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thotyssey · 5 years

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On Point With: George “Bam Bam” William

He’s Mr. NY Unlimited Cub 2018 and he’s one of the favorite gogo boys of New York’s bear and leather scene. Get a load of George William, aka Bam Bam!

Thotyssey: George, hello! Thanks for talking to us today! How's your December been so far?

George William: December has been quite the month! Holidays are literally flying in and out, and it’s almost 2019! I see you just attended an event at Eagle with the Brothers of Excelsior!

Yes! The Brothers of Excelsior held a wonderful benefit for the program New Alternatives for LGBT Youth. My partner in crime, Dan Jimenez, and I were the event’s gogo dancers! It was an absolutely amazing experience. Anything benefiting the youth of today is such a worthwhile cause for attendance.

Using sexiness for the benefit of mankind!

Haha! That’s an awesome way of putting it.

I think lots of people who aren’t in the know would be surprised that there is so much charity and fundraising happening in the bear / leather community, particularly among the competition title holders.

It is truly remarkable how a community comes together when it concerns outreach and fundraising for the benefit of said community. Title holders, entertainers, bar owners... everyone shows such a sense of family and determination to help in whatever way we can!

Many people think we just wear a sash and walk around, but having a “title” is so much more; it’s about showing pride, love, and most of all helping out your community and those who, in past years, have helped young men like myself find themselves. Volunteering, fundraising, and community outreach are major parts in having a title and we take it very seriously.

But also, it’s sexy.

Well, thank you! We certainly try to keep it as sexy as possible!

So where are you from originally?

I was born in Bogotá, Colombia. At 3 months, I was adopted by two amazing parents, Eileen and George, and raised here in NY. More specifically, Rockland County.

Have you ever made a trip as an adult back to Colombia?

I have not. My sister Jenna (also adopted from Medellín) and I are definitely making it a point to travel over there very soon. It would be amazing to experience the culture, and where we came from.

Werk! So when did you discover the bear / leather scene?

My ex-boyfriend introduced me to the bear scene a number of years ago, and I automatically felt at home. I had been gogo dancing a few of years prior, but was struggling with finding a group of people with similar values and a mindset I could definitely relate to. The bears are definitely full of unconditional love.

When did you start calling yourself Bam Bam?

When I first started gogo dancing, I was one of the youngest boys on the box... so one of my bosses dubbed me Bam Bam (the toddler from The Flintstones). I made my mark as the dancer who could drop into a split at a moment’s notice, and people would go BAM when I would hit the floor.

Bam! How long have you been partaking in the competitions?

This year was actually my first competition down in North Carolina. Dan and I competed and won the titles of Mr. NY Unlimited Bear and Mr. NY Unlimited Cub.

What was that whole process like for you?

Truly unforgettable. Meeting new people, and hearing their stories that led them to NC was both interesting and inspiring. I made many new friends, and great connections! It definitely helped me also in discovering myself as a 25 year-old man.

How did you find yourself as a “cub” instead of a” bear?” Is it mostly about body type?

I guess it’s all open to interpretation. I’m still maturing, like a Cub matures into a Bear... so I would definitely relate more to Boo Boo than Yogi!

Boo Boo has the better neckwear.

Yas! I totally agree!

So what are some of your Unlimited Cub duties for the rest of the year, as far as gigs and appearances?

Well, aside from Bam Bam’s gogo gigs, I’m working on a statewide body positivity / self-love campaign / workshop that will launch in the New Year! I’m very excited to watch it take off, and can’t wait to see where it goes. Yazzz! Well we are very happy to have you with Thotyssey’s Bear Invasion of Viva Variety on Tuesday (9pm) at Bedlam! It’s going to be you, Dan and John-John Punki giving burlesque performances! Have you tried burlesque before?

Haha it’s gonna be LIT! I recently did “bear”-lesque at the Eagle’s Kinky Cabaret. It was so much fun, and definitely different than gogo dancing. I’m so excited to perform! Viva Vidalia is such a talented performer and great friend, and my brothers Dan and John-John are going to slay the stage, no doubt about it.

Can’t wait to see you there! Anything else?

I hope everyone has a safe, happy and healthy holiday season, and a prosperous New Year, from my Den to yours!

Likewise! Lastly: what’s the one thing the world needs to know about Bam Bam?

Hmmm...well, I’m sure he would want the world to know that underneath his fuzzy exterior, lies a young man with determination, spunk, and a heart of gold who wants to give back to a community of people that provided him with love and acceptance. You only go through life once, but a legacy can live forever. And I intend to leave one.

Thank you, George!

