Photo credit: houston.eater.com
When comparing drag kings to their queen counterparts, some performers like Jack Hammer-Dandy stand out for their less flamboyant yet impactful styles. Clad in a banana-yellow three-piece suit and adorned with square-rimmed glasses, Hammer-Dandy’s presence on stage channels a distinct vibe, one reminiscent of a classic film character rather than a typical drag queen. However, as he captivates the audience with his charismatic moves and sultry expressions, it becomes clear that his appeal extends beyond mere appearance. Drag kings traditionally possess a unique ability to engage and connect with their audiences, often without the elaborate costumes that drag queens might favor.
Barry Mii Dandy, another member of the Dandy drag family, offers a different take on the drag king experience. As he strutted onto the stage in a whimsical pastel clown outfit, complete with a painted face and playful mustache, he enchanted the audience with his lively performance set to Janelle Monae’s “Tightrope.” Guests showered him with fake dollar bills intended for the Mint Julep’s annual benefit for Legacy Community Health, illustrating the community’s appreciation for drag artistry.
That evening attracted several hundred attendees, marking it as one of the largest audiences the Dandy Drag Kings would perform for throughout the year. True to their spirit of community support, they performed without pay, adhering to a common trend among many drag kings.
A series of interviews conducted by Eater Houston with local drag kings illuminate an ongoing challenge in the Houston performance scene: many find themselves performing for no remuneration. Some venues consistently prioritize drag queens while ignoring the potential of drag kings, leading to limited opportunities and a yearning for greater acknowledgment and representation in the local art form. This struggle is frequently attributed to the insufficient mainstream recognition of drag king artistry, leaving Houston’s drag kings to carve out their niche in an environment they believe largely overlooks their contributions.
“We’re still fighting for our percentage of the stage,” asserts Sir Debonair, an award-winning drag king. He highlights the frustration felt by many performers regarding the lack of acknowledgement for their tireless work. “Not being recognized for the hard work we have accomplished is just as messed up as not paying us.”
Although many of the drag kings in Houston have only been active for a few years, the tradition of drag kings is steeped in history. Historically, drag kings—individuals assigned female at birth who portray masculine characters—have graced stages in the U.S. since the 19th century. They first emerged in contexts like vaudeville to entertain male audiences by adopting exaggerated male personas. During the 20th century, drag performances became more tightly woven into the LGBTQ community, often taking place under secrecy in response to anti-cross-dressing laws.
In Houston, drag kings have been performing publicly since the early 2000s, with notable performances such as the Backstreet Boys-themed act by the Front Alley Girls at the 2001 Houston Pride Parade and various shows at the now-closed Chances Bar.
“We’re still fighting for our percentage of the stage.”
Houston Gendermyn, a gender-variant drag troupe founded in 2007 with support from the Austin-based Kings and Things, worked to foster awareness about the diversity of gender identities among its members while challenging gender binaries. One member, Robin Mack, emphasized the fluidity of gender in drag performance.
Pearl Bar, the sole remaining lesbian bar in Houston, serves as a hub for drag king performances. Here, Ian Syder-Blake established the Kings of Houston troupe after experiencing difficulty finding venues willing to showcase drag kings. Owner Julie Mabry ensures that her performers receive pay for their work, adding a layer of support that is often lacking elsewhere in the local scene.
Despite drag queen shows frequently garnering more popularity, Syder-Blake insists that the artistry involved in drag king performances is akin to that of their queen counterparts, characterized by the exaggerated performance of gender roles.
Mabry’s willingness to engage with drag kings laid the groundwork for the troupe’s exposure and subsequent expansion to other venues such as Barcode and Michael’s Outpost. This symbiosis further enriched the local drag landscape.
Syder-Blake’s introduction to drag in 2013 marked a turning point for him personally. Encouraged by the vibrant performance scene, he embraced the comedy and creativity inherent in drag, eventually leading him to become a pillar of the local community.
As a self-proclaimed “drag dad,” Syder-Blake has influenced many newer kings, offering guidance through performances and workshops to foster future talent.
In 2024, the drag scene welcomed new leadership when Juecee, a security guard and drag king, took over the Kings of Houston, reviving past connections and bringing a sense of celebration to the performances. “We’re all back. … It was just a big reunion,” he reflects on the invigorating atmosphere of his first show.
While many performers find joy in expressing themselves through drag, others face obstacles related to identity and performance pressures. Zestiel Celestial, a 26-year-old transfeminine and nonbinary individual, recalls his initial attempts at drag as being more fitting as a drag queen, despite his evolving understanding of masculinity. He ultimately found fulfillment in performing as a drag king, describing it as an opportunity to express a part of himself he had long felt unavailable.
Barry Mii Dandy’s eclectic style blurs traditional expectations, opting for playful pastels as well as slick masculine looks. His evolution challenges both performer and audience preconceptions about drag kings and what they can embody on stage.
Many drag kings in Houston share a sentiment of being less respected and sought after compared to drag queens, particularly considering the overwhelming visibility of drag queens through commercial media. A significant portion of the public remains unaware of drag kings entirely, fostering an uphill battle for recognition and acceptance.
“Drag kings are people who have no problem wavering from femininity to masculinity, and they kind of invite that magic of that process into their life.”
During the Mint Julep event, the disparity between drag kings and queens was starkly visible backstage. While queens enjoyed spacious green rooms equipped with professional makeup stations, drag kings shared a cramped area, underscoring the differences in resources and recognition.
Previous venues like Hamburger Mary’s once offered supportive platforms for new drag talent, but Mii’s experience there revealed a troubling lack of attention for drag kings compared to their queen counterparts. Despite his contributions, Mii felt sidelined and faced numerous challenges in securing consistent performance opportunities.
In 2024, the climate surrounding drag performers is more precarious as legislative threats loom. Following controversy surrounding proposed bills targeting drag performances in Texas, Syder-Blake reported a decrease in audience attendance and a rise in hostile interactions during performances. This environment poses challenges as performers navigate an increasingly polarized cultural landscape.
“I feel like through my drag, I get to express the boy I never got to be.”
Despite setbacks, drag performers like Celestial remain vigilant, calling attention to efforts needed to counter new threats against drag and LGBTQ representation. Though challenges abound, drag kings are committed to fighting for their place in Houston’s vibrant drag culture.
Even without the visibility of mainstream platforms, Houston’s drag kings are dedicated to enriching the local scene and amplifying their presence in the broader dialog surrounding drag in Texas. Sir Debonair aims to elevate the Houston drag community to stand alongside renowned drag scenes in locales such as Los Angeles and New York City through projects like the recently launched Crowned Illusions.
The Houston drag king scene has shown promising growth over the years, with more opportunities for collaboration and competition emerging. Kings are beginning to gain the recognition they have long sought, navigating an ever-evolving landscape within the art form that is continuously reshaping itself.
“We’re going to continue to grow. We’re going to continue to make it,” Celestial expresses a sense of hope for the future. “If it took us six years to get to this point, I’m pretty sure that in another six years, we’re going to own this shit.”
Source
houston.eater.com