@rachelfrances905]

It depends where you go, a lot of places are very accepting. Although our history is not that great, we did a lot of shitty things.

[@hannve]

I should look into this more. When I was younger I loved painting on facial hair and such..

[@ghabrielmelooliveira1426]

that's so cool! I love it!

[@boojunkles]

I can't wait myself to start as a Drag King!

[@lukemcright3892]

oh my god I love those kings and I want them to succeed- such a shame you never hear as much about drag kings

[@dontworryimhilarious.9263]

I wish Drag King Race show♡

[@roisinoakman4901]

These drag kings look awesome

[@minilcos9046]

wish there was a place like that in Wales. :( love to meet up with other drag kings :D

[@lostinthelookingglas]

This is awesome

[@christianchinchilla6647]

Adam is both way more manlier and attractive than I am 😍😭😍

[@XenaBenson]

''There are more things in heaven and earth,horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.''

[@calmal575]

ADAM ALL is such a good performer I saw him at Rotherham pride 💙💙

[@lydialott8592]

yes

[@anneeace4757]

I love this

[@melricho6934]

Jack the lad is super passable

[@colbyrain5951]

I would hecking love to do this

[@faolanthealpha5827]

I've never felt such a sense of longing in my life...This is the life a want!

[@MegaSonglover99]

i went to a high school GSA Conference yesterday and I've fallen in love with Drag Kings😍 "he" was lip syncing and grinding😍 it was like 😍😍

[@ringotaurez]

love it guys xx

[@Radio1Newsbeat]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Have you been to see any Drag King performances?

[@pirana9745]

which song is playing at 07:30? its sounds very familiar

[@kookiebobatea1723]

What's the name of the song at 4:29? :D

[@JW-cvnt]

Adam all is my favorite drag king ever.

[@angellan8706]

ADAM IS FREAKING HANDSOME AND JEN IS PRETTY! OHMYGOODNESS

[@chacha_rouge]

what's the song played at 4:05 ?

[@tandysaysyoucandoanything6758]

Feeling jazzy 2:12 🤣❤️❤️❤️

[@mikoj5788]

Still waiting for Drag king race lol it would be amazing

[@funnyramen2544]

I love drag queens/kings

[@agnesswitaj6364]

Richard von wild looks kinda like Crowley from Supernatural. Love it!

[@angelsspirit154]

I really want to try doing proper drag... I've kinda half done it before but I've never taped my boobs or packed. Gonna try it when I get back home (I'm studying abroad right now) and have access to my makeup and wardrobe

[@calinfus80s]

Kaz is really smart doing Jack the Lad, overly masculine expressions like hip hop culture are amazing sources of material for drag kings, i would suggest latin reggaeton scene too, have you seen J Balvin's videos?, damn, reggaeton singers are like peacocks, hotness!!!!!!

[@angelacooper8973]

We need more drag kings!!!! I want a RuPauls drag race with drag kings!!!

[@asiagobagels5464]

Adam all is super

[@bsb0801]

I would love to drag king once. But I would look just like my dad and this is terrific.

[@manischkreativ8868]

Cutiful

[@wessyde9476]

YES! YES! YES!

[@velvethunder]

To everyone in the comment section that wants to be a drag king,when you make plz comment your drag name down below so i can follow you on social media and attend your shows.Thank you...wish you all the best 💙💙💙

[@queerulantin6431]

YASSS

[@katisasaltymelon6838]

The packer helicopter made me cackle.