Years active
1994 – Present
1994 – 1999, 2000 – 2009, 2010 – 2019, 2020 – 2029
Stage Name(s)
San Francisco Drag King contest
Category
Drag Kings
Country of Origin
USA
Birth – Death
1994 –
Bio
The San Francisco Drag King Contest began in 1994, and has remained a popular annual drag king event. In 2025, the Guinness Book of World Records awarded the SFDK Contest the longest-running drag king competition in the world. This bio focuses on the years 1994-1999.
Please see the bios under 2000-2009, 2010-2019, 2020-2029
The San Francisco Drag King Contest is the longest running annual drag king contest in the world. The start of the contest in the early 1990s marked a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history, showcasing the talents and creativity of up and coming drag kings. The contest, held in the heart of a city known for its progressive values, not only challenged the traditional gender norms of drag performance but also gave visibility to a previously underrepresented art form. Featuring the eminent performer and producer, Drag King Legend Fudgie Frottage with other celebrity MC’s and guest judges, this annual contest has grown in popularity and structure, solidifying its place in the local LGBTQ+ cultural landscape. The contest’s legacy endures, serving as an inspiration for drag king scenes across the world and contributing to the broader LGBTQ+ movement’s push for inclusivity, diversity, and the celebration of all forms of self-expression.
In 1993, the first iteration of what would become the San Francisco Drag King Contest occurred. The show was produced by The LAB as a drag king contest at the DNA Lounge (1). The event was conceived as a way to provide a platform for drag kings who had often been overlooked in the drag community which was predominantly centered around drag queens. It was hosted by Elvis Herselvis and Justin Vivian Bond. Stafford was declared the winner.
In 1994, the First Annual Drag King Competition took place at the SF Eagle (2) with Elvis Herselvis as MC, judges Stafford, Joan Jett Blakk, Valerie Chabaux, DJ Stefanie Phillips. BJ was declared the winner.
At the same time drag kings were appearing at DragStrip (3), a monthly drag and burlesque show produced by Fudgie Frottage (Lu Read); Klubstitute, a weekly queer punk event that took place in various locations produced by Diet Popstitute (Michael Collins) and DJ Alvin a Go-Go (Alvin Orloff); and Club Confidential (4), a monthly 1930’s speakeasy soirée produced by Stafford and Jordy Jones at Paula’s Clubhouse and at The Embassy Lounge.
The contest was on hiatus during 1995-1996, but drag king momentum was gaining visibility and prestige with a cover story in The SF Weekly, Hillbillies On The Moon, the first drag king musical at Theatre Rhinoceros, and drag king contests such as The Mr. Trannyshack competition produced by Heklina at The Stud (5), and Mr. Klubstitute produced by Diet Popsititute at various locations.
In 1997, Fudgie Frottage (Lu Read) became the producer and developed the San Francisco Drag King Contest into the format which continues to this day. This contest is one of the longest-running drag king contests, reflecting its enduring legacy in promoting gender fluidity and performance artistry within the queer community. The event in 1997 featured a ‘More for Les’ fundraiser for Leslie Feinberg.
This annual event has featured Fudgie Frottage and Sister Roma as MC’s, a host of guest star judges and performances by former title holders. Known for its diverse, inclusive, and creative performances, the contest has consistently showcased the talents of drag kings from all over the world, cementing its reputation as one of the most important events of its kind.
Contestants are judged on talent, creativity, studliness, sex appeal, originality, humor, make-up/facial hair, and fashion by celebrity judges. The main requirement is that the drag kings come from the San Francisco Bay Area. Contestants vie for the title SF Drag King of the Year, a crown and in-kind gift packages from various sponsors. The SF Drag King Contest has been held at Oasis (6) since 2015.
Here is the list of all the contests by year from 1994-1999 which include the winners, MC’s, guest judges, producer, location, performances, and contestants.
