All Hail the King: Meet Stefon Royce

When Stefon Royce takes the stage, it's more than a performance — it’s a statement. As a Drag King, entrepreneur, athlete, and actor, Stefon brings layers of talent, discipline, and presence to every space he steps into. Whether it’s hosting his monthly all-Drag King brunch in Richmond or performing on a moving Amtrak train bound for WorldPride in D.C., Stefon is expanding what drag can be — and who it’s for. Through the Stefon Royce Experience, he's not only entertaining audiences but also building visibility for Drag Kings, advocating for queer inclusion, and creating new opportunities in spaces that have long overlooked performers like him.

Stefon's story begins in South Jamaica, Queens, where he first stepped into drag in 2006. But performance had already long been a part of his life. As a former exotic dancer and athlete with a muscular physique, he found himself blending movement and persona into something new — and audiences took notice. "People often assumed I was a man while I was dancing,” Stefon says. “Eventually I realized I could use that energy, my body type, and my love of music to become a Drag King.”

From early performances as Omarion and Rick James in Brooklyn to hosting Pride events across New York and New Jersey, Stefon has built a career on versatility and connection. His celebrity impersonations — which now include Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, Lil Richard, the Jackson 5, and more — are fan favorites, but they’re only part of a broader portfolio.

Since moving to Richmond in 2018, Stefon has continued to grow his presence as both a performer and business owner. His company, Extreme Fitness and Nutrition, trains athletes and adults in sports performance, and Stefon balances that work with a busy drag schedule — including frequent bookings in D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York.

Despite limited local opportunities for Drag Kings, Stefon has carved out a space of his own in Richmond with the Celebrity Male Impersonation Drag King Brunch, held every third Sunday at Gold Lion Café. “It’s the only all-Drag King brunch in Richmond,” he says, proudly. “We bring in Kings from across the country and the world. We’ll celebrate one year in September during Pridefest weekend.”

One of Stefon’s most memorable recent performances was the Pride Ride, hosted by VisitRichmondVA and AmtrakVA in celebration of WorldPride. Stefon boarded the train in drag, performing for a group of travel writers and meeting planners on their way to D.C. The experience was electric. “Seeing Pride colors all over the train made me feel at home. I had never done anything like that before, even after 20 years in drag,” he says. After the train ride, Stefon invited the collaboration team to see his show in D.C., where the energy from the ride continued into the night.

Stefon sees drag as a powerful tool for visibility and tourism. “Everyone loves a good drag show or brunch—it’s not just for the LGBTQ+ community,” he says. As Drag Kings continue to gain recognition, he hopes to see more support, partnerships with major venues, and larger events that showcase Kings as headliners. “People keep asking when I’m doing another train performance,” he adds. “There’s real potential to grow this.”

Follow @stefonroyce on Instagram for show dates, guest performers, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s next.