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Kade Gottlieb (born August 19, 1996),[1] better known as Gottmik, is an American drag performer and make-up artist. Gottmik was the first trans man to compete on RuPaul's Drag Race, coming in shared 3rd/4th place on the thirteenth season with fellow contestant Rosé. Gottmik later returned to compete in the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.[2][3] Gottmik co-hosts the podcast No Gorge alongside Violet Chachki.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Kade Gottlieb was born in Scottsdale, Arizona and had been adopted.[4][5] He was raised Catholic and attended the Catholic Notre Dame Preparatory High School, where he first started wearing makeup.[5][6][7] He began experimenting with drag at the age of eighteen.[8] After high school, he pursued a career in the fashion industry by relocating to Los Angeles, where he underwent gender transition and developed his cosmetics and drag skills.[9] He earned a degree in product development from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.[8]

Career

[edit]

Make-up artistry

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As a make-up artist, Gottmik has done makeup for Cindy Crawford, Todrick Hall, Paris Hilton, Heidi Klum, Adam Lambert, French Montana,[8] and Tinashe,[7] as well as Drag Race contestants Alaska Thunderfuck, Detox Icunt, Gia Gunn,[10] Shangela, Violet Chachki, and Willam Belli.[9] His work, described by Out's Rose Dommu as "[ranging] from highly conceptual to urbane", has appeared in the magazines Flaunt, Nylon, and Paper.[8] He did makeup for Amanda Lepore and Pabllo Vittar for their covers on Gay Times.[10] In 2020, Gottmik did Lil Nas X's makeup for Halloween, when he dressed as Nicki Minaj.[11] He also did the makeup for the celebrities who were featured in the music video for Taylor Swift's 2019 song "You Need to Calm Down".

RuPaul's Drag Race and subsequent tours

[edit]

In 2021, Gottmik became the first trans man to compete on RuPaul's Drag Race, appearing on the thirteenth season.[12] Gottmik performed well in the competition, winning two challenges (the ball and the Snatch Game, performing as Paris Hilton),[13] and ultimately reaching the top four alongside Kandy Muse, Symone, and Rosé.[14] Gottmik was eliminated during the finale episode in a lip sync for your life to the song "Gimme More" against the season's eventual winner, Symone, ultimately tying with Rosé as second/third runner up.[15]

Gottmik at RuPaul's DragCon LA in 2022

After competing on Drag Race, Gottmik signed with Voss Events talent management,[16] and traveled the United States with Voss' COVID-19 pandemic-compliant drive-in drag show, Drive 'N Drag Saves 2021.[17][18] Gottmik also joined Voss' 2022 European tour, RuPaul's Drag Race Werq the World tour.[19] In October 2021, Gottmik performed alongside fellow drag race alumni Violet Chachki, Alyssa Edwards, Aquaria, Jaida Essence Hall, Kandy Muse, Plastique Tiara, Rosé, and Kim Chi on Voss Event's Night of the Living Drag Halloween tour.[20] On April 23, 2024, Gottmik was announced as one of the eight contestants competing on the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.[21] During the season’s comedy roast, Gottmik used multiple sets from comedian Nikki Glaser’s standup without attribution, resulting in criticism from some social media users.[22] Gottmik responded they had “reworked” the material.[23]

Media

[edit]

Gottmik launched a YouTube channel in January 2021. Gottlieb has also appeared on the Gigi Gorgeous, Pearl, James Charles and World of Wonder channels.[7] Gottlieb was featured on the cover of Attitude for its April Style issue in 2021.[24] Cosmopolitan invited Gottlieb to demonstrate how he transforms into Gottmik.[7] In a July 2021 interview with Entertainment Weekly, it was revealed that the producers of the 2022 remake of Hellraiser auditioned Gottlieb for the role of the film's most iconic character, Pinhead. Gottlieb had previously worn a black-and-white-themed runway look inspired by Pinhead in the season 13 finale of RuPaul's Drag Race.[25][26]

Gottmik performing on the RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars tour, 2024

In September 2021, Gottlieb started the YouTube and podcast series No Gorge with fellow drag race alum Violet Chachki, where they discuss "all things fashion, life, and artistry".[27] Gottmik is one of the most-followed queens of Drag Race, with more than 1.3 million Instagram followers as of October 2021.[28] In September 2022, Gottmik appeared in the music video for Sam Smith and Kim Petras' song "Unholy" alongside Violet Chachki.[29] Gottmik and Violet Chachki also performed alongside Smith and Petras to "Unholy" at the 2023 Grammy Awards.[30]

