DIVA sits down with the actor and drag king to talk community, connecting with their roots and the latest instalment of this beloved show
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY B SHARP FOR REVRY
Have you already watched the highly-anticipated second series of King Of Drag? If not, what are you waiting for?!
Premiering on Revry last year, this landmark show was the first drag king competition of its kind. Surpassing 33 million views worldwide, the show saw contestants do everything from celebrity impersonations to discussing the reality of living as trans+ people in the US.
And at the heart of this exciting new series is a new recurring judge – actor and drag king Vico Ortiz. Best known for their role as Jim on the HBO show Our Flag Means Death, there’s perhaps no one better suited to judge this competition than LA’s very own drag sensation.
“I often hear that people think drag kings are boring. Have you ever seen a drag king show?! You’re getting straight-up performance art, with props, costume changes, audience interaction,” Vico tells DIVA.
“People think drag kings are boring because we associate manhood with this one thing,” they continue. “But we explore masculinity in its own category. We’re deconstructing it, constructing it, reapplying it, changing it, reframing it.”
Vico started drag themself in 2018, and proudly performs as the moustache-donning, smooth-hipped, sweet-talking drag persona Vico Suave. For Vico, drag has become a fundamental way to tune into their past, present and future. “Drag helped me to reconnect with my childhood, culture, to deepen my relationship with myself and my family. It became a portal for me to understand myself better.”
Comedian and actor Cameron Esposito will be hosting the highly anticipated second season of Revry’s King Of Drag. The second series will also feature judges like RuPaul’s Drag Race star Gottmik and Revry co-founder Damian Pelliccione.
King Of Drag streams exclusively on Revry and is available to watch free in the US and via subscription internationally via the Revry app. You can find out more about Vico Ortiz by picking up a copy of our Oct/Nov issue now: divadirect.info/diva-oct-nov-2026/
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
