Who is, like, SoooCal? - Johnny Gentleman
When he was at his absolute lowest, Johnny Gentleman received a piece of advice that changed his life: try all the things you’re most afraid of. Feeling lost, alone, and stuck, lacking freedom and drive, Johnny slowly grew interested in drag. Though the queen aesthetic didn’t interest him, Landon Cinder’s king show made him instantly fall in love. Johnny was inspired by the DTLA underground scene, filled with diverse, out-of-the-box drag that inspired and motivated Johnny. Since 2018, Johnny has performed around Montclair, Pomona, Los Angeles, and wherever drag takes him.
In 2022, Johnny launched Dapper Puss Entertainment, a Trans, Latinx, drag king production company focused on BIPOC trans, and non-queen visibility. As a Latinx, Indigenous, trans masc, nonbinary drag king, Johnny understands the importance of representation, always keeping slots open at his shows to highlight queens and new artists in the scene.
Though the king scene has slowly emerged from the shadows as king veterans become more vocal about diversity in bookings, Johnny continues to face tokenism, stereotyping, and whitewashing as producers try to box him into a specific style.
“It’s inspirational seeing the king community take it upon themselves to create innovative, safe spaces…I would like to see all drag artists in solidarity with each other and for there to be no division between queen and non-queen communities…Drag queens should advocate for drag kings/things to have more opportunities and kings should not see queens as rivals…We are all doing this out of love for the art and the community and if you aren't making that the priority, you won't make it that long. We can only succeed by standing by each other in support of keeping drag alive…As drag kings, we continuously have to prove ourselves to the LGBTQ+ community that our drag is valid, that we are showmen, and that we are profitable. It's a lot of work, but it's what you do when you do what you love. I have to fight for visibility from the drag community, the queer community, sapphic community, but that gives me the drive to show that my love for drag is indefinite…Working here has inspired me to create opportunities for those who deserve space…challenged me to not be afraid to show my different sides…and reminded me that community is who has made me who I am,” Johnny said.