Check Thotyssey’s calendar for George “Bam Bam” William’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

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thotyssey · 5 years

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On Point With: Lauren Ordair

This live singing Lips queen is a born entertainer–and lately she’s been getting more and more opportunities to do so, including a karaoke hosting gig this summer. Let’s get some due process going on with Miss Lauren Ordair!

Thotyssey: Hello Lauren, thanks for talking to us! How’s your week been?

Lauren Ordair: It’s been great! Very busy, but busy is good news! I’d rather be busy than sitting at…

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thotyssey · 5 years

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On Point With: Doris Dear

A darling of the city’s cabaret stages, Doris Dear is the creation of Staten Island-born actor Ray DeForest and is based on his fascinating mom Taffy. While rarely mixing it up with New York’s nightlife drag stars, Doris has a huge and diverse following all her own. She returns to the Triad Theater this week with a brand new Christmas show... join Thotyssey as we get down with Ms. Dear!

Thotyssey: Hello Ray / Doris, thanks for talking to us tonight! How is the holiday month treating you so far?

Doris Dear: It’s been a crazy, busy, joyous month so far, and there is still lot’s to come! Oh ...hi by the way!

Hello! Here's an important question... what do you think about the sudden demonizing of "Baby It's Cold Outside?"

Well, my usual take on life as a whole is that if a group is being offended by something then we should respect that. The language we use is constantly changing. Keeping up with things is never easy.

That said, this one I think may take things out of context. If you look at almost any song written 74 years ago, you could look at it as being offensive. Viewing life in the past through a modern lens is difficult. Yet, an overwhelming majority requested not to pull it. So what do we do now? It’s a tightrope to walk, and never an a easy one.

I do think that context is a lost sense these days! So okay, let's put you in some context! Like your character Doris, you're a Staten Island native, right?

Yes, born and raised on the Island of Staten!

How was that for you? I think of SI as being so culturally unique and distant from the other boroughs. Even the accent is so different!

LOL. Yes it is. Staten Islanders are a breed altogether, different than the rest of the boroughs. I do think each borough has it’s own particular identity.

I just turned 60! Growing up on the Island in the late 50’s, 60’s and 70’s was really wonderful -- when the Island was still underdeveloped, and there were small neighborhoods and lots of open land to explore. I spent my childhood wandering the woods, catching salamanders and watching turtles and native birds, playing hide-and-seek and “superheros” with the neighborhood kids. Luckily, I had a mother and father that really liked the city. My mom was a fashion model in the late 40’s and early 50’s before she met my dad. She loved taking me and my sister into the city and showing us that world.

Now... that accent! LOL it is thick! We have the strange ‘a” sound that is very particular to the Islanders. When I was in college, my acting teacher drilled me hard to develop a more “Mid-West reporter” sound! The classic SI accent is heard when we say “The Staten Island Advance.” Instead of adVANCE, like most people, we say ADvance!

Yes that's it precisely! So, it was at college when you started theater, or earlier?

Well, I did a high school musical at St Josephs Hill Academy when I was a senior. They needed a tall guy to be opposite a girl that was a lead in their show ... so I was the right height! And in college, I got cast in a show freshman year because I was a swimmer and they needed a good, tall, muscular body to wear pink hot pants as a guard in Jesus Christ Superstar. So it seems my body got me cast in the beginning! After that show, I decided to give it a try and started studying theater.

Tell us about the creation of Doris, and where she first appeared.

Well, really she came about 5 years ago when my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She was such a light in my life, and many other peoples’ lives. I had always told stories about my parents Taffy and Duke (yes, real names). They were the life of the party. So, to deal with the loss, I decided to do what I know best, and that was to take her story to the stage. I wrote a theatrical cabaret show, and when I tried rehearsing it as Ray, I realized it didn’t really feel right. So I decided to create Doris Dear, who would be Taffy’s daughter, who she is teaching everything she knows to be America’s Perfect Housewife. By doing it as a drag character, it opened up the story telling in a way I could never do as Ray.

I had not done a ton of drag, but really for me it is just another character I do as a professional actor. I thought I would do one show at The Triad Theater and sell maybe 20 tickets. Well, it sold out... and the theater asked me back, and we sold out 4 shows over 2 months. After talking with my director and musical director, and with the backing of Sydney Myer at Don’t Tell Mama, we developed the show for 6 months. Then we took it on the road and now it has become a staple in the cabaret world... The Doris Dear Specials!

So, Doris is talking about your / her mother, but Doris herself is also actually based on your mother.

Completely! And all the stories I tell are true. They are all based on my mom. I use magazines and other pop culture items to illustrate those stories and songs, like magazines, recipe books and actual items my mom made... like handbags!