Gottlieb released his debut book The T Guide on May 16, 2023, through Penguin Random House. Well received by fans, and co-written with Canadian beauty influencer Gigi Gorgeous, The T Guide discusses the duo's "trans experiences and a celebration of gender expression – man, woman, nonbinary, and beyond".[31]

Personal life

[edit]

Out described Gottmik as "someone transmasculine who does high femme drag".[8] Gottlieb uses she/her pronouns when portraying Gottmik, and he/him pronouns out of drag. Gottmik is pansexual.[32][33][34]

Gigi Gorgeous is one of Gottmik’s closest friends; the two have appeared on magazine covers and launched merchandise together. Gigi also helped to fund Gottmik’s chest reconstruction surgery.[9]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2021 RuPaul's Drag Race People's Choice Award for The Competition Contestant of 2021[35] Nominated
2022 Himself The Queerty Groundbreaker Award[36] Won
2024 Queerty Award for Future All-Star[37] Pending

Discography

[edit]
Title Year Notes
"ConDragulations (Cast Version)" 2021 RuPaul featuring the Cast of RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 13
"Lucky" 2021 RuPaul featuring the Top 4 of RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 13

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref
2018 Dido's Lament Short [38]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref
2021 RuPaul's Drag Race Contestant Season 13 (3rd Place)
RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked Season 13
RuPaul's Drag Race: Corona Can't Keep a Good Queen Down Himself Stand-alone special [39]
Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3 Amazon Prime Exclusive [40]
The Bitch Who Stole Christmas Tristian [41]
2022 Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen Himself Guest [42]
RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race Guest [43]
The Book of Queer Episode: "Kings & Queens" [44]
2024 RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (season 9) Contestant (4th Place) [45]
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: Untucked
2025 King of Drag Himself Judge

Music videos

[edit]
Year Title Artist Ref.
2022 "Unholy" Sam Smith & Kim Petras [46]
2024 "Skullfucker" Gottmik [47]

Web series

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref
2018 Puff Puff Sessions Guest Produced by World of Wonder [48]
2019 Transformations Produced by World of Wonder [49]
2021 The X Change Rate Produced by BUILD Series [50]
Whatcha Packin' Produced by VH1 [51]
Ruvealing the Look Produced by VH1 [52]
Cooking with Paris Paris Hilton Produced by Netflix [53]
Cosmo Queens Guest Produced by Cosmopolitan [54]
Glamour Unfiltered Produced by Glamour UK [55]
The Must List Produced by Entertainment Weekly [56]
2022 The Pit Stop Produced by VH1 [57]
2022 Fashion Photo RuView Host Produced by World of Wonder [58]

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gottmik

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Gottmik is the drag persona of Kade Gottlieb (born August 19, 1996), an American makeup artist and performer born female in Scottsdale, Arizona, who transitioned to living as male outside of drag. Gottlieb, using she/her pronouns in character as Gottmik, competed on the thirteenth season of the reality competition series RuPaul's Drag Race in 2021, becoming the first contestant to have undergone female-to-male transition. On the program, Gottmik demonstrated strong fashion and runway presentations, advancing to the top four finalists. Prior to the show, Gottlieb worked as a professional makeup artist, and post-competition, continued performing in drag events and tours.

Early life

Upbringing and family background

Kade Gottlieb, known professionally as Gottmik, was born on August 19, 1996, in . He was adopted into a conservative family shortly after birth, whom he has identified as his parents, and raised in the affluent amid a religious Catholic environment. Public details on Gottlieb's remain limited, with no verified information on siblings or extended relatives beyond a noted cousin, Heather Ann Gottlieb. Scottsdale's conservative-leaning cultural and political context, characterized by traditional values in a suburban setting, shaped his early years, where he later recounted repressing feminine interests amid familial expectations of conformity. Specific parental reactions to early gender nonconformity have not been publicly detailed by Gottlieb, though he has described the household as religiously conservative, influencing his childhood navigation of identity.

