This long-haired lothario of NYC drag is relatively new to the scene, but is already giving life to many. Pride Month is a great time to get to know Julius Nicoy! [Cover photo: Angel Rivera]
Thotyssey: Julius, Hello! Thanks for finding time for us—we know you have a bunch of stuff coming up this weekend!
Julius Nicoy: Hello! Thank you for having me.
How is Pride Month treating you?
It’s been pretty calm so far. I am starting the month off slow, but working my way up to a busier end to the month.
How long have you been a New York drag performer now?
I have been performing in drag in New York for a little over a year now this January — which feels like a lifetime already honestly.
I know the feeling!
Where are you from originally, and what sort of art and performance were you into growing up?
I am originally from a small town in Massachusetts, but I moved to New York in 2022 after living in Las Vegas for almost five years. If you know anything about a New England snowstorm, you’d understand why the desire to move was strong. The weather contrast did it for me! I have always been a creative person, a big crafter–but the core passion was dancing. I started dancing around age six and I took classes of all types, all throughout high school and college.
So what were the circumstances that introduced you to drag and ultimately create Julius?
Ironically, my mom was the first person to introduce me to drag; this was around the time I was in junior-going into-high school. She had somehow come across RuPaul’s Drag Race and thought I would be interested in it based on how the queens painted and roasted each other… probably because she humbles me all the time. Little did she know of the monster she created. This was also around the time that I was discovering Lady Gaga and her music — who is an incredible inspiration to me— and the art she was creating. It just seemed right that those two worlds were merging at the time for me.
I would later go to Boston Pride festivals and would see queens of all sorts just having a time. Drag is almost like an extension of the performance art I was already doing.
Fast forward to moving to New York–the idea of Julius sparked when I started going to shows in Brooklyn. Siobhan the Third’s “Freak Show” and Nicky O’s “Night of a 1000s” were two of the first shows that brought me out here, and I was hooked! Two other major events, Julie J’s “Stand Up NYC” and Murray Hill’s The Big Drag King Show reintroduced me to drag kings —and exceptional ones at that— and that’s when I decided that I wanted to pursue drag as a king.
How would you describe the style and “brand” of drag you do today, as far as looks and numbers go?
I would say that my style is funkadelic, and the essence of “funk” — when music, style, and art reflected that. My character exists in the crossover between Black, queer, and women’s liberation. While I’m often referred to as the disco guy — very 70s-oriented — my style and performances span across different eras: the 80s, early 2000s, and modern day. I’m usually reflecting that rockstar who molds into different shapes and forms. Julius is also a masculine figure, but embraces the excitement of color and vibration (truly feeling the music), as well as the femininity that carries over from my out-of-drag identity. And I always have a curl or hair with some volume — that’s essential!
We’re starting to finally see a larger scene evolve for drag kings and things–in this city at least–and Murray Hill’s upcoming King of Drag streaming competition should broaden visibility of that drag genre. One of New York’s own, Tuna Melt, will even be a featured cast member!
Yes! I’m so excited to see our very own compete for the crown! I’ll be attending some of the watch parties that will be happening around the city. It’s important that our community shows up for kings / things, but also that we do the same for each other.
What are your thoughts about how far multi-gendered drag has evolved, and what still needs to happen?
Since I am a bit newer to the scene and the drag king and thing universe, I can’t say I have the best historical knowledge of how the multi-gendered drag scene has evolved. However I can say that in my experience I can see that a lot of work has been put in place, at least in NYC, for kings to build their way up. I feel like I have had a lot of opportunities to be a part of shows and projects that may not have existed for a king ten, even five years ago. This applies to open stages, competitions, paid bookings, even being a part of the conversation on fair pay and representation. This makes me even more excited to be a part of “Crowned,” produced and hosted by ShowPonii and Myster E. Mel Kiki on June 27 at 3 Dollar Bill.
I simply wasn’t aware of the king / thing community due to a lack of exposure and advocacy. I have much appreciation for the performers before my time who have paved the way, as well as the drag queens who help carve out the space for us. Not only should this continue, but producers should normalize booking kings and things year-round, and ensure that their shows or events offer more than one perspective or aesthetic — and cater to more than one type of audience member.
Let’s get into the gigs! On June 12th you’ll be at Carroll Hall for what looks like a Pride Month night of vendors and performances, care of The Wonder Market.
This is the second annual Carroll Hall Pride Market curated by the Wonder Market, which is a special indoor / outdoor event that will feature the best local independent brands and NYC-based artists. From 3-8pm, there will be a DJ set, refreshments, and of course a sickening drag show at 7:30pm. Should it rain, the alternative date will be June 26.
Then on Friday the 13th (!), “Sissyfest” returns to Rubulad! That will feature a large cast of dynamic performers, as well as vendors.
I am incredibly excited to be a part of this event! There’s going to be so many talented artists on one stage, and at a wonderland of Rubulad no less. I don’t want to give away too much on my performance, but the color purple feels like the right vibe!
On Wed the 18th, I understand you’ll be a part of Cheetah Quila’s monthly Pink Metal draglesque revue, “Night Club Jungle!“
Yes! This month’s show is in celebration of Juneteenth, featuring a cast of black drag and burlesque artists, and performances that relate to our identities, favorite black singers / songwriters, and / or whichever way this holiday means to us through drag. It’s gonna be sickening!
Then Friday, June 20 there’s an event called “Queer Awakenings” at new co-op shop Boyfriend!
This show has a fun theme— it is the “Queer Awakenings Variety Show,” which is all about who our queer awakenings were. While I have quite a few, I will be doing a number based on Natasha Lyonne who is not even queer *gasp* but has long been a fierce ally to the queer community. It is a fundraiser for New Alternatives, which is a resource center for LGBTQIA+ homeless youth in NYC.
Then on the 21st, there’s Cunning Stunt’s show at Club Cumming: “Throne!”
Yes! I am making my “Throne” and Club Cumming debut. It looks like we have a pretty stellar cast!
And tell us more about “Crowned” on Pride Week Friday at 3DB!
I personally think “Crowned” is going to be thee event of Pride Weekend. It’s a three hour production celebrating both seasoned and rising kings and things here in NYC. There will be several performances featuring choreography by Daniel Gold. This is one of the best opportunities to show up and show out for us, especially during Pride month! I know tickets are live now.
All amazing! What else is coming up for you?
I will be competing in “Mx. Nobody 8” this summer. The competition begins July 11 in Coney Island. I am incredibly lucky and grateful to have received a golden ticket to compete this year, amongst several other BIPOC creatives in the scene who also received one. I am cooking up my ensemble as we speak!
Good luck! To close: what’s your favorite item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
Thank you! Great question! It would have to be super strength nail glue, or an extra pair of my jumbo hoop earrings–because seriously, the bigger the hoop, the bigger the… heart.
Happy Pride, Julius!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Julius Nicoy’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram and TikTok.
Thotyssey 