Did your mom have that swooping hair, and those glasses, too?

HA! Yes. She totally had the hair and glasses later in life; she always took them off for pictures. The look is all Taffy!

Do you find that audiences of all ages respond to Doris in the same way... or that she might be too "old-fashioned" for younger audiences to understand?

Well, it’s been interesting watching my audience grow and change. At first, it wasn’t exactly a younger audience. It was mostly straight married couples over 40. The husbands really loved Doris; I represent their mothers! Then slowly, the younger people started discovering this slice of life that Doris lives in. I talk a lot about old NYC. The restaurants, the theaters, the shows etc. They love hearing and seeing that. They also love hearing about the “old rules” that women lived by. Now it is truly a mix of all ages. I have some dedicated 15 year-olds that make their parents bring them to every show! I don’t curse or talk “blue.” I try to have an overall positive energy and message.

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Would you ever perform in the bars? I can't really picture Doris as Gaga and, like, Shequida as Beyonce doing "Telephone.” Actually wait, that would be amazing!

LOL... can you imagine!? Look, I grew up as a gay man in the NYC bar culture. I came out when I was 16! That would be 1974! I loved bar culture: a place to feel safe, meet people, and more. I grew up when drag queens, leather guys and preppy men all gathered together. I used to produce large club events as well. Being a part of gay culture has always been important to me.

Now I feel waaaay too old to do bar performing. Honestly... I’m in bed before those shows are even starting! I try to get out now and then to see all the queens out there, and there are some wonderful queens performing every week. I don’t know how they do it! I am also a terrible lip sync artist. I’m awful. And I haven’t done a slip in years! LOL

I bet it's like riding a bike! So, do you actually consider yourself a drag queen, or like you said earlier -- you are an actor, and Doris is just one character you do who happens to be in drag?

When I first started doing shows, I never said “drag queen" -- only because when people hear it was a “drag show,” they had a certain expectation of what it would be. Those people would come and not enjoy it. I called it a “theatrical cabaret” hosted by a Housewife. I gave up on that, though. I sat with the amazing Charles Busch, and we discussed this very thing. I came to the realization that saying I am a drag queen is actually an honor. We are an elite bunch of men that are proud. I have always said it takes a real man to do drag!

Well said, queen! So Doris' best-known shows are usually the ones for Mothers Day and Christmas, and the latter is coming up this week: The Doris Dear Christmas Special at the Triad Theater, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7pm! Tell us what we can expect this time around!

Well, it’s a whole new show this year. I absolutely love the Christmas shows. It is a time of year that people really want to feel happy, and we give them that in the show. The premise is that people are coming into my rumpus room and sharing a cocktail and story and song with Doris Dear. I have the most amazing singers who come in and visit. I actually had a cast and band rehearsal today, and I was knocked over by the sound. Simply amazing. Everyone in the show are award-winning singers and musicians. I am really honored that they choose to be a part of the show. You will hear stories of growing up with Taffy and Duke and how we celebrated Christmas. Nothing fills my heart more than honoring them each time I walk on stage!

That sounds absolutely perfect! Anything else we should mention?

I am honestly just so happy at this point in my life I still get to do what I love. I work a lot with other actors through my union SAG/AFTRA. I Serve on the LGBT National Committee and the Sexual Harassment Presidents Working Group to create safe spaces for our members. I try to encourage people to live an authentic life! Finally, what's the number one thing on your list for Santa this year... and what tops Doris' list?

Well, Ray hopes that Santa brings him yet another successful year of shows. And Doris has a bottle of Dewars on her list for all those Whiskey Sours she loves!

Thank you Ray / Doris... have a great show and Happy Holidays!

Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Doris Dear’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, plus her website.

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thotyssey · 5 years

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On Point With: Scarlet Envy

Besides being one of the most strikingly gorgeous humans in all of drag, this queen of Brooklyn, Manhattan and beyond also happens to be a fiercely intelligent and dynamic performer. And with new gigs all over town–pus an old favorite that’s soon to be resurrected–This Bitch is also Busy. Frankly, Miss Scarlet Envy, we all give a damn!

Thotyssey: Hi Scarlet! So, you had a busy night last night…

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thotyssey · 5 years

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On Point With: Andora Tetee

The first New York City queen in the history of the Miss Gay America pageant to take home the coveted crown, Andora Tetee has proven herself to be a drag force to be reckoned with long ago thanks to her brilliant handmade costumes, crowd pleasing choreographed numbers and makeup looks ranging from glamour fish to sea monster. Thotyssey gets to know the reigning queen of the season!

