2000 – 2009 San Francisco Drag King Contest (SFDK)

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 – Present

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 2000-2009. 

1994 – 1999, 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 2000-2009 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

1. The LAB at DNA Lounge
2. The DNA Lounge 375 11th St. San Francisco, CA 94103
3. The Eagle 398 12th St. San Francisco, CA 94103
4. DragStrip was held in The DNA Lounge 375 11th St. San Francisco, CA 94103
5. 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
6. The Stud 399 Ninth St. San Francisco, CA 94103
7. Oasis 298 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

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SFDK 14 – 2009

The fourteenth official SFDK was held August 16th, 2009 with multiple celebrity hosts, judges and performers. Delicio Del Toro wins the Title with a wildly entertaining multimedia Lucha Libre number complete with a pinata, tortillas and a big thick burrito grande! Hamm Graham and The Wham Bam Thank You Ma’ams are First Runners up with an insane rendition of “Jukebox Hero” complete with a most realistic port-a-potty prop, and Mickey Finn placed Second Runner Up with a gorgeously choreographed rendition of “Lola”. Judges Rusty Hips, Anna Conda, Jay Walker and Simone de la Getto were performing all sorts of stunts throughout the evening. Sister Roma joined Fudgie as co-emcee.

WINNER of SFDK 14: Delicio Del Toro

First Runner Up: Hamm Graham and The Wham Bam Thank You Ma’ams

Second Runner Up: Mickey Finn

MC’s: Sister Roma, Fudgie Frottage

Special Guest: Shack “The Shack” Shackwell [plus another?]

Judges:  Rusty Hips, Anna Conda, Jay Walker, Simone de la Getto, Arty Fishal,

Performances by: The Indra, The Cricket Bardot Dancers, , East Bay Kings Club, Momma’s Boyz, DeeDee Luxe, Fella Fem, Papa Don Preach, Thee Merry Widows

Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)

DJ: Juanita More

Visuals: Vis-a-vis

Location: DNA Lounge 375 11th St. San Francisco, CA

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SFDK 13 – 2008

The thirteenth official SFDK was held on August 16th, 2008 at SOMArts with multiple celebrity hosts, judges and performers. Papa Don Preach, performing as a King for the very first time ever steals the show with a live version of George Michaels’ “Father Figure”. Fella-Fem wins Best Troupe with a super hot medley and because they are “hung like Jesus”. Del Toro takes First Runner Up and another newcomer, Dexter James takes Second Runner Up. Honorable Mentions go to: Seimen Marcus for Best Ass, Manny Nuff for Best Name and Hank Zalen for Best Lip-sync (“Sweet Child ‘O Mine”).

WINNER of SFDK 13: Papa Don Preach

First Runner Up: Delicio Del Toro

Second Runner Up: Dexter James

Best Troupe: Fella-Fem

Best Ass: Seimen Marcus

Best Name: Manny Nuff

Best Lip-sync: Hank Zalen performing “Sweet Child ‘O Mine”

MC’s: Fudgie Frottage, The Indra

Special Guest: Electro, The Pop and Lock King

Judges: Simone de la Getto,  Buck Naked, Sister Roma

Performances by: Fakin’ Aiken, The Pacmen, Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, The Mighty Slim Pickins

Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)

Visuals: Vis-a-vis

Location: SOMArts, 934 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94103

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SFDK 12 – 2007

The twelfth official SFDK was held on August 13th, 2007 at SOMArts with multiple celebrity hosts, judges and performers. Pete Sake won the solo King title with his flawless rendition of an obscure but catchy ’60s tune, “Bird on the Second Floor,” dressed as a corrections officer with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie impersonators as back-up dancers. The Pacmen from Sacramento’s Kings of Drag, won Best Troupe performance with their impeccable choreography to a Motown medley by the Temptations. First runner-up went to Fakin’ Aiken aka Rock Candy, who did an amazing Clay Aiken impersonation. Delicio Del Toro placed Second Runner Up for his hilarious Chippendale-inspired lip-sync and dance routine, complete with stripper pole. Judges awarded Seymour Sinn, best lip-sync, for his amazing rendition of “Sweet Transvestite” and Jack Dup won best live performance. Judges were: Sister Roma, Animal and Simone de la Getto. The Event was held at SomArts.