Education and initial interests

Kade Gottlieb, known professionally as Gottmik, attended Notre Dame Preparatory High School, a Catholic institution in , where he served as despite finding the environment challenging due to its conservative setting and his desire to leave the state. After graduating, Gottlieb relocated to to study at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, earning a degree in product development focused on fashion. From a young age, Gottlieb displayed artistic inclinations, often spending time drawing in the limited creative environment of his upbringing, which lacked a prominent or artistic community. These early interests in visual and evolved into a fascination with and , prompting the post-high school move to for greater opportunities in the entertainment industry. Gottlieb's initial exposure to drag came through watching at a young age, which introduced the concept amid the relative isolation of his desert hometown.

Gender identity and transition

Coming out and early experiences

Kade Gottlieb, known professionally as Gottmik, has described an early awareness of gender incongruence during childhood, marked by internal conflict over masculine identification amid an affinity for feminine expression. In a 2025 interview, Gottlieb recounted repressing feminine interests from a young age, stating that drag later served as a means to address this suppression. As early as fifth grade, while attending Catholic school, Gottlieb secretly applied mascara and eyeliner, indicating an initial preoccupation with makeup as a form of self-expression. Gottlieb has reflected that, despite recognizing a male gender identity, the enjoyment of feminine elements led to prolonged suppression of transgender realization, lacking the language to articulate it at the time. This awareness persisted into adolescence, where high school pursuits, including starting a makeup-focused YouTube channel around 2010, further highlighted tensions between innate dysphoria and external feminine experimentation. By early adulthood, Gottlieb identified explicitly as a trans man, coming out privately prior to public disclosure. Initial forays into drag functioned as a therapeutic mechanism for reconciling repressed with identity, allowing controlled exploration without full commitment to transition. has noted that developing a distinctive drag aesthetic, including a white-faced , provided relief from by distancing from everyday presentation. In the same 2025 account, drag originated as personal therapy to embrace childhood-repressed traits, predating its evolution into performance. This phase underscored drag's role in navigating identity without resolving underlying incongruence immediately.

Medical transition and motivations

Gottmik underwent top in March 2019, a procedure documented by friend in a YouTube video detailing the female-to-male transition process, including pre- and post-operative care. This removed breast tissue to create a male chest contour, which Gottmik later celebrated publicly, stating on that it was "the most life changing thing in the world" for alleviating persistent experienced since adolescence. He began testosterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) shortly before auditioning for RuPaul's Drag Race season 13, filmed in 2020, describing this as the initiation of his physical transition at the time. These steps aligned with standard medical protocols for transmasculine individuals seeking to masculinize secondary sex characteristics, though Gottmik has emphasized drag and makeup as earlier coping mechanisms for before pursuing medical interventions. Gottmik's stated motivations centered on resolving severe , which he linked to and emotional distress in youth, claiming in interviews that medical transition "truly saved my life" by enabling authentic decoupled from biological femaleness. He has attributed delays in transitioning to limited trans male visibility in media, suggesting greater representation might have prompted earlier action. Empirical studies on top surgery high self-reported satisfaction rates, with under 1% in systematic reviews, though critics note methodological limitations such as short follow-up periods (often 3-5 years) and potential underreporting due to social pressures or loss to follow-up. Conservative commentators, including , have criticized such procedures and their public celebration—as in Gottmik's 2024 All Stars 9 runway look exposing surgical scars—as promoting irreversible alterations with unproven long-term benefits, highlighting risks like , reduced sensation, and absent rigorous randomized controls. Gottmik has not publicly confirmed pursuing bottom , such as or , or additional interventions like , positioning his transition as selective and focused on upper-body relief rather than comprehensive genital reconstruction. This approach reflects personal prioritization amid debates over the causal efficacy of partial versus full transitions in addressing underlying psychological comorbidities often co-occurring with , such as autism or trauma, which some studies indicate may influence outcomes more than alone.

Career beginnings

Makeup artistry

Gottmik established his professional career as a freelance in prior to pursuing drag, working with high-profile clients such as , , and . His services extended to other celebrities including , , and performers featured in Taylor Swift's 2019 for "You Need to Calm Down," where he handled makeup application. Through editorial assignments, events, and commercial projects, Gottmik developed expertise in transformative makeup techniques, emphasizing bold , prosthetic application, and illusionary effects that altered structures and conveyed distinct personas. These skills, refined over years of high-stakes collaborations, demonstrated his proficiency in rapid, precise execution under pressure, contributing to a robust portfolio that underscored technical mastery in the industry.

