A Place at the Table: King Julez (Julian Munro)

“My drag is one of my most sacred spiritual practices, and it grounds me and allows me to play and have fun in ways that are really difficult to articulate outside of the art form itself.”

Julian Munro, also known as King Julez (it/they), has a deep connection to The United Church of Canada, which has shaped their life from childhood through their current studies at Emmanuel College in Toronto, where they’re training for ministry. Their calling to ministry, which began in their youth, has driven Julian throughout their life.

Julian’s drag persona, King Julez, started as an exploration of gender identity and has evolved into a sacred practice that blends art, spirituality, and ministry. Drag offers a platform for storytelling, resistance, and connection, echoing the history of clowns and jesters who challenge systems of power and build communities with humour and joy.

For Julian, the United Church serves as a spiritual centre that allows for exploration and transformation, particularly for non-conforming individuals. They value the church’s inclusivity, which welcomes diverse cultural, ethnic, and personal identities, allowing space for mystical experiences and growth. This commitment to diversity and inclusivity is crucial for Julian, who sees the church as a place where all are welcomed to authentically express their identities.

Jesus’ last supper with his friends holds deep meaning for Julian, not only as an iconic image but also as a profound event where the disciples, navigating grief, celebration, and sacred tradition, reflect the human experience. For Julian, this moment underscores the importance of community-building, which is central to their faith and ministry. The United Church’s role in fostering spiritual celebration and connection aligns with their belief in Christ as a community-builder, advocate, and connector.

Jules with long purple hair in a bow, bold makeup, wearing a white varied pattern top

King Julez (Julian Munro) is an animal-loving, softball-playing spiritual drag clown. Based in the Greater Toronto Area, they work with the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and explore the deep connections between drag and spirituality. Through their own transition and drag, Julez has found a profound sense of connection and meaning.