The Duality of a Drag King

By Justin Abit

Growing up with limited exposure and knowledge around gender expression, I was one of many who were called a 'tomboy'. I pushed back against the femininity that was expected of me and felt torn between two halves for most of my life. When I finally discovered drag, I felt gender euphoria for the first time. I learned there was more to explore when it came to gender and how we are expected to present ourselves. I told myself that I would represent masculinity in a way that was gentler than what I had experienced growing up. I like to show that masculinity can be hard and soft all at once. Both humble and noble. It's important to find balance, but also accept that two opposing truths can exist simultaneously. The more we accept that our gender expression is not simply one way or the other... we can accept that we may blend and express ourselves more freely and genuinely. 

For my King Triton look, I was exploring the notion of fatherhood and accepting that our ideals may not transfer to our children, and that you must be open to hearing their thoughts, even when they oppose your own. I also wanted to bring awareness to the ocean as a vital need for our survival.  

-Photographer: Jon-Christian Ashby @jonchristianashby  

-Wig: Sean Malmas @MadebyMalmas 

-Arm wraps, fins and belt: Anis @oh_darah   

-Cape: Sarah Dunsdon @lyfe_designstudio 

-Makeup, chest, crown and shoulder armor by me

The white coat look took inspiration from Harry Styles and Elton John – respected artists that push the boundaries of what they wear to express themselves. Especially at the time that Elton came up, being queer and really only having the outlet to express himself because he was a rockstar. Harry is a heart throb, and the fact he embraces a softer fashion style bucks traditional masculinity.  

-Photographer: Rory McLeod @rory.mcleod.photography  

-Pants: Sarah Dunsdon @lyfe_designstudio 

-Otherwise styled by me (shoes are vintage Demonia)

The dark look with the sword was about exploring the concept of "everyone's hero is someone's villain". Both can be true at once. When you are asked to make decisions that will impact two groups of people in different ways, you are bound to make enemies. Stand behind your decisions... but be open to hearing opposing ideas and growing or adapting as needed. 

-Photographer: Rory McLeod @rory.mcleod.photography  

-Styling and makeup by me 

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Bio: Justin Abit (he/him) is a Drag King based near Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He's been winning hearts since 2020, making top five on Season 2 of Call Me Mother, and winning 2nd place (Imperial Duke) in 2023 at the Emerald City Kings Ball. When developing his drag, sometimes it starts with a piece of clothing, and sometimes it begins when he hears a song and it makes him think of a story he can tell. Justin has inspired so many to pursue their dreams. He connects with people all over the world through his art and playful expression of masculinity. You can follow Justin on Instagram: @justin.abit.dragking