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Drag Kings: the rise of male-impersonating performers
As the vibrant colors of the rainbow decorate the streets and celebrations come alive, Pride Month serves as a reminder of the diverse range of identities within the LGBTQ+ community. One such identity that has gained significant recognition and appreciation is that of the drag king.
What is a Drag King?
Drag kings are female-identifying performers who dress and perform in a masculine way. They use their art to explore gender identity, sexuality, and self-expression. Similarly to their counterparts, drag queens, drag kings create larger-than-life characters, showcasing their creativity and talent through live performances.
The roots of drag king performances can be traced back to the early 20th century, when female impersonation shows gained popularity in vaudeville theaters. These shows primarily featured women who dressed in men’s clothing and portrayed male characters. However, the modern concept of drag kings as we know them today emerged in the 1990s during the rise of queer and transgender visibility.
Drag kings began to carve out their own space within the LGBTQ+ community, challenging traditional gender norms and pushing boundaries. They embraced the idea that gender is performative and not solely based on biological sex. Drag kings bring attention to the fluidity and diversity of gender expression, providing an avenue for exploration and celebration.
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Like any form of drag performance, drag kings meticulously craft their personas, costumes, and acts to create a captivating stage presence. Through makeup, prosthetics, and costuming, drag kings transform themselves into charismatic, exaggerated male characters. Their performances often include lip-syncing, dancing, comedy routines, and theatrical storytelling, all designed to engage and entertain the audience.
Drag kings showcase a wide spectrum of masculinity, ranging from hyper-masculine personas to more androgynous or genderqueer presentations. They play with societal expectations of what it means to be a man, often subverting stereotypes and challenging conventional notions of masculinity. By doing so, they create space for conversations about gender identity and the performance of gender in our society.
Drag kings play a crucial role in expanding the visibility of queer identities and experiences. Their performances provide a platform for self-expression and empowerment, challenging the notion that there is a singular way to be masculine or male. Drag kings have been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and breaking down barriers within the LGBTQAI+ community and beyond.
Moreover, drag kings often use their performances to raise awareness about social and political issues affecting marginalized communities. They address topics such as gender equality, toxic masculinity, and the struggles faced by transgender individuals. Through their art, drag kings foster dialogue, empathy, and understanding, creating opportunities for education and acceptance.
Also Read: ‘Más Que Pride’: A Thought-Provoking Artistry Series at LATV
Step-by-step: three Drag King makeup ideas
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1- Classic Masculine Look:
- Start with a clean-shaven face or use makeup to create a more defined jawline.
- Apply foundation or concealer to even out the skin tone, focusing on creating a matte finish.
- Define the eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil or shadow, giving them a thicker and more angular shape.
- Use a matte, neutral eyeshadow palette to create subtle definition on the eyelids.
- Apply a thin line of eyeliner along the upper lash line to enhance the eyes without creating a dramatic effect.
- Use contouring powder or bronzer to sculpt the cheekbones and jawline, creating a more masculine appearance.
- Finish the look with a nude or slightly tinted lip balm for a natural, understated effect.
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2- Androgynous Style:
- Apply a light foundation or tinted moisturizer for a natural, glowing complexion.
- Use a brow pencil or shadow to lightly fill in the eyebrows, keeping them well-groomed but not overly defined.
- Apply a neutral eyeshadow shade all over the eyelids, blending it out for a soft, diffused look.
- Enhance the eyes by tightlining the upper lash line with a dark eyeliner pencil.
- For a touch of femininity, add a coat of mascara to the upper lashes.
- Apply a subtle contour shade to define the cheekbones, but avoid harsh lines.
- Complete the look with a lip color that leans towards a natural, rosy hue.
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3- Theatrical or Character Look:
- Start with a clean canvas, ensuring a smooth and even base with foundation or concealer.
- Experiment with bold, contrasting eyeshadow colors to create a dramatic and eye-catching effect.
- Use eyeliner to define and shape the eyes, creating a more intense and expressive look.
- Apply false eyelashes to add drama and heighten the overall impact of the eyes.
- Play with contouring to exaggerate certain features of the face, such as the cheekbones or nose.
- Experiment with different lip colors, from deep and rich shades to bright and vivid hues, depending on the character or style you wish to portray.
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