Thotyssey:…

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thotyssey · 5 years

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RePoint: Frankie Sharp

One of nightlife’s biggest movers-and-shakers has us shook with all he’s up to these days: parties in Brooklyn, East Village and Chelsea; a live singing show; GLAM nominations; Drag Race Judys aplenty; and everything that is 3 Dollar Bill. And soon, the classic kiki that made him a nightlife name will be resurrected! Frankie Sharp catches up with Thotyssey since our first chat.

Thotyssey: Hey Frankie! Thanks for talking to us again today! It’s been a minute!

Frankie Sharp: Firstly can I just say, you are literally my favorite interviewer to talk to!

Aw shucks, and you’re one of our favorite ever interviewees! So last night at Club Cumming was the year anniversary of your hit live revue MARY! How did it go?

Even a year in, its always so nerve-racking! I think because it’s the most vulnerable thing I do. Literally putting myself on stage, and next to such great singers... I still feel like a wannabe next to them. But it was a beautiful night. It was very celebratory. I’m very proud of MARY. As well you should be! It’s a super popular night for Club Cumming, and it’s a GLAM-nominated cabaret this year!

The GLAM awards are so fun! But they seem very localized with recognizing talent. It’s very uptown-focused, so I’m very honored to be recognized when I am for having mostly downtown and Brooklyn productions these days.

Yes, you actually have a bunch of GLAM noms this time around... what’s your track record with winning those?

I used to win every year Best Party and Best Promoter when Westgay was happening... but understandably so, Westgay was a very specific night that beautifully bridged downtown and uptown, Manhattan and all the surrounding boroughs--which I think is the ultimate goal usually with events. But Westgay actually achieved that.

You’re doing so much right now!

Yes I’m nuts right now. But I like it that way. A wasted minute is hell to me.

Do you have in your mind very specific ideas on what potential acts or DJs you could work in what space, or is it more about just getting those people and fitting them into any gig you can based on their schedule?

No, it’s very, very conscious and calculated. Just because one DJ or performer is successful in one space, that does not make them right for another. There’s many things that come into play... location, demographic, personal perspective.

It’s so much to be aware of! I picture, like, a dozen thotty assistants in a dungeon somewhere updating Frankie Sharp spreadsheets all day and night.

Can you believe for the first time I just hired a full time assistant? And even then I do most of it, because I’m also very hands on and maybe even a control freak. I’m constantly finessing the approach. Everything is about fine-tuning and being aware of every aspect of an event before, during and after. Its all stimuli though, again... no wasted minute.

I was just at Metropolitan Bar in Brooklyn last night--

Metro is just THE SPOT, you know? Its ol' faithful. And they're so incredibly supportive. and I adore the staff, and Steven the manager is one of the hardest working men in the biz.

Yes! And when I was there I saw a poster for an upcoming Metrosensual, which will have Cynthia Lee Fontaine! Metrosensual is the Saturday weekly you produce, and your longest running party now; very often it features Drag Race girls like Cynthia. So many RuGirls have come through for a Frankie Sharp event, are there any who have remained elusive to you? Not really, honestly. Everyone is very supportive, and most girls I have personal relationships with and reach out to them before I reach out to their agents. I take great care of talent and they all get paid well and on time, so there’s no reason to pass up one of my events. Also, most managers of the girls know that I produce 100+ events a year, so they're very responsive.

I’m bummed I missed viral sensation Florida Man’s Metrosensual! How was she?

An actual genius. And a lovely person. It’s so refreshing to get girls from the Bay Area in NYC; there’s almost NO ego attached to the person. It’s all heart and professionalism.

You’re also now the Man behind REBAR’s BOYS, the Friday night party that delivers on its name. Lots of cute dancing boys and top DJs. How are you enjoying the night so far?

Honestly, fab! The crowd keeps growing every week, and it’s quickly becoming the spot to get classically cruisey and bring home a piece of trade you’ve never seen before.The crowd is hot AF, and no one has their phones out unless they’re filming the gogo boys’ group number. Its very Magic Mike up in the club at BOYS. I clearly have a stripper fetish. I grew up around them. Also, I DJ at BOYS for the first set, so I’m having fun myself, too.

Do you get to DJ as often as you like these days?

Honestly the 3 Dollar Bill the Producer Hat has gotten tighter on me... so no. DJing is my favorite thing to do. It’s how I got to where I am now. But it comes in waves. I wish other promoters would book me to guest DJ; I don’t do that much anymore. Although, "busy" is an understatement for me right now.

3 Dollar Bill is such an interesting space. How did it come to be that you’re the event producer there?

Well, I came to see the space for my Halloween party... and while I was doing so I became very fond of Brenda the owner, and we quickly became the best of friends. She expressed some concern over the space--that it was so vast and beautiful, but nothing was happening--so I decided to step in and help.