Entry into drag performance

Gottmik's initial foray into drag took place at age 18 in a bar in , approximately 2014, where he performed a with a friend to a punk song, incorporating chaotic elements such as dumping beer on each other while wearing a basic shake-and-go . This debut reflected an experimental, unpolished approach rooted in his early self-taught makeup skills honed during high school. Following his relocation to after high school to attend the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and establish a career in makeup artistry, Gottmik began developing his drag persona more seriously in the late . Adopting the name "Gottmik"—a nod to his expertise in makeup—he integrated punk aesthetics with high-fashion influences, drawing from designers like , , and to create looks that fused rebellion with polished glamour. His style evolved to emphasize boundary-pushing makeup techniques, leveraging his professional background to produce over-the-top, surrealist-inspired transformations that stood out in the city's nightlife scene. Performances in the drag circuit during this period highlighted Gottmik's self-taught fusion of drag artistry and celebrity makeup prowess, initially gaining traction through online content and local venues before broader recognition. This phase marked a shift from amateur experimentation to a distinctive characterized by campy, referential ensembles that challenged conventional drag norms with punk-edged sophistication.

RuPaul's Drag Race participation

Season 13 (2021)

Gottmik auditioned for * Season 13 shortly after initiating medical transition and was cast as the show's first openly man contestant, with the lineup announced on December 9, 2020. The season premiered on on January 1, 2021, featuring 13 contestants competing in various performance, comedy, and design challenges judged by , , and rotating guest panels. Gottmik secured two main challenge wins during the season, excelling in formats that highlighted makeup artistry and impersonation skills: the Episode 4 Bag Ball, requiring three looks themed around luxury handbags, and Episode 9's , portraying to acclaim for comedic timing and character commitment. Performances in these and other episodes, such as the Episode 1 maxi challenge lip-sync, positioned Gottmik in the top ranks without bottom placements, culminating in a shared 3rd/4th overall finish alongside . In the Episode 16 finale on April 23, 2021, the top four—Gottmik, , , and Symone—performed original verses in RuPaul's "Lucky" and presented finale collections before lip-sync eliminations; Gottmik was eliminated after losing a lip-sync to Symone on ' "." Gottmik's participation marked a milestone for male visibility in mainstream drag competition, drawing attention to non-binary and transmasculine experiences within the traditionally feminine drag format, though it elicited varied responses from fans and performers on the intersection of and drag performance.

All Stars 9 (2024)


Gottmik returned for the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, which premiered on May 30, 2024, on Paramount+. The season marked the first in franchise history where contestants competed exclusively for charitable donations rather than personal prizes, with $200,000 from The Palette Fund distributed based on performance, and winners of lip-syncs earning an additional $10,000 per victory for their selected nonprofit. Gottmik aimed to raise funds for Trans Lifeline, securing two BeDazzled badges across challenges that signified top-tier performances eligible for lip-syncs. Her run ended early following the sixth episode's National Drag Convention Roast maxi challenge on June 13, 2024, where she landed in the bottom and was subsequently blocked by the episode's winner, Angeria Paris VanMichaels. A standout moment came in an early runway category themed around "A Tail and Two Titties," where Gottmik presented scars from her top surgery adorned with red crystals, paired with a skirt evoking surgical scrubs. The look, which highlighted her personal transition experiences, garnered acclaim from some viewers and media for its bold artistic expression but provoked backlash from conservative figures, including commentator , who labeled it "sick" and indicative of broader cultural concerns. In the roast challenge, Gottmik's set drew scrutiny from fans who accused her of recycling jokes originally delivered by comedian , prompting debates over originality and preparation. Judges and observers noted her delivery as polished yet critiqued for lacking fresh innovation, contributing to her elimination despite prior strengths in design-focused tasks.

Post-Drag Race endeavors

Tours and live performances

Following her elimination from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 13 in 2021, Gottmik joined official Drag Race live productions, including performances on the in September 2024, produced by World of Wonder and . In 2025, Gottmik co-headlined her first theater tour, The Knockout Tour, alongside , featuring a competitive format pitting "glamour vs. rock 'n' roll" with live debuts, custom costumes, dancers, and spectacle-driven drag numbers inspired by combat sports battles. The production marked a shift toward independent headlining acts, with rehearsals beginning in August 2025, encompassing props, looks, and merchandise development. The tour commenced in September 2025, with Gottmik reporting strong audience engagement during the initial week of shows across North American venues. Scheduled dates extended through late 2025, including stops at Vancouver's Vogue Theatre on October 28, Seattle's Neptune Theatre on November 6, and Portland on November 7. Performances blend high-drag elements with musical elements, evolving from ensemble Drag Race tours to duo-led spectacles emphasizing personal artistry and production scale.