WINNER of SFDK 12: Pete Sake

First Runner Up: Fakin’ Aiken

Second Runner Up: Delicio Del Toro

Best Troupe: The Pacmen

Troupe Runner Up: Citizen Kings

Best Lip-sync: Seymour Sinn performing “Sweet Transvestite”

Best Live Performance: Jack Dup

MC’s: Fudgie Frottage, The Indra 

Special Guest: Animal (of Bitch and Animal)

Judges:  Sister Roma, and Simone de la Getto

Performances by: Bernard Incrediballs, Afro Disiac, Papi Cock, L. Ron Hubby, Seiman Marcus

Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)

Visuals: Vis-a-vis

Location: SOMArts, 934 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94103

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SFDK 11 – 2006

The eleventh official SFDK was held Sunday, July 20th, 2006 at SOMArts with multiple celebrity hosts, judges and performers. In a stellar, balls out competition, Buck Naked won the solo king title. Contrary to his name, Buck executed a dapper persona, flawlessly lipsyncing a classy tune, “This business of Love” complete with two stunning back-up dancers.

The Slickk Bois from Sacramento won the title for best troupe with their thought provoking and well-choreographed medley which included Violent Femmes “Add it up”. Afro Disiak and Citizen Kings were runners up. Judges were: Alotta Boutté, Lynnee Breedlove, Shelly Mars and Kielbasia. Fudgie was presented with a Proclamation from The City of SF, by way of Tom Ammiano, officially declaring the date as “Drag King Day.” 

WINNER of SFDK 11: Buck Naked 

First Runner Up: Afro Disiak

Best Troupe: The Slickk Bois 

Second Place Troupe: Citizen Kings

MC’s: Leigh Crow, Shack “The Shack” Shackwell

Judges: Alotta Boutté, Lynnee Breedlove, Shelly Mars, Kielbasia

Performances by: Jay Walker, Momma’s Boyz, Howie Weenis, Arty Fishal, Pepperspray, Cherry Lix, Twilight Vixen Revue 

Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)

Location: SOMArts, 934 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94103

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SFDK 10 – 2005

The 10th Year Anniversary show was held in 2005 at the DNA Lounge with multiple celebrity hosts, judges and performers. The competition is extra fierce forcing the judges Simone de la Getto, Diana Cage, Skeeter, Jordan L’Moore, Drew Montana & Tin Hardware (Transformers) to announce both individual and troupe winners. Solo King is Jay Walker who wowed the crowd with his flawless Prince impersonation and medley complete with genderqueer back-up studs The Cockivores. Momma’s Boyz win Best Troupe with their barrage of sexy live hip hop vocals and outstanding dancers! Citizen Kings take Second place troupe — their political acumen draws an “off the meter” applause reaction from the audience. Dick Van Dyke wins first runner up solo with his naughty rendition of “Chim-Chim-Cheree”. WOOD “hard rock, fake cock” opens the show followed by a steamy rendition of “Fever” choreographed by the Diamond Daggers complete with MC’s Fudgie & Rusty. Gina Schock of The Go-Go’s appears as a special guest DJ. Benefit for P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Wonderful Support).

WINNER of SFDK 10: Jay Walker

First Runner Up: Dick Van Dyke

Best Troupe: Momma’s Boyz

Second Place Troupe: Citizen Kings

MC’s: Rusty Hips as San Bernardino Joe, Fudgie Frottage

Judges: Simone de la Getto, Diana Cage, Skeeter, Jordan L’Moore, Drew Montana, Tin Hardware (Transformers)

Performances by: Momma’s Boyz, Arty Fishal, Jay Walker, Howie Weenis, DeeDee Luxe, WOOD, Diamond Daggers

Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)

DJ: Gina Schock of The Go-Go’s

Location:DNA Lounge 375 11th St. San Francisco, CA

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SFDK 9 – 2004

The ninth official SFDK was held on Thursday, August 19th, 2004 at the DNA Lounge with multiple celebrity hosts, judges and performers. Transformers win with a show-stopping medley and cast of thousands. Tie for First Runner Up: Maximillian Inches & Mr. Goodbar; tie for Second place:Momma’s Boyz,  Dr. Chains. Judges: Cricket Bardot, Precious Moments, Vinsantos and Skeeter. Rusty Hips as San Bernadino Joe and Fudgie Frottage host at DNA Lounge.