The partnership thus far has been unreal. I knew I could do everything I always wanted to at 3 Dollar Bill. I’ve just now started to scratch the surface with my, ideas for 3DB.

There is a lot that can be done with the space! It’s a huge cavernous dungeon, but also there’s a giant stage with great tech, and additionally an outdoor space. What is, like, the craziest thing that comes to mind, i.e. something that you’ve always wanted to try and can maybe be done there?

We’re doing an immersive theatre show in January and February from Neon Coven. And MARY is going to start a new production in the giant Club Room as Mary Presents, an immersive club / bar experience where the cast is at the party but also a part of the scripted show. But being that we also have live music venue capabilities, I have BIG plans with some huge performers doing full concerts. I have massive plans for World Pride, but I have to keep those hush for now.

Lo and behold, 3DB will be the home of a Westgay revival on December 29th, starring Alyssa Edwards. Westgay was your Mona Lisa! 2018 has been all about revivals in pop culture, with nightlife being no different... Wigstock returned this summer, too! What made you want to bring back Westgay now?

The best part of my job is helping young producers with their ideas and help turn their events into larger scale forms. In doing so, it was hard to book a Tuesday night; no one was brave enough to do so. WestGay was a Tuesday night, and I posted a Facebook post that said "Can’t anyone up-and-coming do another WestGay?" and some commented "W3STGAY at 3 Dollar Bill?” A light bulb came on.

Ack! Are you excited for the return? A little nervous, maybe?

Very Excited. Like I said before, I get nervous before anything I do. Putting yourself out there is the name of the game, though. But more than the nerves, I’m excited because it feels like a true family reunion.

You were involved as an event producer with a club in BK called Lovegun a few years ago that lots of people remember fondly, but sadly didn’t last. Did you learn a lot from that experience as far as how to make 3DB work?

Yeah... not bring Manhattan to Brooklyn.

That’s true! No matter how much time passes, those scenes are still two distinctive worlds! And in my fledgling work as an event producer, I find it sooooo hard to get friends to break their cycles and travel to “new” neighborhoods.

That was one of the most major problems with 3DB when it first opened. It felt like a Manhattan club landed in Brooklyn, and demanded its revenue and support with no real attachment to the community. My entire career is about not only honoring Manhattan, but also Brooklyn and surrounding hoods... so just New York as a whole. My approach above all else is having this space be a gift to Queer Brooklyn. Its stage, its dancefloor... it’s Brooklyn's, but everyone's invited.

These days, we’re all a bit furious, scared and hypersensitive thanks in big part to this administration and its open hostility to the queer community and minorities. Has any of that effected how you go about things, or changed your role as an event producer in any way?

I think everyone feels anxiety because as a queer community we may lose our rights, our people are being threatened and some even hurt or murdered. Honestly, I blame Hollywood. Hollywood created a false and dangerous narrative that everything has a happy ending, and since we’re not experiencing that we can feel that pain in our gut right now due to all of this shaky, racist and chaotic rhetoric. Also, it was Hollywood that brought this reality shit show of a president to us, too. It’s affected my business because people are feeling more confrontational than ever. So in some ways, what I do in creating spaces is punk rock, which in turn feels celebratory of just being queer... but conversely within the community it has somewhat made it segregated.

The only other way I can think of how the administration and the world in general have changed my event production is that my social media presence has been more conscious. It feels a lil’ strange to witness wildfires in California or massive shootings across the country, and then beg people to come to my weekly Rager. It feels so disingenuous. So I try to express words out of love and good intention. I like to talk about my sobriety, help young people get a jump start on professionalism, and treat others with kindness and respect. The coolest thing you can do right now is be an incredible neighbor.

One thing that’s surprisingly inspired the Right to rage is young children’s exposure to drag--either in Drag Queen Story Hour, or the kids themselves doing drag. Desmond is Amazing is one of the higher profile kid drag stars, and your showcasing them on Saturday at 3DB!

Desmond is a showgirl. It’s gonna be a great show, and that’s what I love. And I honor the hard work they put in, and what hard work their mother puts in, too. The performance is happening a lot earlier than my usual 2AM showcase.

I’m more focused on getting Desmond's rider right, with crackers, berries and Coca Cola. Everyone seems really obsessed with Desmond's rider. Capri Sun and Sour patch kids.

That is a pretty great rider!

Its not much different than my rider, honestly. Most riders are just sugar.

is it weird to set up these big weekend nights at 3DB when you are basically competing with yourself, like with Metrosensual in the same general hood?

