Accessorized with beards, mustaches, and an engaging sense of humor, the Iowa City Drag Kings diminish the notion of gender norms through unabashed entertainment.

The Kings will perform at the Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., at 9:30 p.m. today. Formed in 2009, this group of women takes on the full persona of various men that range from “mysterious foreigners” to “class clowns,” complete with costumes and character names such as Hugh Jindapants, Franky D. Lover, Johnny Derp, and Julius Fever.  

Erin McMeen, the Mill events manager, said the group members are enjoyable to work with. 

“They are a great group of people who always put on a great show,” she said. “Word of mouth travels fast in Iowa City, so they always bring in a great crowd with them as well.” 

Not only do the members aim to entertain, they are also outspoken in the concept of gender-bending and the importance of acceptance. Each year, the troupe performs at a variety of Pride events, including World Pride in Toronto. In 2013, it also performed at University of Iowa Honors Program fundraiser for domestic-violence awareness. 

“It’s something you certainly don’t get to see every day, and we love the change of pace,” McMeen said. 

Tickets for tonight’s performance cost $5 and audience members are restricted to those 19 or older after 10 p.m.

— by Jasmine Putney