WINNER of SFDK 9: Transformers

First Runner Up: Maximillian Inches & Mr. Goodbar

Second Runner Up: Dr. Chains

First Runner Up: Momma’s Boyz

MC’s: Rusty Hips as San Bernardino Joe, Fudgie Frottage

Judges:  Cricket Bardot, Precious Moments, Vinsantos, Skeeter

Performances by: Howie Weenis, Jay Walker, The Indra, Transformers, DeeDeeLuxe, Arty Fishal, Slim Pickins

Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)

Location:  DNA Lounge 375 11th St. San Francisco, CA

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SFDK 8 – 2003

The eighth official SFDK was held Sunday, July 20th, 2003 at SOMArts with multiple celebrity hosts, judges and performers. Max Voltage won SFDK8 performing Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” complete with YoYo and his sister/dance partner Eva Ning. Billy Slick and Johnny Angel place First Runner Up with their homoerotic football jock number, Black Magic with members Fresh White and Papa Dino place Second Runner Up.A ConFab was incorporated with workshops by Jake Danger aka Mel Corn and Arty Fishal aka Leslie Einhorn, as well as a Politics of Drag Panel hosted by A. Toone which included panelists: Judith “Jack” Haberstam author of “The Drag King Book”, The Woodyz opened the show with special guest King singers, Leigh Crow, Shack “The Shack” Shackwell, Fudgie Frottage, Fresh White and Frankie Tenderloin. Portions of the show were televised by Univision/Cable 14 and John Cameron Mitchell, creator of “Hedwig” was in the audience.

WINNER of SFDK 8: Max Voltage

First Runner Up: Billy Slick and Johnny Angel

Second Runner Up: Black Magic

MC’s:  Leigh Crow, Shack “The Shack” Shackwell

Judges: Fudgie Frottage, Fresh White, Frankie Tenderloin

Performances by: ConFab with workshops, The Woodyz with special guest King Singers

Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)

Location: SOMArts, 934 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94103

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SFDK 7 – 2002

The seventh official SFDK was held Thursday August 22nd at Studio Z with multiple celebrity hosts, judges and performers. Rusty Hips wins SFDK7 performing a wildly interpretive “Sir Psycho Sex “ by The Red Hot Chili Peppers with an all star cast including: Vinsantos, Cricket Bardot, Simone de la Getto and Precious Moments. Location: Studio Z, Judges include: Anita Cocktail, Electro the Pop and Lock King, and Skeeter. Leigh Crow and Shack “The Shack” Shackwell MC.

WINNER of SFDK 7: Rusty Hips

MC’s:  Leigh Crow, Shack “The Shack” Shackwell

Judges: Anita Cocktail, Electro the Pop and Lock King, Skeeter

Performances by: Vinsantos, Cricket Bardot, Simone de la Getto, Precious Moments

Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)

Location: Studio Z, 314 11th Street San Francisco, CA 94103

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SFDK 6 – 2001

The sixth official SFDK was held Saturday, July 14th 2001 at SOMArts with multiple celebrity hosts, judges and performers. Howie Weenis aka Vinnie Testosterone aka Vlad Sucker aka Rat Bastard aka Possum aka Malia Spanyol wins SFDK6 in a stunning interpretive dance to a medley of his favorite ‘80’s tunes. The audience pelts him with reams of crumpled up paper — a true tribute to nerds everywhere! Contest took place at SOMArts. Rusty Hips, Mr. Club Fab performs as Billy Idol and places 2nd runner up. Celebrity judges include: Peggy Sue, Miss Chocolate, and Jordy Jones. Leigh Crow MCs.

WINNER of SFDK 6: Howie Weenis 

First Runner Up: Rusty Hips

MC’s: Leigh Crow

Judges: Peggy Sue, Miss Chocolate, and Jordy Jones

Performances by: Rusty Hips, Paul Wanka, Rod Rising, The Woodyz 

Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)

Location: SOMArts, 934 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94103

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SFDK 5 – 2000

The fifth official SFDK was held on Saturday July 15th, 2000 at The King Street Garage with multiple celebrity hosts, judges and performers. Electro the Pop and Lock King aka Cassie Holman wins SFDK 5 at The King Street Garage. Vlad Sucker, Mr Trannyshack is First Runner Up. MC is Leigh Crow, Artist Formerly Known as Elvis Herselvis. Judges include: Arty Fishal, Connie Champagne, Johnny Kat and Riley Morgan.

WINNER of SFDK 5: Electro the Pop and Lock King

First Runner Up: Vlad Sucker

MC’s: Leigh Crow

Judges: Arty Fishal, Connie Champagne, Jonny Kat, and Riley Morgan

Producer: Lu Read (Fudgie Frottage)

Location: The King Street Garage 174 King Street SF, CA 94107

(Submitted by: Sister Stella Believin’ Magick and Fudgie Frottage, San Francisco, CA)