Meet Justyn Caze | Drag King

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justyn Caze and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justyn, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk, as a drag performer, is part of the job. We have a very unique position. We are usually the first thing people see, the people rallying the crowd. We inspire and take the brunt of the heat since we are what prejudice folks see. As a public figure, in a sense, we are also in the crowds interacting with folks. We risk our health and wellbeing to be there for our community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is performance and I’m a Drag King. I have performed around Southern California and hope to travel someday to perform in other states. I have been doing this for over 5 years and have expanded my art into education. I do drag history lectures for colleges and youth programs and have been the Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Imperial Court of Los Angeles & Hollywood. I’m proud of how much I’ve grown as an artist and performer while continuing to help my community.

None of this has been easy and never will be, but it is immensely rewarding! I have yet to find work that has ever made me feel as complete as what I do in Drag. I may have protesters and bigots yelling at me, but I have made them quiet and contemplative by just reading a book to a group of children. I’ve had people try to get me to debate about drag bans and I’ve gotten in their camera lens to tell them off. It’s hard, but hell is it worth it!

I’ve learned that I can’t change the minds of those who don’t want to. I’ve learned to put up boundaries to keep me and my loved ones safe. I’ve learned diplomacy in a world that wants to see physical violence instead of words. These lessons I will keep with me.

I want the world to know that Justyn Caze is here to stay, that he will be there for those who need someone to help them feel joy or listen to. My brand will always be welcoming and inclusive for all.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I always tell folks to check out the local book stores like Underdog and Octavia’s Bookshelf in Monrovia, The Last Bookstore in DTLA, Stories in Silverlake, and Judging By The Cover in San Dimas. Books are important and supporting local places will always be better for the community.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shoutout the SGV LGBTQ Center in El Monte, CA! They have done so much for their community as well as fought the good fight all these years. They have amazing programming and keep up with taking care of folks in the community. They advocate for disabled, queer, and BIPOC folks through the San Gabriel Valley!

Website: https://linktr.ee/Justyncaze

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justyncaze

Image Credits
For the main photo and the full body of me screaming are both photos by Jayden Libran