Gottmik

Kade Gottlieb, professionally known as Gottmik, is an American make-up artist and drag performer who made history in 2021 by becoming the first openly trans man to compete on RuPaul's Drag Race during its thirteenth season. His unique blend of high-fashion aesthetics and punk sensibilities quickly distinguished him from other contestants, leading to a shared third and fourth place finish alongside Rosé. As of late 2026, he stands as a pivotal figure bridging the gap between professional makeup artistry and reality television stardom. He currently serves as a judge on the second season of King of Drag, where he actively advocates for drag kings within the community. Beyond the competition circuit, Gottmik co-hosts the podcast No Gorge with Violet Chachki and maintains a significant social media presence across Instagram, X, and YouTube. His distinctive style features bold, graphic makeup looks with sharp lines and avant-garde textures, challenging traditional gender norms while celebrating the fluidity of drag performance.[edit]

Born Kade Gottlieb on August 19, 1996, in Scottsdale, Arizona, he grew up immersed in the arts before moving west to pursue formal education. While specific details regarding his early schooling are not extensively documented in public records, he attended college in California, where he studied art and design. It was during this period that he began experimenting with drag, initially performing under different names before settling on the moniker "Gottmik." His early interest in makeup artistry was self-taught and driven by a desire to express his identity; he has often spoken about using makeup as a tool for transformation and healing. Prior to fame, he worked as a freelance makeup artist in Los Angeles, building a client base that included other artists and performers. This academic background provided the technical foundation for his later career, allowing him to hone a skillset that would eventually translate to his drag persona. Before stepping onto the national stage, he built a solid reputation in the local scene, creating looks for various clients and events that showcased his ability to transform faces through artistic expression.[edit]

The turning point for Gottmik arrived in 2021 when he joined the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 13. His appearance on the show was historic, marking the first time an openly trans man competed in the franchise. Despite facing stiff competition, he secured a spot in the finale, placing tied for third and fourth. This placement immediately elevated his profile within the entertainment industry. Following his initial run, he did not fade into the background. In 2022, he returned to the franchise for All Stars Season 9, further cementing his status as a top-tier competitor. His success extended to music with the release of the video RIOT in 2020 and SKULLFU*KER in 2023. He also launched the podcast No Gorge with Violet Chachki, which gained a loyal following for its candid discussions on beauty and drag culture.

By 2025, Gottmik was touring extensively with Chachki on the Knockout Tour. The tour highlighted themes of LGBTQ+ resistance and featured performances in cities like Portland and Kansas City. In 2026, he took on a new role as a judge on King of Drag Season 2. This move aligned with his public advocacy for drag kings, whom he cited as the future of the art form. During interviews with The Pink News and Out in September 2026, he stated, "We need drag to be this," emphasizing his commitment to inclusivity. Despite a recent legal setback involving a DUI arrest in September 2026, his primary income streams from touring, podcasting, and judging remain active.[edit]

Gottmik's public image is defined by a fusion of high-fashion elegance and punk rock grit. His signature style features bold, graphic makeup looks with sharp lines and avant-garde textures. Media outlets frequently describe him as a pioneer for trans representation in drag. He presents himself as authentic and vulnerable, particularly regarding his transition and mental health journey. His voice on social media is direct and unfiltered, often challenging traditional gender norms in the drag community. Standing approximately 5'8" (173 cm), his physical presence complements his artistic vision. Recognized by Vogue and Teen Vogue as a cultural icon, he is frequently cited in media lists as one of the most influential drag queens of the 2020s for breaking gender norms. Even following his 2026 legal issues, his core message of transformation and joy in artistry remains central to how the public perceives him.[edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. The fanbase does not have a formal documented name, though supporters often refer to themselves as 'Miks.' These fans are deeply engaged with Gottmik's advocacy for trans rights and drag kings. Notable fan activities include streaming parties for his music videos and social media pushes encouraging his return to RuPaul's Drag Race. Fans frequently praise his authenticity and vulnerability, particularly regarding his transition and mental health journey. Gottmik interacts regularly with fans on Instagram and X, often sharing behind-the-scenes content and personal reflections. With over 173K subscribers on YouTube and a strong following on Instagram, his digital reach allows him to maintain a direct line to his audience, fostering a community that supports his work in music, television, and advocacy.[edit]

Gottmik's real name is Kade Gottlieb, a fact he keeps separate from his stage persona until necessary. He is a skilled artist who often uses makeup as a tool for transformation and healing. Despite identifying as a trans man, he strongly embraces the term 'drag queen' as an art form rather than a gender label. He has expressed a strong desire to see drag kings gain more mainstream recognition, viewing them as the future of the scene. His most iconic moment remains his performance on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 13, where he impersonated a high-fashion icon during the "Snatch Game" episode. He co-hosts No Gorge, a podcast that has become a staple for listeners interested in the intersection of beauty and drag culture. In September 2026, he was arrested for a DUI after crashing his Porsche into multiple parked cars in Los Angeles, marking the first major legal controversy of his public career. No injuries were reported in the incident.[edit]

Gottlieb was raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, though specific details about his parents remain private. He moved to California for college where he studied art and design. While he maintains a close connection to his roots, he has not publicly discussed siblings or extended family members in detail. His household currently includes no children, and he keeps his romantic life relatively private compared to his public persona. He often shares glimpses of his daily life on social media but reserves deeper family stories for interviews. The Leo-born performer has focused his public narrative on his career and identity rather than familial lineage, maintaining a boundary between his personal history and his professional evolution.[edit]

Violet Chachki, Cameron Esposito, Rosé. [edit]

Gottmik has historically maintained a private stance regarding his romantic life. As of late 2026, there are no confirmed long-term marriages or engagements publicly documented. He has been open about his identity as a trans man navigating dating within the LGBTQ+ community. Social media activity in 2026 suggests a shift in his personal life. On Instagram, he posted: "One day at a time, I found my way back. I feel free. I feel genuinely happy. I feel open to giving and receiving love in a way I haven't in years." This statement implies a new chapter in his romantic life, potentially indicating he is currently dating or has recently entered a relationship, though no specific partner's name has been officially confirmed by major outlets as of the latest reports. There are no publicly known children. His relationship history remains largely undocumented, focusing instead on his platonic partnerships with colleagues like Violet Chachki and Rosé.[edit]

Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Gottmik's fortune at around $300,000 as of 2026, with broader estimates ranging between $200,000 and $500,000. His wealth stems from multiple streams including reality television earnings, podcast revenue, and live performances. Earnings from RuPaul's Drag Race seasons and All Stars provide a significant base income. The podcast No Gorge generates revenue through sponsorships and ad reads. Touring guarantees from the Knockout Tour with Violet Chachki add substantial yearly income. He also earns from freelance makeup artistry contracts and merchandise sales. Music royalties from singles like "RIOT" and "SKULLFU*KER" contribute smaller but steady amounts. Recent legal issues involving a DUI arrest in September 2026 may have paused some endorsement deals temporarily, but his primary income sources remain active. Celebrity Net Worth sites typically estimate figures around $250,000 based on his reality TV earnings and podcast revenue, while other financial aggregators suggest a higher figure closer to $450,000 when factoring in merchandise sales and tour guarantees.[edit]

While Gottmik has not won major mainstream industry awards, his impact is recognized through competitive placements. He finished in a shared third and fourth place on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 13. He received critical acclaim for his runway performances on All Stars Season 9. He is frequently cited in media lists as one of the most influential drag queens of the 2020s for breaking gender norms. [edit]