Music releases and collaborations

Gottmik participated in several musical performances and recordings during RuPaul's Drag Race season 13, including original verses on the cast version of "Condragulations," released January 8, 2021, as part of the show's opening number. The track features contributions from all season 13 contestants, with Gottmik delivering personalized lyrics tied to their drag persona. Later in the season, Gottmik featured on "Lucky," a single by RuPaul released April 9, 2021, alongside finalists Kandy Muse, Rosé, and Symone, where each performed custom verses celebrating their competition journey. Additionally, Gottmik appeared in the "Social Media: The Unverified Rusical" challenge, contributing to the episode's original songs performed by the cast. Following the show, Gottmik released independent singles under their drag persona. In 2024, "SKULLFUCKER" debuted as a solo track, emphasizing high-energy electronic production aligned with club-oriented drag aesthetics. This was followed by "SO GORGE," another solo release that same year, focusing on bold, performative themes. In 2025, Gottmik collaborated with on "TKO," released around July 31, portraying a playful through diss-track styled and a depicting competitive tension between the duo. Gottmik's most recent collaboration, "HOLY " with , was issued as a single on September 5, 2025, serving as the lead track for their forthcoming debut EP scheduled for September 26, 2025. The song incorporates elements with booming beats, positioned for dancefloor use in drag contexts.
SingleRelease DateCollaboratorsNotes
SKULLFUCKER2024SoloElectronic club track
SO GORGE2024SoloPerformative solo release
TKOJuly 2025Diss-style collaboration with
HOLY DISCOSeptember 5, 2025Lead single for debut EP; /

Media appearances and other work

Television and film roles

Gottmik portrayed the character Tristian in the 2021 television film , a holiday-themed production featuring multiple RuPaul's Drag Race alumni. In September 2021, Gottmik appeared in Rihanna's Vol. 3, a Prime Video special presenting the brand's line through performances and modeling segments. Gottmik guest-starred on the series Cooking with on August 8, 2021, impersonating host —a nod to an earlier Drag Race performance—while preparing a " Margarita" cocktail on the streets of West Hollywood. On January 27, 2022, Gottmik joined and Kathy as a guest on Watch What Happens Live with , discussing Drag Race experiences and Hilton family dynamics. Gottmik contributed an interview appearance to the 2022 Shudder documentary miniseries Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror, which examines LGBTQ+ representation in the horror genre.

Web series and modeling

Gottmik operates a YouTube channel dedicated to makeup tutorials, primarily recreating drag looks from RuPaul's Drag Race. The channel's inaugural video, uploaded on January 7, 2021, detailed the creation of her season 13 entrance look. Additional content includes step-by-step guides for episode-specific transformations, such as a beads-inspired runway on February 17, 2021, and a lamé sea dragon design on January 13, 2021. These videos emphasize techniques in contouring, prosthetics, and high-fashion drag aesthetics, amassing views in the tens of thousands per upload. Collaborative digital content extends to guest appearances, including a full drag transformation tutorial with NikkieTutorials on April 25, 2021, where Gottmik demonstrated her signature style on the host. In March 2022, she applied a look to during a "wingin' it" segment, highlighting product application and drag artistry. Such partnerships underscore her expertise in blending drag performance with accessible education across platforms. In modeling, Gottmik has secured campaigns with luxury and beauty brands, including KVD Beauty's collaborative line and Betsey Johnson's Pride advertising in June 2025. She starred in 's 2022 holiday campaign, featuring dynamic video content that integrated her drag persona with the brand's opulent styling. Earlier work includes Baja East's Fall 2021 lookbook, where she posed alongside Symone to homage classic editorials like Richard Avedon's 1997 Jeans ads. appearances during 2022 Month encompassed and in , positioning her as a bridge between drag and high . Her presence, under @gottmik, supports this digital and modeling footprint, growing to approximately 2 million followers by through consistent posts of tutorials, behind-the-scenes modeling shoots, and drag reveals. Post-season 13 exposure in 2021 drove rapid gains, with follower counts surging by nearly 400,000 during the show's airing, reflecting heightened engagement from and audiences.

