King of Drag winner wants to change toxic idea that kings are ‘inferior to a drag queen’
'It’s hatred of women that puts drag kings in a marginalised space within a marginalised space'
The King of Drag show just crowned its first ever winner, King Molasses, and they’ve got a lot to say about how unfairly drag kings are treated compared to drag queens.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, King Molasses talked about the exclusionary practices that happen within the drag community.
As for how it feels for them to be the first ever crowned drag king, they said: “It doesn’t feel different from a normal day and how I navigate my world and work.
“This moment is so much bigger than me in terms of what this cast represents in media and the show’s groundbreaking nature.
“I situate myself as someone who works hard, and this is what comes with hard work…. This is a stepping stone for us in terms of what we consume and talk about drag.”
King Molasses was then asked if they’d experienced any “exclusionary practices” on the drag circuit, which they confirmed they have.
They explained: ” Do I often get backhanded compliments that speak to the nature of how queens exclude drag kings from rostered shows? Sure.
“Drag queens as show producers make decisions they think are in service of the audience. Drag queens have a smaller market and preconceived notions about performance ability, which will impact how we’re cast.
“I don’t ask for bookings. When queens book me, it’s because they want to. When I’m done, they often share that they’ve never seen a king like me, or that I’m the only king they’d book.
“I appreciate the warmth, but that can be backhanded. I don’t seek to extend my ability in a way that monopolises how you see a drag king. I’m one of many king performers, and I’m taking opportunities to be as visible as possible.”
The King of Drag winner continued: “There’s misogyny in every line of work. The notions around us are underlined because people assume us to be women, and [society doesn’t] respect women.
“It’s hatred of women that puts drag kings in a marginalised space within a marginalised space. I consider that exclusion.
“Most people try to be nice — but, I think people don’t check unconscious biases, so I make sure I’m such a strong enough performer that you can’t rely on bias to count me out.”
For all the latest reality TV cast member news, scandals, gossip and updates – like Reality Shrine on Facebook.