The way that I set up 3DB on Saturdays is when it’s MY production, like WestGay or Club Whoa, I make sure the target audience is specific for each space. Metro is a bar party and always always will be bangin’ and busy... and the reasonable cover is always $5-10. 3DB is a club experience with a higher cover, and frankly the demographic is very different. If you like the DRAMA, go to 3DB... but if you like less aggressive vibes but still wanna dance and get laid on a Saturday night, go to Metro. It’s no different than one club night having two rooms with two different DJs and sound systems... these rooms just happen to be a few miles from one other.

Understood! And finally: will [*pop star’s name redacted*] perform at 3 Dollar Bill in 2019?

Real T? I don’t really see her. Perhaps it’s something I should explore, but I just don’t get it. I’m just mystified about her appeal. I just need someone to explain it to me. Maybe it’s a Kardashian thing? I think people find comfort in simple ideas. Thank you, Frankie!

Frankie Sharp produces MARY at Club Cumming (monthly Tuesdays, 9pm), BOYS at REBAR (Fridays, 10pm), Metrosensual at Metropolitan Bar (Saturdays, 10pm) and events at 3 Dollar Bill throughout the week. Check Thotyssey’s calendar for a full schedule of his events and appearances, and follow Frankie on Facebook and Instagram.

Previously: Frankie Sharp (3.17.2018)

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thotyssey · 6 years

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On Point With: Mariano Rubin de Celis

Art direction maestro for photoshoots and film sets by day and glorious gogo boy by night, Argentinian Adonis Mariano Rubin de Celis keeps our imagination running wild 24/7!

Thotyssey: Mariano, thanks for talking to us today! So, much of your summer has been spent dancing at the DWorld underwear party at the Ice Palace... how have you been enjoying the season there?

Mariano Rubin de Celis: It was great! I love Fire Island--it’s a wild island. Lots of nature... you can see wild deer and beautiful sand dunes. And of course, the people who go there. It’s fun, free and no prejudices. This is my second year working at the Underwear Party, and every night I enjoyed it like it was the first one. The stuff is great, and Daniel Nardicio is the best boss.

You’re frequently on the poster of the DWorld events, and rightfully so! I always wondered about gogo boys... did you ever come across some random poster using your pic for an event you had nothing to do with?

Well, particularly those posters for DWorld, we had a photoshoot with all the boys on the posters. I never had the experience of being in a poster with my face and not knowing the event. I’d be very upset!

You’re from Buenos Aires! I was born in Buenos, Argentina, but raised in Entre Ríos, a state north of Buenos Aires.

What was it like there for you?

Growing in Argentina was great. I lived always in very calm neighborhoods, and in touch with nature always. We are a very different country from the rest of Latin America. We have a very European influence and culture. When did you come to NYC, and why?

I came for the first time two years ago, by myself, just to visit and see how the city was... and I fell in love right away. I felt this place was the place I have to live, and do my artistic career.

You’re currently involved in a lot of art direction in indie movies, commercials, music videos and photo shoots... was that always something you were into?

Well, I went to film college in Buenos Aires. I studied art direction in film. Since then, I always worked as an art director / set designer for TV commercials, music videos, short films, fashion and theatre. It’s my passion, and I love to work in this field. When I’m on set, I feel like a fish in water.

What are some projects that you’re working on now, or that will be released soon? I just finished working in a short film written by an American woman, and directed by the great filmmaker Nicolas Vallejo, who has a film company. [In all that company’s films,] I’m always in charge of the art direction / set design.

Soon, a music video will be released that I worked on a few months ago. The name of the singer is OWO. She is amazing, and her music video looks great. I created different set background styles were she looks stunning and sexy.

[Still from OWO’s upcoming video for “Want It.”]

And when and how did you start gogo dancing? When I came to NYC for the first time ever. That was two years ago. I was improvising, I came to NYC with already gogo gigs on my hand. I did research before coming, and I messaged people... and that’s how I got to dance at few places. I was impressed how I did it, but it worked. I guess my photos sold well, lol!.

Were you shy at first?

I was little shy because of the language, but right away I lost myself in the NYC environment and got to meet amazing people.

What about being nearly naked around all these handsy guys?

Well, sometimes it can be annoying how people grab you, but I’m not a shy person. I’m very confident.

You have this trademark gorgeous long hair, but I bet lots of folks in the biz advise you to cut it because they think that’s what the people want, right? This is the first time I've had long hair, and I love it! The people’s reaction is very positive, and they like it very much. No one told me to cut it, for the moment. I’ll keep using long hair. It’s fun, and you can make a lot of hair styles.

