The Making of a King

History

Gage Gatlyn is known worldwide for his impersonation of the incomparable Tim McGraw.

Gage Gatlyn hails from the beautiful city of Jacksonville, FL. But has called Dayton, Ohio home since 2009.

Known as a Transman Drag King, Gage was assigned female at birth, so the illusion is more intricate and stunning than you might imagine. In person, the resemblance is astounding. The Award -Winning Male Illusionist will be sure to entertain you and make any experience that you have with him unforgettable.

Inducted into Drag King History in 2025, the living legend Gage Gatlyn uses the art of theatrical make-up, packing, and costuming to create an illusion that will have you questioning the accuracy and quality of your vision. Because of his travels and workshops/seminars, he was credited with the growth of Drag Kings and Male Illusion by hundreds and thousands of fans and onlookers in only the first few years of his career, and is now lovingly referred to as "Yoda" or the Godfather of Modern Drag. You just can't deny his extensive experience and knowledge of Male Illusion.

Gage has been thrilling audiences since he got his start at the Metro in 2003, competing in their weekly talent shows. Once he qualified for the Finals, he couldn't continue in the same circuit. He yearned for bigger and better opportunities. He made up his mind, tracked down Cynthia Norman, owner of the Norm, about putting together a King show once a month. She said, "Yes", and The J'ville Kings were born. With 3 original members, Gage, Gavin, & Romeo, it wasn't long before they made a home at The Norm, gaining 20+ members and traveling all over Florida and the U.S. and eventually the group became known as 100° Celsius- The Boiling Point.
Gage went on to win the Finals at Metro and has since toured the Country from Coast to Coast, performing in about 250 venues and winning multiple Local, State and National Pageant Titles and Awards spanning over the past 20+ years.

Gage Gatlyn opened doors for Male Illusionists/Drag Kings across the country by giving his all, looking his best, and by pushing himself to always take it to the next level, making sure to inspire other Kings to do the same.

Gage has more recently dedicated his time to Portrait
& Event Photography and has focused on that, while still doing shows here and there. Gage is an advocate and activist for trans rights and co-founded Gatlyn Dame Group, Inc, a support group for trans, nonbinary people and allies in the Greater Miami Valley and beyond.

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Gage Gatlyn is an philanthropist, activist, and advocate. Gatlyn is known for his impersonations, fundraising, activism, and advocacy within the LGBTQ community.


Gage came out publicly as a transman around 2003, in 2005 became an avid activist/advocate in and for the transgender community. While traveling as an entertainer, Gage raised 10s of thousands of dollars for local and national LGBT charities. In 2014, Gage co-founded the award winning, Gatlyn Dame Group, Inc, a non-profit organization that provides awareness, support, education, and outlets for transgender, non-conforming gender persons, and their allies. As Vice President, Gage facilitates the support group every month.
With education and awareness at the forefront of Gatlyn’s missions, he offers a comprehensive course called “Trans 101” to businesses, schools, and government agencies. The course helps raise awareness and provides education to employers, employees, teachers, administration, and/or students about trans specific issues/concerns in the workplace and/or school. Working closely with organizations, such as, Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine and the Montgomery County Juvenile Court System, and middle and high schools in the Dayton area. Gage has educated thousands of individuals on terminology, proper pronouns, and how to treat an individual within the transgender community. Gage also provides a specific workshop for the media.
Gage volunteers to help transwomen and transmen with their name and gender marker changes. He provides individuals help in dealing with issues that arise during transition, such as dysphoria.
Gage advocates for transgender rights on a local, state, and national level. From organizing rallies to support groups, Gatlyn is committed to making changes throughout for the betterment of all individuals.

Please visit www.GatlynDameGroup.org for more information.

Military History

From wings to mainstage

Gage Spent almost 10 year in the US Military before drag. He joined the US ARMY in 1996 as a Mortuary Affairs Specialist. Then joined the US NAVY in 2000 as a Aviation Ordnanceman. After a brief stent in the US ARMY Reserves, Gage ETS in 2005. Hear more about his journey in the Documentary Movie Veterans Voices, Lives & Stories.

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