Detroit native Turned BK F-Boy / drag star on the rise: take a bow for King Cameron!
Thotyssey: Cameron, hello! I hope April is treating you well?
King Cameron: Yes, thank you so much!
Can you tell us how long you’ve been a drag performer now, and how you might describe the type of king you are today as far as looks and numbers go?
Well, I have been doing drag for ten months now. I describe my king as a fuckboy, lol! A very confident king that’s super sexy, and has a lot of sex appeal. As far as numbers go, I do I have a lot of sexy numbers and comedy numbers; I have one number called “Baby Mama Number” because I have several of them… and he can’t help it, he loves the ladies and the ladies love some King Cameron!
In developing my drag persona, I noticed a void where the “Ultimate Heartthrob” [should be]… that’s a fuckboy you see on streets, in the club, at house party… in your bed where he should be! While we have dapper, horror, and clown kings and all other types of kings and things, we have a lack that quintessential “f-boy” energy personified by Cameron. He’s such a cultural fixture that he’s practically drag already; I was shocked no one had made him in this space yet, I decided to step in and bring that modern masculine archetype to the stage.
Can you tell us a bit of your origin story: where are you from, and were you always a performer or artist of some sort?
I’m originally from Detroit, but I moved to LA to study Product Development at FIDM. My background has always been rooted in the technical and creative side of fashion, which eventually led to a career in modeling.
However, my true creative evolution happened when I moved to New York. In late 2024, I went through a very difficult period of personal loss that left me feeling quite untethered. Everything changed in April 2025 at a show in Brooklyn. I saw a performer speak with incredible vulnerability about how the drag community and the art form itself had essentially saved their life during their darkest moments.
That was a lightbulb moment for me. I realized that drag wasn’t just performance—it was a vessel for healing and community. It gave me the spark I needed to channel my grief into creativity, blending my professional background in product development and fashion with this newfound purpose. It transformed my perspective on what art can do for the soul.
Have you had an all time favorite drag moment yet, as a performer?
That’s really good and hard question! I mean, so far I think for me I’m stuck between two: the first one is the finale of the “Kings Cup” [drag king competition at Club Cumming] which was how I got into drag. I entered that competition having never did drag ever, and won my primary and made it to the finale. [My second favorite moment] would be the performing at Icon during the Super Bowl and was around my Astoria family… even though I live in Brooklyn, lol.
What are your thoughts on the current state of Drag That Isn’t Drag Queens? Do you feel there is a lot of opportunity for folks who want to perform as a King or a Thing, or is there still a lot of progress that needs to be made, or a little of both, etc.?
When it comes to the state of drag beyond queens, I feel a mix of both frustration and hope. For a long time, the world only looked at drag queens because they were the ‘standard’ of beauty in the art form. Because of that, there is still a significant gap in opportunity for Kings and Things; many people are still confused by the terms or simply haven’t been exposed to them.
In my opinion, beauty and talent aren’t limited to one gender expression. Kings and Things are just as talented, appealing, and visible-worthy as any queen. I think the tides are finally starting to turn—especially with the impact of the show King of Drag and the energy we’ve seen in the NYC nightlife scene even before the show aired.
What I admire most is the community’s resilience. Instead of waiting for a seat at the table or for someone to “give” them a chance, Kings and Things are making their own way—producing their own shows and creating their own opportunities. That is where the real progress is happening: they are proving that artistry isn’t exclusive to queens, and they’re building their own stages to show it.
Lets talk about some of those great shows that you’ll be partaking in in the upcoming weeks — starting with a brunch at Triple Bottom Brewing in Philadelphia on Sunday!
I’m so honored to be part of Boyfriend Material! It’s one of Philly’s biggest drag king brunches, and I’ve been a fan since I started my drag journey. Instead of fighting for a seat at the table, these kings brought their own folding chairs and built something massive. I love that they created a space for kings and things to make history and gain the visibility they deserve — especially being majority people of color. Even though it won’t be in NYC, I hope everyone in Philly gets their tickets because it’s gonna to be a show to remember!
Then you’ll be back in Brooklyn for a show at C’mon Everybody on Monday the 27th; you’ll be in the cast for Anania’s monthly “BPL.”
I’m beyond excited for Anania’s show! I’ve been a fan since Gaydar and love how she uses her platform to bring drag kings and things to the forefront. She’s truly changing the narrative and showing how much progress we’re making with visibility. Which is something that I admire as well. And as a Virgo and a member of the Beyhive, I’m putting my all into this extra-special performance!
You’re back at C’mon on Wednesday for “Kelhani Night” at C’mon Everybody!
I’m beyond excited! I’ve been a fan since Kehlani’s 2014 debut, and growing up alongside them has meant the world to me. Their journey of self-discovery and sexuality gave me the courage to navigate my own when I felt alone and lacked a queer community. Living in LA when I discovered her music made this connection even deeper.
This tribute is my blood, sweat, and tears… a way to give Kehlani her flowers for saving me during my darkest times in 2020. Since I’ve never been able to afford a concert, I’m pouring everything into this performance to manifest finally seeing her on her next tour. This show is for my growth, my healing, and my gratitude!
Then on Thursday the 30th. you will be part of the large showcase of newer drag performers “debuting” at Albatross in Astoria care of Angela Mansberry’s Drag Extravaganza!
Yes I am I’m excited for this show because it’s not only a debuting show, but I think it’s something for me to try something new and trying to get outside of the norm of sexy King Cameron — more of that comedic route!
Looking ahead to May 9, you’re part of a majorly popular drag show at C’mon: STR8 to DVD!
I’m actually really excited for STR8 to DVD. Honestly, every big show booking I get is very surreal to me! I’m truly excited to be discovering and learning, and meeting a whole bunch of new performers that I’ve never seen perform. And to have them asking me to be part of it, knowing that I’m still fairly to the drag scene… I’m definitely really excited. Everyone’s just been blowing me up like, “oh my God, this is so big.” So,I’m definitely really excited. Looking forward to that show; it’s going to be something very different!
What else is coming up for you?
I do have something on the May 24th with the amazing drag queen, Pacha. She’s doing a show called The D Word at Henrietta Hudson, and I’m a part of that. I’m only doing a few shows in May because I have two big shows in June, [one with ShowPonii at C’mon and one] at 3 Dollar Bill–which I’m super excited to be a part of because that is another venue that I really want to do, and I’m so grateful.
I definitely am very excited to see where it goes with the other shows, because I do love pushing the envelope with King Cameron. I feel like there are so many different types of kings that he could be. So it’s kind of nice to have more shows to just change things up or try things, and see how it goes. Also, an updated photoshoot is coming soon. Stay tuned for that as well!
Lastly, what is the most essential item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
Oh my gosh, not you hitting me with the hardest question ever in an interview! I would I would have to say my tattoos; I wear them every time, they’re so easy to put on. And I love that every time they dry, people look at them. They assume it takes forever, but guys… it really takes like 30, 45 minutes tops. There are always going to be so many of them, and no one’s ever done that… especially a drag king. They’re temporary, but they look real.
And then I would have to say the durag. I feel like I love it because it’s kind of like the drag queens’ wigs. You know, I have my durags because it’s a definitely a representation of people of color–black and Latino rap culture–and of hair protection, but it’s just also giving us a sort of crown.
Praise the King! Thanks, Cameron!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for King Cameron’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram.
Thotyssey 