When you’re done at the Pines, can we expect to find you elsewhere in the city, gogo-wise? Yes! Fridays at Rebar or Bedlam, or Saturdays at Club Cumming.

Wonderful! Last question: what is your advice for a young guy who wants to be a new gogo boy? Be yourself and show your big personality [as well as] your body. But it’s important to dance and interact with the people who are watching you.

Thank you, Mariano!

[Photo: Steven Love Menendez]

Follow Mariano on Facebook and Instagram, and his art direction / set design on Tumblr.

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thotyssey · 5 years

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On Point With: Double Headed Disco

Longtime resident DJs of Nowhere Bar in the East Village--and the guys behind that bar’s popular monthly deep-tracks-meets-pop-art Double Headed Disco--Jeff Jackson [above pic, left] & Disco Connie [right] will be spinning the 15th Anniversary of Nowhere this weekend! Thotyssey gets on the beat with this popular pair.

Thotyssey: Jeff and Connie, hello! Thanks for talking to us today! How was your Halloween... where did you go, and as what?

Jeff Jackson: Hi Thotyssey! We celebrated Halloween early this year at our regularly scheduled Double Headed Disco party this past Saturday... we had a blast. We had a post-punk/new wave theme; Adam Ant was our cover star.

Disco Connie: For costumes, we wore matching Arthur Rimbaud masks, inspired by David Wojnarowicz, one of our favorite artists who had a huge retrospective at the Whitney and other galleries this summer.

What is the best Halloween-themed deep track that all bars and clubs should have been playing last night?

JJ: I’m a big “Monster Mash” fan, but for a deep track I’d have to go with “Prince of Darkness” by Bow Wow Wow.

DC: I like sexy / camp disco numbers like “Soul Dracula” by Hot Blood, but this year I was happy to play “Halloween” by Japan.

Tell us your life stories! Where are you from, what music were you into growing up, and how did you become DJs?

JJ: Music was all around me as a kid, but my first love was disco... especially Donna Summer and Chic. And I’ve been collecting records ever since I was young. So my desire to share my records with other people is how I evolved into DJing--first at house parties, and later on at bars and clubs.

DC: I grew up in Jersey listening to disco, new wave, and house on the radio, back when the DJs would hear new underground records at a club and play them on the air the next day. I spent lots of nights in clubs as I got older, but only started playing music in public at Nowhere.

And what’s your music of choice, when you are spinning or even when you're just at home listening?

JJ: I am genre-agnostic, so my DJ sets vary from soul and R&B, disco or house, to new wave, rock or hip hop. As a voracious listener, I’m always digging for new records, new sounds... and I love mixing well-known popular artists with underground stuff that people may not know so well.

DC: Obviously disco, surprise surprise! But I also really enjoy the nights when we play house and new wave. At home, I listen to all kinds of things. I can listen to one song over and over again for a whole day or throughout the week, but other times I have a short attention span. Shuffle is my friend.

Isn't it bizarre and frustrating that so many kids wanna go out to the bars and clubs and only hear the same 20 songs from their own Spotify?

JJ: We get a lot of die-hard disco fans at our party, so we end up getting good requests. Like “can you play Diana Ross?” And of course, we do!

DC: We joke about how many times over the years we’ve been out at a bar/club and gone up to the DJ to make a request (that would be zero), but people of all ages do it now. Sometimes it’s clear they don’t even have a specific song in mind. They just want to make a request.

How did you two come to Nowhere?

JJ: Since the bar opened, basically. I approached one of their DJ’s, Pete Money, and he said "oh, you wanna DJ with me?” Pete and I DJ’ed together for years, and then I got Connie involved!

DC: I lived across the street when the bar opened, so it was very Cheers for me. I would drop in on the different parties during the week, and got to know a bunch of great people here.

Tell us about your popular monthly (last Saturdays} party Double Headed Disco at Nowhere. How did you two come together to start this, and what keeps the kids coming back?

JJ: It actually started as Connie’s birthday party. I asked Pete if he would do an all-disco set with me, and that was the first disco party. It wasn’t called Double Headed until the next month when one of our buddies, BJ the Pornologist, named us!

DC: We like to put a bit of effort into the party, so we think about musical and visual themes all the time and bounce ideas off of each other. We decorate the bar and transform it into something special for the night. We have some regular annual parties, like our big Grace Jones party on Thanksgiving weekend (my favorite) but each month is something different.

Jeff, you also host a twice-a-month party of your own, Numbers! Best flyers ever, by the way! Tell us about that night.

