The Evolution of Drag Kingdom: From Inception to Impact
Nov 07, 2024When I started Drag Kingdom, I dreamed of creating a space where Kings of Joy could shine, grow, and connect with an audience ready to celebrate the artistry and heart of Drag.
Now, after five epic shows, Drag Kingdom has become more than a performance; it’s a movement that continues to expand the reach, visibility, and impact of Drag Kings in our community. Here’s a look at how far we’ve come, the milestones we’ve reached, and the incredible difference Drag Kingdom has made along the way.
The Beginnings of Drag Kingdom
August 2022 marked the first-ever Drag Kingdom show, launching with a mission to showcase emerging talent within our Kings of Joy community. What began with a record-breaking debut in August 2022 has grown into the world’s largest ongoing Drag King showcase, bringing together diverse performers and passionate fans alike.
The show was born out of a desire to create a stage exclusively for Kings of Joy, where we could be fully seen and celebrated for our creativity, courage, and talent.
How Far We’ve Come
Since that first event in 2022, Kings of Joy has hosted five powerful shows in August and December 2022, June and November 2023, and most recently, June 2024. Each Drag Kingdom has brought new energy, talent, and connection to our community.
Here are some of the ways Drag Kingdom has grown:
- 575 tickets sold – That’s 575 members of our community saying, “YES! I want to support Drag Kings!”
- 158 Kings of Joy have performed – With each show, more Kings step into their personas, with many returning for multiple performances.
- 26 new Kings have signed up for Kings of Joy – The stage has inspired others to take that first leap into drag and join us as part of the Kings of Joy family.
- 41 places paid forward – Thanks to the generosity of our community, 41 aspiring Kings have been able to participate in the Kings of Joy Gold Stars program, an initiative dedicated to nurturing first-time Drag Kings and making drag accessible to all.
Making a Difference Beyond the Stage
Beyond the joy and spectacle of each Drag Kingdom night, the impact of these shows has reached even further. Over the past five shows, Drag Kingdom has raised $3,896.34 for our queer refugee friends fleeing persecution in Uganda, where their very identities put their lives at risk. Each dollar has been a step toward safety and a brighter future for those in urgent need of support. Drag Kingdom isn’t just about us; it’s about giving back to our global queer family, fostering resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.
The Power of Community and Connection
Drag Kingdom has always been about more than the performances. For so many, it’s a space where they feel seen, celebrated, and connected. The shows have inspired 100% smiles from both the audience and performers, creating memories that stay long after the dust settles. The relationships forged within this community are lasting, and the encouragement performers feel – knowing there’s a room full of people cheering them on – is empowering on and off the stage.
A Growing Movement
With each show, Drag Kingdom has continued to grow in both numbers and significance, evolving from a single event into an established tradition that brings our Kings of Joy back together twice a year. New faces join the ranks, seasoned performers return to deepen their artistry, and the community around us continues to expand.
Drag Kingdom has inspired other events, workshops, and ongoing support within the Kings of Joy family, amplifying the message that everyone has a place on our stage.
Drag Kingdom’s journey has been one of growth, impact, and community-building. From a small beginning, we’ve grown into an inclusive, supportive force, and the ripple effects reach far beyond each night of applause. Every ticket sold, every place paid forward, every smile, and every dollar raised is a testament to the power of unity, visibility, and joy in the Drag King community.
Join us on November 14 for our next Drag Kingdom show and become part of this story. Whether you’re in the audience or on stage, your presence makes a difference. If you’ve ever thought about exploring Drag Kinging yourself, the Kings of Joy Gold Stars program is waiting to welcome you. Let’s continue making Drag Kingdom a place where everyone belongs, supports one another, and feels celebrated.
If this history of Drag Kingdom resonates with you, we’d love to have you with us on this journey.
Xx Danica Lani
The King Coach
P.S. Tickets for Drag Kingdom are selling fast, and we don’t want you to miss out! If you’re ready to experience a night like no other, grab your tickets here before they’re gone. We can’t wait to see you there!
Photo credit: 📸 Sarah Malone
