Drag kings disrupt mainstream Hong Kong by reinventing the ancient LGBTQ artform

Hong Kong drag kings are reinvigorating an ancient art form that traces back to AD700 in China during the Tang dynasty. For Sarah Chua and Athena Za, or “Jamie Blue” and “Uncle Apollo” in drag, it’s a way to explore their gender identities, even if it falls outside the mainstream. While drag queens are popular on TV shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, drag kings are lesser known. But in cities like Hong Kong, the community is a growing support network for LGBTQ “alternative” artists.