Henlo Bullfrog: "King Of Drag" Star Champions Queer Masculinity and Creative Activism

The premiere of "King Of Drag" on LGBTQ+ streaming platform Revry has ushered in a new chapter for drag kings, a segment of drag performance too long overshadowed by drag queens in mainstream media. Philadelphia-based drag king and special effects (SFX) artist Henlo Bullfrog is one of ten dynamic contestants featured on the series, which is hosted by comedian and drag king Murray Hill and hailed as the first reality competition devoted entirely to drag kings .

For Bullfrog—born Joy Taney—this visibility is not just about personal achievement but about pushing the boundaries of queer artistry and representation. “My work has appeared on all of these drag and drag-adjacent reality competitions and such,” Bullfrog shared in the interview, referencing his designs on "RuPaul’s Drag Race," "Dragula," and his win on "Skin Wars: Fresh Paint" in 2017. “But to this point, it’s been other people wearing my work. Being in front of the camera is not a new experience for me, but it felt like time to step from behind the backstage once again. To be able to put all that energy into my stage persona was meaningful in being able to celebrate putting that much work and effort and love into elevating my original characters and ideas in the way that we’ve done for clients before. It’s also special and meaningful because this is the first all drag king competition” .

Bullfrog’s journey is deeply entwined with his Philadelphia upbringing and his family’s history. Raised by folk musicians in West Philly, Taney’s drag persona draws inspiration from both musical and activist traditions. Notably, Bullfrog’s father, Peter Taney, has played a pivotal role, even participating in drag performances and composing “The Ballad of Henlo Bullfrog.” At 75, Peter continues to support local drag culture and activism, including efforts to rename Taney Street—originally named for Roger B. Taney, the Supreme Court justice infamous for the Dred Scott decision. The street now honors Caroline LeCount, a Black civil rights pioneer, reflecting the Taney family’s commitment to social justice .

Bullfrog credits his father’s presence as foundational: “My dad is so present in Henlo. I contour based on my father’s bone structure,” Bullfrog explained, highlighting how drag performance can be a form of both personal and communal storytelling .

Bullfrog’s artistry is described as “dazzling weirdness,” incorporating trombone playing with his feet, intricate SFX makeup, and original character lore. His approach to drag is deliberately unhinged—a way to subvert expectations and critique power structures. “One of the most fun things about the drag king medium is that you punch up at the people at the very top—the men holding power over all of these systems that are making it worse for all of us,” Bullfrog told Pride. “Drag kings are so perfectly and uniquely posed to make fun of them … It is so punk to queer masculinity right now” .

This ethos is especially resonant amid ongoing legislative attacks on gender-affirming care for transgender youth and increased scrutiny of drag performers nationwide. Bullfrog’s performances are a form of resistance—celebrating queer masculinity while challenging the status quo .

The launch of "King Of Drag" is a milestone for drag kings, offering visibility and validation in a landscape where drag queens have long dominated reality TV. For Bullfrog and his peers, the series is more than entertainment; it’s about creating space for diverse forms of gender expression and inspiring the next generation of LGBTQ+ performers . The show airs weekly on Revry, with Bullfrog hosting lively viewing parties every Monday at Philadelphia’s Strangelove’s, fostering community and dialogue (Instagram: @isthishenlobullfrog).

With his background in SFX, airbrush artistry, and musical performance, Bullfrog stands out in a cast that includes kings from across the country—each bringing their own blend of comedy, commentary, and gravity-defying stunts to the stage . The series is a testament to the creativity and resilience of drag kings, whose stories have too often gone untold.

As "King Of Drag" unfolds, Henlo Bullfrog’s journey is emblematic of the broader fight for LGBTQ+ representation, gender diversity, and artistic freedom. His advocacy, rooted in both family and community, offers hope and inspiration at a time when visibility and solidarity are more critical than ever. Whether dazzling audiences with trombone solos or mobilizing for change, Bullfrog’s impact is felt far beyond the stage—and the revolution he represents is only just beginning .