Avery Cheeseman

Drag is a fundamental piece of queer art and has been around for an extensive period of time. It originated through cross-dressing during Greek theater performances, as women were not allowed on stage, so men would cross-dress as women. Drag has so many influences and has only been gaining steam in the public zeitgeist since “RuPaul’s Drag Race” aired for the first time in 2009. “RuPaul‘s Drag Race” has catapulted drag queens in particular to the top of the drag food chain and has opened up many people’s eyes to the world of drag. This has brought a renaissance of beautiful queer art to the forefront of art conversations. Unfortunately, drag kings do not have the same popularity. Queens often get much more attention and support than kings do. 2025 was the first year that a show dedicated specifically to drag kings was released. That is over 16 years where queens have been given platforms that kings have not. 

It is so exciting to see more focus on drag kings today than there has ever been in the past. The Twin Cities itself is no different. Pippin Panic, a well-known drag king from the Twin Cities and 

current nominee for the first fictional drag awards, is leading the charge. Panic, who is known for his extremely detailed and creative self-designed costumes, innovative artistry, and his goofy yet “take no shit” personality, is helping to open the door for many other kings and things to have space to express themselves. Panic hosted another drag Kings and Things show this past 

Thursday, which was put on by the Haus of Hades as a fundraiser for Smitten Kitten and the Pride Cultural Art Center. 

The show had roughly twelve acts and had a full drag thing and drag king cast with only one queen involved. The show also had a raffle to directly support these two organizations that are actively creating change in our own community. Smitten Kitten has been a foundational piece in the resistance against the current occupation. They have direct information and ways to help families affected. The Pride Cultural Art Center runs a food shelf and a warming center to support local struggling LGBTQ+ families. The show itself was absolutely fantastic! There was a large variety in the performances. Some performances were statements against Operation Metro Surge and the occupation that we are currently experiencing. While other drag artists 

focused more on fun, freaky, and hilarious numbers. We even got two Bad Bunny renditions in the same night! Both kings had a completely different take on him. Ty Torres, in particular, had a heart-gripping performance that featured the song “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii.” 

One thing that I know for sure after seeing this show is that the Twin Cities have a wealth of drag king and drag thing talent here. However, what’s even more important to mention is that the drag artists here truly care for the community and those who inhabit the Twin Cities. Artistry and community are what we need in times like these. Supporting folks who are actively fighting in our own community is one of the best ways that we can show resistance today.