KINGXTAPOSITION

Finding the "thing" that inspires and motivates creation is something every artist strives for. Two years ago, while searching for artistic direction, self-direction and with no “thing” in sight, I took up an invitation to support a friend’s drag king performance. I brought my camera along. The connection I felt watching the kings perform was immediate and intimate. And the chemistry between the kings and my camera was explosive. I returned, camera in tow, the very next show to live it all again. I had to know more, about drag kings and the performers who endow them with some combination of swag, silliness and soul. After reviewing some of my early shots, an idea began to form in my mind: what if this king character had the chance to meet its creator?

 

That idea has come to life.

 

Over the past two years, I have immersed myself in the Washington, DC drag king community and I have changed in ways I never expected. I have found my “thing.” As a member of this community, I have photographed numerous shows, made long-lasting friendships, found a chosen family, and become a drag king myself. This project, which was once a detour on my journey of self-discovery, now has a different perspective and understanding.

 

Drag kings are and have always been more than just women dressing up as men. So many people have found their confidence, their sex appeal, their creativity, and themselves through performing as a drag king. The DC Kings, a Washington, DC based drag king troupe of which I am a member, has a great diversity of performers, including transgender men, non-queer identified women and more.

 

I want to help tell the stories of drag kings and how their lives have expanded along their journeys as performers. I want to illustrate how their drag king alter egos differ and yet are still similar to their everyday selves. These images represent what could happen if a drag king met their host’s persona. 

 

Chris Jay is a professional photographer in the Baltimore/Washington Metro area. To find more information about services and rates, please visit www.chrisjayphoto.com