Hobart’s Drag King Scene Thrives After Gay Bar Closure

In Hobart, Tasmania, the drag king community has grown since the closure of the city's only dedicated gay bar in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drag kings, who perform exaggerated masculine personas, have found audiences in various venues previously considered heteronormative.

Performers cited personal growth and community building as outcomes of their drag involvement.

Finding Confidence and Connection

Soph Keegan, who performs as Dirty Damo, stated that drag helped her become more confident and connect with the queer community.

Shan Hooper, performing as Gary Snow, noted that the persona helped them navigate a toxic masculine workplace.

Expression and Allyship

Phoebe Adams, performing as Barry Bothways, said that drag allowed them to express a masculine identity.

Adams added that performances have built allies among cisgender heterosexual men.