Controversies and criticisms

All Stars 9 roast allegations

During the roast challenge in episode 6 of , which aired on June 13, 2024, Gottmik faced accusations from fans of plagiarizing material from comedian Nikki Glaser's stand-up routines. A circulated on platforms, juxtaposing Gottmik's jokes—such as a line about singer Jewel stating, "Jewel, I don't want to badmouth you since God already did"—with similar punchlines from Glaser's 2016 roast of and other performances, prompting claims of direct copying rather than original writing. Gottmik responded to the backlash on X (formerly ) on June 16, 2024, asserting that the show's roast format often involves writers and inspirations from existing , stating, "Wait do you guys think everyone wrote their jokes!? loll," and clarifying, "Nikki is my queen and I am a fan of her , I have been inspired by many comics and reworked a few jokes for the roast." She emphasized no intent to deceive, apologizing for any offense while framing the similarities as adaptations common in professional roasts. The allegations sparked polarized discussions across Reddit's r/rupaulsdragrace subreddit and , with critics labeling the material as "blatant " and questioning Gottmik's comedic authenticity, while defenders argued that reworking established tropes is standard in drag roasts and that the backlash overstated the issue given the show's process. Fan sentiment divided further, with some viewing the controversy as damaging to Gottmik's status in the non-elimination season, contributing to perceptions of underwhelming performance in subsequent episodes, though it did not directly trigger an elimination under the format's lip-sync assassin mechanics.

Top surgery reveal backlash

In the "A Tail and Two Titties" runway challenge on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 9, which aired on May 28, 2024, Gottmik presented a look featuring prosthetic arms wielding scalpels draped around the torso to accentuate her top surgery scars from mastectomy, framing it as an artistic commentary on her transition experience. The presentation drew immediate acclaim from LGBTQ+-oriented outlets, with Them magazine describing it as "one of the best runways in the history of the show" for its bold visibility of surgical transformation. Gottmik herself characterized the ensemble as "a piece of art" intended to celebrate personal agency in bodily modification. The reveal provoked sharp backlash from conservative commentators, who viewed it as the glorification of irreversible procedures akin to mutilation. , on her , condemned the look as "sick," arguing it normalized the display of scars on a prime-time show, potentially influencing impressionable audiences toward similar interventions without adequate consideration of long-term consequences. Other right-leaning influencers echoed this, decrying the visibility of surgical outcomes as promotional rather than confessional, amid broader concerns over media depictions encouraging gender-affirming surgeries. Gottmik responded to Kelly by affirming the artistic intent and dismissing the outrage as rooted in unfamiliarity with drag's provocative traditions. Critiques extended to empirical questions about top surgery's outcomes, a procedure standard in transmasculine care involving bilateral to create a male-contoured chest. Peer-reviewed analyses report regret rates below 1% for such surgeries, lower than the 14% average across other elective procedures. However, these figures face scrutiny for methodological limitations, including high loss to follow-up (up to 30-50% in some cohorts), short-term tracking (with median regret onset potentially delayed 8 years), and potential underreporting due to against detransition narratives in ideologically aligned medical institutions. Independent reviews highlight that true rates remain uncertain, with surveys suggesting 1-10% experiencing or reversal, often citing inadequate psychological screening or unresolved comorbidities as causal factors. This debate underscores tensions over public displays of surgery, where proponents see empowerment in visibility, while skeptics argue it risks downplaying causal risks like , sensation loss, or revision needs in 20-40% of cases.

Broader debates on trans representation in drag

The inclusion of transgender men like Gottmik in feminine drag performances has sparked discussions on whether such representations expand artistic boundaries or undermine the form's satirical critique of norms. Proponents argue it breaks barriers by highlighting trans male experiences within drag's traditionally male-dominated space, fostering greater visibility for underrepresented identities. For instance, Gottmik's participation is credited with challenging binary expectations and encouraging non-conforming expressions, aligning with drag's historical role in subverting societal conventions. Critics, particularly from skeptical perspectives on , question the coherence of a trans man—who identifies as and may pursue masculinizing transitions—embodying hyper-feminine , viewing it as biologically incongruent or reinforcing stereotypes of as performative rather than rooted in sex-based realities. This perspective posits that such performances may confuse audiences about the distinction between temporary exaggeration for art and persistent identity claims, potentially diluting drag's commentary on male-female norms. Conservative commentators have echoed this in broader backlash against trans-inclusive drag, arguing it blurs essential differences and prioritizes ideological signaling over artistic integrity. Fan and community divides further illustrate tensions, with some trans individuals hailing through multifaceted expression, while others express concern over the dysphoria-drag nexus, where feminine performance might exacerbate internal conflicts for those with male identification. Empirical data on psychological effects remains limited but suggests drag performers, including gay men, report lower and depression levels compared to populations, challenging claims of drag as inherent for trans-related distress. Qualitative studies note benefits like identity exploration but also risks of performance anxiety and , indicating causal links to are context-dependent rather than universally affirmative. coverage, often from left-leaning outlets, tends to emphasize celebratory narratives while downplaying incongruity critiques, reflecting institutional biases that favor expansive interpretations over empirical scrutiny of outcomes.

