New Kings on the Block

Drag king workshops originated from the need to create safe spaces for queer people (especially trans and nonbinary AFAB folks). Desire, identity, love, pleasure, and power are all constructions that intersectionally build upon the white male gaze in a binary way. Queers who do not fit into the prescribed norm get excluded from the right to desire, exist, love, and feel pleasure. In this workshop, through a creative play with drag king performances, participants develop meaningful experiences around these concepts, deconstructing and reappropriating them on their terms. But most importantly, they share the process with others with similar life experiences and struggles—creating an intimate, powerful bond that stays with them after the workshop. Societal norms push queers to be isolated from one another; hence this bond represents a crack in the norm. The power resides in coming together and entirely celebrating our existence.

Directed by Erika Lust, New Kings on the Block leans on a strong ensemble — Diosa Mor, Casey Calvert, Jean Ambar — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2022.