Shining Bright: King Leo & the Power of Community on "We Live In Color"
A recent episode of "We Live In Color" on Converge Media was nothing short of powerful and insightful, featuring host Deaunte Damper in conversation with the incredible Lee Angelo Jones, also known as King Leo. This episode was a deep dive into identity, community support, and the vibrant world of drag kings.
Deaunte set the stage beautifully, emphasizing the importance of learning and growing within our community, especially concerning the Black LGBTQIA community. He acknowledged the need for better understanding and support, highlighting his friendships within the drag community.
The conversation with King Leo was authentic and heartfelt from the start. King Leo , who hails from Tacoma, Washington, shared stories of growing up and navigating identity in a Christian household. It was touching to hear about their personal journey of self-discovery, which blossomed in their mid-20s. King Leo candidly discussed the challenges of coming out and the complex relationships with family, including their mother.
A significant portion of the episode focused on Lee Angelo's persona, King Leo. Lee Angelo shared how transitioning from being a queen to a king allowed for a deeper understanding of their core identity, especially as a trans individual. King Leo became an outlet for expression, a way to explore masculinity, and a "test run" of self-perception. The influence of figures like Billy Porter was also mentioned, highlighting the inspiration behind King Leo's flamboyant and extravagant style.
King Leo also opened up about the challenges of gender-bending and drag burlesque. While they receive immense support in some spaces, particularly the burlesque community, drag spaces can be more complex. There can be misconceptions and judgments when challenging traditional expectations. However, King Leo’s vulnerability and fearlessness shone through, emphasizing that performing is an authentic expression of who they are, not just a "dress-up."
The episode also celebrated King Leo’s achievements, including their first title with Seattle Queer Monarch in 2019. They also spoke about the Seattle Queer Prom created by Mixed Pugs of Plenty, a name familiar to "We Live In Color" viewers. King Leo shared a funny story about their competition performance and how the COVID-19 pandemic extended their reign.
A special moment was a clip featuring Mx. Pucks of A’ Plenty, highlighting their contribution to creating space for the community. Expressed immense gratitude for Puck's support, noting their long-standing friendship and professional relationship, as well as Puck’s role in introducing them to burlesque.
In the "We Live In Color Tribute" segment, Lee Angelo once again honored Mx. Plucks A’Plenty for their consistency and genuine care. King Leo emphasized how Pucks has made space for drag kings and has been instrumental in their career, providing opportunities and experiences that led to further growth.
The episode concluded with a powerful call to action. King Leo urged the community to be genuine, mindful, nurturing, and compassionate. They stressed the importance of communication, understanding diverse views, and creating productive spaces. They also emphasized that drag kings deserve the same recognition and support as drag queens.
Deaunte echoed King Leo’s sentiments, thanking them for their vulnerability and reiterating Converge Media's commitment to supporting all drag artists. The episode ended with a reminder of the importance of empowerment, not just self-empowerment, but the empowerment that comes from community. Deaunte highlighted organizations like BUILD 206, which focuses on empowering Black men, and encouraged viewers to build community brick by brick.
This episode of "We Live In Color" was a beautiful exploration of identity, resilience, and the power of community support. King Leo’s story is an inspiration, and the call to action is a reminder of the work we must continue to do to create inclusive and supportive spaces for everyone.