Reception and legacy

Achievements and impact

Gottmik marked a milestone in drag history as the first openly man to compete on in season 13, which aired from January to April 2021 and drew record viewership, including 1.3 million total viewers for its premiere episode across and other networks. This appearance elevated trans masculine visibility within the drag community, providing exposure to underrepresented gender presentations on a platform with broad reach. The season finale, featuring Gottmik among the top contestants, attracted 772,000 live viewers, underscoring sustained audience engagement. Post-Drag Race, Gottmik expanded into live performances, including the Knockout Tour launched in 2025 with custom stage elements and exclusive merchandise sales tied to tour dates. Leveraging a background as a Los Angeles-based , Gottmik participated in high-profile collaborations, such as applying drag-inspired looks using products for in March 2022. These efforts capitalized on the performer's established aesthetic, which emphasizes bold graphic elements and gender experimentation. Gottmik's run on the show influenced perceptions of drag beyond binary confines, promoting non-conforming styles through runway presentations and the recurring motif "Crash the cis-tem," which highlighted trans and non-binary expressions in . This cultural ripple is quantifiable in social metrics, with Gottmik gaining approximately 802,000 followers during season 13, reaching over 1.3 million by the reunion, reflecting amplified reach for gender-diverse drag narratives.

Critical assessments and viewpoints

Gottmik's makeup techniques have garnered acclaim for pioneering styles that blend high with drag exaggeration, earning endorsements from industry observers for technical precision in transformative applications. This innovation is often cited as a core strength, distinguishing their work in a field dominated by conventional standards. Conversely, detractors argue that Gottmik's presentations frequently lean on —such as near-nudity or graphic bodily alterations—to generate buzz, potentially diluting substantive performance elements like or lip-syncing prowess with ephemeral provocation. Fan forums and recap analyses describe this as overhyped reliance on visual extremity over versatile entertainment value, with some labeling early hype as disproportionate to broader skill sets. Conservative commentators extend this to societal critiques, viewing such drag as emblematic of performances that erode sex-based distinctions and normalize irreversible body modifications, thereby intensifying concerns over youth exposure in family-oriented venues amid rising legislative pushback against drag events. Assessments of enduring legacy remain tentative, with questions arising on whether Gottmik's visibility—peaking via RuPaul's Drag Race seasons 13 and All Stars 9—translates to lasting influence beyond transient media cycles, as opposed to foundational drag figures whose artistry evolved independently of amplification. Mainstream outlets emphasize representational breakthroughs, yet empirical metrics like sustained touring or original content output suggest challenges in transcending initial post-show fervor.

Personal life

Relationships and privacy

Gottmik has not publicly confirmed any long-term romantic partners, maintaining a high degree of privacy regarding personal relationships amid rumors of friendships with fellow Drag Race contestants such as and that fans have speculated could extend romantically, though no evidence supports such claims. In a 2021 interview, Gottmik identified as pansexual, stating openness to connections irrespective of gender while avoiding detailed disclosures about dating experiences. Gottmik was raised in a conservative Christian in , where initial reactions to their transition involved struggle, as acknowledged by their father in public statements. Over time, family reconciliation occurred, with parents demonstrating support through a video aired during the 2021 episode of Untucked, Season 13, Episode 6, where they expressed pride and acceptance. Gottmik deliberately compartmentalizes their drag persona—characterized by feminine presentation and she/her pronouns—from out-of-drag life as Kade Gottlieb, using he/him pronouns, to safeguard and prevent of performance with private identity. This approach underscores a broader commitment to , limiting shared details to protect non-public aspects of life from public scrutiny.