References
“About us”, San Francisco Drag King Contest, Fudgie Frottage, accessed March 20, 2025, http://sfdragkingcontest.com/aboutus.php
Notes
- The LAB at DNA Lounge
- The DNA Lounge 375 11th St. San Francisco, CA 94103
- The Eagle 398 12th St. San Francisco, CA 94103
- DragStrip was held in The DNA Lounge 375 11th St. San Francisco, CA 94103
- Club Confidential started at Paula’s Clubhouse 3160 16th St. San Francisco, CA 94103 then moved to The Embassy Lounge 610 Polk St. San Francisco, CA 94102. It lasted from 1995 to 2000
- The Stud 399 Ninth St. San Francisco, CA 94103
- Oasis 298 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
SFDK 4 – 1999
The fourth official SFDK was held at the DNA Lounge with multiple celebrity hosts, judges and performers. Barry “Fresh” White wins SFDK4 at DNA Lounge impersonating Barry White with a glorious, choreographed rendition of “You’re My Everything”. Judges are: Bea Dazzler, Skeeter, Michelle Tea, Joan Jett Blakk, Crush Velvet and Duke, SFDK2. Leigh Crow, “Artist Formerly Known as Elvis Herselvis” MCs.
WINNER of SFDK 4: Barry “Fresh” White
MC’s: Leigh Crow
Judges: Bea Dazzler, Skeeter, Michelle Tea, Joan Jett Blakk, Crush Velvet, Duke.
Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)
Location: DNA Lounge 375 11th St. San Francisco, CA
SFDK 3 – 1998
The third official SFDK was held at the DNA Lounge with multiple celebrity hosts, judges and performers. The winner is Arty Fishal aka Super Fishal aka Leslie Einhorn performing “Me and Mrs. Jones” with Shirely U. Gest aka Karlyn Lotney aka Fairybutch. Performers include The Dodge Brothers (Harry Dodge, Silas Flipper), Vinnie and Mario Testeroni appear as Possum & Squirrel, Deena Davenport, Lori Naslund aka Has Uber Easy, Texas Tomboy and Denise Laws are celebrity judges.
WINNER of SFDK 3: Arty Fishal
MC’s: Elvis Herselvis, Jordan LaMoore
Judges: Deena Davenport, Lori Naslund, Texas Tomboy, Denise Laws
Performances by: Shirely U. Gest, The Dodge Brothers, Vinnie and Mario Testeroni
Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)
Location: DNA Lounge 375 11th St. San Francisco, CA
SFDK 2 – 1997
The second annual Drag King Contest was held in 1997 at The King Street Garage as part of a benefit for Les Feinberg “More for Les”, organized by Jordy Jones. The winner is Duke aka Cooper Lee Bombardier, who is on the cover of “The Drag King Book” by Del La Grace Volcano and Judith “Jack” Haberstam.
WINNER of SFDK 2: Duke
MC’s: Elvis Herselvis, Joan Jett Blakk
Judges: Rodney Austin O’Neil, Erin O’Neill
Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)
Location: The King Street Garage, 174 King Street in San Francisco, CA
(skipped 1995-1996)
The contest was on hiatus at this time, but drag king momentum was gaining visibility and prestige with a cover story in the SF Weekly, and Hillbillies On The Moon, the first drag king musical at Theatre Rhinoceros.
SFDK 1 – 1994
The First Annual Drag King Competition, which later became the SF Drag King Contest was on Wednesday, May 18th 1994 at The Eagle produced by Mr. Nancy Kravitz and Katherine Murty and judged by Club Confidential hosts Stafford and Jordy Jones.
WINNER of SFDK 1: BJ
MC’s: Elvis Herselvis
Judges: Stafford, Joan Jett Blakk, Valerie Chabaux
Producer: Mr. Nancy Kravitz, Katherine Murty
DJ: Stefanie Phillips
Location: The Eagle 398 12th Street San Francisco, CA 94103
(Submitted by: Sister Stella Believin’ Magick and Fudgie Frottage, San Francisco, CA)
