The drag king scene in Brisbane is thriving, as evidenced by the recent success of the Key to the Kingdom competition at the popular LGBTQIA+ venueCome to Daddy. This year’s event, held on June 12, saw Big Double D emerge victorious, following in the footsteps of last year’s inaugural winner, Stephan Lee Knott.
The competition, which began in 2026, has quickly become a highlight of Brisbane’s queer calendar. This year’s event featured seven talented drag kings who competed over six weeks in various heats, showcasing their skills in talent, music, and costume categories. The grand final, held on June 12, narrowed down the competition to three finalists: Axis BBQ, Big Double D, and Crisco LeDouche.
The Rise of Brisbane’s Drag King Scene
The Key to the Kingdom competition is part of a broader effort to highlight and grow the drag king presence in Brisbane. Billerwell Daye, the owner of Come to Daddy, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “There are lots of competitions and smackdowns happening for drag queens, and the kings can get overlooked. I want to show that support and the spotlight and grow the drag king presence here.”
This sentiment is echoed by the competitors themselves. Big Double D, who debuted their drag king alter ego earlier this year, shared their gratitude for the opportunity. “It’s been such an amazing competition. I’ve met a bunch of new people and pushed myself to do stuff that I didn’t think I could do. I’ve had so many friends and family and people in the community rally around me, I’m just really grateful,” they said.
The Grand Final and Beyond
The grand final was a star-studded affair, with a judging panel that included last year’s winner Stephan Lee Knott, as well as Brisbane drag king legends Archie Arsenic and Zelphia Mann. The panel was completed by Country Dave, the winner of the Daddiest Daddy 2026 pageant, and Come to Daddy’s owner Billerwell Daye.
Big Double D’s victory not only earned them the prestigious stain-glassed Key to the Kingdom but also over $3000 worth of prizes. Their win is a testament to the growing popularity and recognition of drag kings in Brisbane. The venue continues to support the drag king community with monthly events like the 3 Kings night, held on the third Friday of each month, where three talented local drag kings take the stage.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Key to the Kingdom competition has paved the way for more events celebrating drag kings in Brisbane. Come to Daddy has confirmed that the competition will return next year, building on the momentum of this year’s event. Additionally, Brisbane’s LGBTQIA+ arts festival Melt will host the inaugural Mr First Nation pageant later this year, a Blak drag king spin-off of the long-running Miss First Nation pageant.
As the drag king scene continues to evolve and gain recognition, events like Key to the Kingdom play a crucial role in showcasing the talent and diversity within the community. With the support of venues like Come to Daddy and the enthusiasm of performers and audiences alike, the future of drag kings in Brisbane looks bright.