Activism and public statements

Gottmik has engaged in trans rights advocacy through and collaborations emphasizing visibility and resilience. On June 17, 2024, at the Trans Pride LA event hosted by the LGBT Center, Gottmik delivered a keynote address asserting that "trans people are the most magical people in the world" due to their innate fight for self-existence from birth, framing transition as an act of profound personal agency and endurance. This appearance, part of the event's Trans Town Hall, drew significant attendance and underscored themes of queer joy and community support amid legislative challenges. In partnership with transgender influencer , Gottmik co-authored The T Guide (2023), a resource aimed at supporting trans individuals navigating identity and societal barriers, including discussions on and countering anti-trans legislation. Gottmik has also spoken at events like the Campaign's LA Dinner, advocating for representation in media and as a means to foster and reduce isolation for youth exploring gender nonconformity. These efforts position Gottmik as a proponent of expansive trans expression, particularly for those defying binary norms, such as trans men. Such has contributed to heightened public awareness of diverse trans experiences, yet it intersects with broader debates on the promotion of transition. Detransitioner accounts and analyses critique high-profile endorsements of transition as potentially accelerating interventions—like hormones and surgeries—without sufficient caution on psychological underpinnings or long-term outcomes, viewing them as evading deeper exploration. Empirical studies report rates ranging from 0.3% to 3.8%, with some long-term data indicating temporary in 0.3% of cases; however, these figures are contested due to high loss-to-follow-up in cohorts (often exceeding 50%) and variability in dissatisfaction metrics, where up to 15% express partial in select national surveys. Gottmik's resilience narrative aligns with affirming models prioritizing visibility, but detrans perspectives highlight causal risks of over-ization in vulnerable populations, informed by institutional follow-up gaps rather than isolated anecdotes.

Awards and nominations

Gottmik competed as a contestant on the thirteenth season of , which aired from January to April 2021, advancing to the top four alongside finalists Symone, , and . The season's finale format included fan-voted elements, such as public voting influencing elimination outcomes earlier in the competition. In RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 9, which premiered on May 17, 2024, and adopted a charity-focused format where winners earned "Beautiful Benefactress" badges to direct $100,000 donations to selected nonprofits, Gottmik accumulated two badges across the season—the lowest total among the eight returning contestants. She secured a top-two placement and lip sync victory in episode 3's "Snatch Game of Love" challenge, earning one badge, and won a mini-challenge in an earlier episode granting a $2,500 charity donation. Despite these performances, Gottmik was eliminated prior to the finale due to her badge count. For her appearances on , Gottmik received a 2022 Groundbreaker Award at The Queerties, recognizing pioneering contributions within the franchise.

Other recognitions

Gottmik was included in Out magazine's Out100 list in 2021, which honors the year's most impactful and influential LGBTQ+ individuals, with specific recognition for drag performers advancing representation. The performer has been featured as a trailblazer in Attitude magazine's April 2021 Style issue, highlighting contributions to drag artistry and visibility beyond competition formats.

Discography

Singles

Gottmik released the single "SKULLFUCKER" in 2024, marking one of the performer's initial outputs following prominence on . This track, characterized by its provocative title and drag-infused aesthetic, did not achieve notable commercial chart positions. "So Gorge," another 2024 single, followed as part of Gottmik's expanding solo , emphasizing bold, thematic elements aligned with the performer's artistic persona. Like its predecessor, it received no documented entry on major music charts such as the Hot 100. In 2025, Gottmik collaborated with on "TKO," a joint single tied to their joint touring efforts, released amid ongoing music projects. The track similarly lacked significant chart traction. "HOLY DISCO," featuring and released in 2025, represented a club-oriented venture drawing on electronic influences. No chart performance data is available for this release.
TitleRelease YearNotes
SKULLFUCKER2024Solo single
So Gorge2024Solo single
TKO (with )2025Collaboration
HOLY DISCO (feat. )2025Collaboration

Other contributions

Gottmik provided original rap verses for RuPaul's track "Lucky", released on April 9, 2021, as part of the season 13 finale of , alongside contributions from finalists , , and Symone. In July 2025, Gottmik collaborated with fellow alum on the dance track "TKO", which premiered with a portraying a staged rivalry between the performers to promote their joint tour. Gottmik made a featured appearance in the music video for Ezra Michel's "Girl Baby", released on June 14, 2021, depicting a nonbinary family narrative with trans model and directed by . Gottmik also appeared in a cameo role in the official music video for and Kim Petras's "Unholy", released on September 30, 2022, alongside amid scenes of infidelity and performance.

References

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