By Gracey Murphy
Speakers buzz as a group of men’s men strut on stage. Bushy beards, slick sideburns, and burly outfits reveal this group’s true identity: the IC Kings.
The IC Kings will perform at Studio 13 tonight in “Hot Bois of Summer.” Studio 13, famously known for being Iowa City’s only LGBTQ bar, boasts a variety of shows involving drag queens throughout its event calendar. For one night each month, however, the spotlight shines, instead, on the drag kings.
(The names included in this article are the drag kings’ pseudonyms;they wished to keep their true identities undisclosed.)
Hugh Jindapants has performed drag since 2009. Since then, Jindapants has participated in shows at bars, universities, pride events, and many other venues.
“After ending an abusive relationship, I had lost my sense of self and sought to not only reconnect but also reinvent myself,” Jindapants said. “Drag and performance art offered an outlet for emotions, recognition, and personal expression that I had never considered before I stepped onto stage in drag.”
IC Kings is one of the only troupes that perform monthly both in the Midwest and throughout the country. The founding members created the group to obtain a more sincere visibility of female participation on queer stages.
Frank D. Lover, a cofounder of IC Kings, started performing with the troupe after dressing in drag for the UI Gay, Lesbian, Transgender & Allied Union, which hosts the annual Drag Ball at the university.
“My favorite thing about doing drag is seeing people’s reactions and hearing how the performances affect their perceptions of gender and their sense of self,” Lover said.
Drag helps many express themselves through performance. The Drag Kings revel in the fun of their shows and also use them as an outlet to comment on relevant social issues.
“Our group has always functioned largely as an entertainment troupe, focused on polished theatrical execution,” Jindapants said. “But we often incorporate important social commentary into our shows as well: donating to organizations, increasing awareness, and creating all-inclusive, welcoming environments.”
At “Hot Bois of Summer,” Jindapants will perform a new duet, a reinterpreted duet, and a piece that draws attention to the Black Lives Matter movement.
The time varies for each king to prepare, but most take about an hour. Some elements of becoming a king include adding facial hair to create the illusion of being a male, flattening breasts, and many other steps to transform — if only for a night — from woman to man.
Tommi Boi, a third-year king, noted the process.
“[The day of the show], I tend to dress more masculine and make sure I’m not wearing any of my feminine makeup,” Boi said. “Once I get home, I have to shower, even if I have showered that day, to use my ‘Tommi’ body wash and deodorant.”
But the most difficult part of being a king is preparing for the actual act, choosing what song to perform, rehearsing it, and deciding on outfits can be a strenuous task.
“I spend so many hours listening to my songs on repeat — to learn the lyrics — that I often despise them by the time I feel ready to perform,” Jindapants said. “Then the stage and audience provide such valuable feedback that I am ready to do it all again next month.”
The Kings performing this month will be Chaz Burger, Jindapants, J.T. Amore, Lover, Matter Adore, and Boi.
“The shows are just about having a good time and breaking stereotypes. We try to have a mix of character so there is something for everyone,” Boi said.” If you’ve never been to a King show, you should definitely come out — we are an impressive bunch of studs.”
Where: Studio 13, 13 S. Linn
When: 9:30 p.m. today
Cost: Free