JJ: Oh, I’m glad you like the flyers! Numbers is on first and third Saturdays. Every week I pick a cover star, and theme my set around that artist. I’ll play tracks by the featured artist, and mix in other songs that are from the same era, genre or are inspired by the cover star. I also show offbeat vintage movies, which people really gravitate to. The night is named after the first gay bar I ever went to in Baltimore, where boys with feathered hair would slow dance to Wham! Ha!

And Jeff, you were a presence at the recent benefit show DRAGS, the second of such show in as many years in tandem with Gregory Kramer's photo book of the same name. What was your impression of that night? And... I heard there might be a book sequel in the works!

JJ: Yeah, Greg is my husband, so I am biased. But the DRAGS event is amazing! This was the second year, and the event raised over $30k for the Ali Forney Center. Connie is actually part of the crew too, wrangling talent backstage while I help in the sound booth. I wasn’t the DJ... this year it was Hannah Lou, and she was a real kiki. And planning has started for next year’s event already. Also, Greg has been working on a new project for some time now, but I can’t talk about it just yet.

Nowhere is about to turn 15! The bar is known for it's music and DJ-driven nights, which make it stand out in the sea of gay bars in the city. How have you enjoyed the ride so far?

JJ: We both love Nowhere. It’s like a second family to us.

DC: 15 years is a long time. We feel lucky to be part of it all. We’ve met so many great people over the years.

You two will be DJing the anniversary party on Saturday, with drag queen Princess Bitch performing!

JJ: It’s going to be a blast. We’re spinning disco and house, and Princess Bitch is giving shows! She turned everyone out at DRAGS and at my Purple Party back in April.

DC: The anniversary party is also a benefit for the New York Transgender Advocacy Group. We have a suggested $5 donation at the door. We felt strongly about raising visibility and showing support for our transgender friends and family, especially considering how central they’ve been to our experience at Nowhere.

Anything else you wanna plug or mention?

DC: I’m also a hand model, lol!

Werk! Finally: how important is it that everyone votes in November?

JJ: It shocks me that people don't vote! But we need to make sure people are not only voting, but voting for candidates that support LGBTQ equality. And if you’re not sure who those candidates are, do a little research this weekend. Ask your friends. It’s so easy, and so important.

DC: It feels like every day is a new horror. We can’t just sit around and hope things change on their own. There are so many ways to get involved even during these critical last few days. Check out Swing Left or The Creative Resistance. I love the saying that goes something like, “we can’t all do everything but we can each do something.”

Thanks, guys!

DJs Jeff Jackson & Disco Connie spin “Double Headed Disco” monthly last Saturdays (10pm) at Nowhere Bar. Also at Nowhere, Jeff spins “Numbers” every first and third Saturday (10pm). Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Jeff and Connie’s upcoming gigs, and follow “Double Headed Disco” on Facebook and Instagram.

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thotyssey · 6 years

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On Point With: DJ Ten Yards

Sam Branman, the DJ third of Brooklyn nightlife monster trio Str8 to DVD, is also churning out some of the skimpiest and most fashionable Speedos on the planet (among other things). Thotyssey tries to keep up with Ten Yards!

Thotyssey: DJ, hello! Thanks for chatting with us today! First of all, OMG YOU GOT HIT BY A CAR!? How exactly did this happen, and how are you?

DJ Ten Yards: It was super fucking annoying. I was actually on my way to Annie Mae, which is Laè D Boi’s party (currently first Sundays at The Rosemont) I’m the resident DJ / video curator for, and I was literally crossing the street one block from my house and a fucking pickup truck hit me from behind! I’m mostly okay--my left arm got banged up and I’m doing PT to get that back to full fighting strength. They also destroyed my laptop! The truck actually sped off after hitting me, but I found it thanks to some nosy neighbors, and I’m starting legal proceedings. I obviously didn’t make it to the party, and went to the ER instead.

Does this bring home how terrible the world and it's people can be?

I mean, everyone who saw me get hit were super nice and helpful! I’m not letting one asshole who can’t drive ruin my worldview. even if it did jack my arm up.

That's the spirit! Will you still be making it to DragCon, if that's something you were planning to do?

Absolutely! I’m lucky in that I am able to work on jewelry and I’ve been preparing for it for months, so I have a lot of apparel no one’s seen yet ready to go! I’m at table C31, and I’m there all weekend (except Saturday morning because there’s no way I’m going directly from Str8 to DVD to DragCon, which starts at 9. My husband Erik can work that alone.)

Between your designs and your DJ’ing, there's lots to talk about, so we better start right at the beginning. Where's your hometown, and what came first: fashion or music?

I grew up mostly in Olive Bridge, NY, but I just say I’m from Woodstock because it’s the closest landmark that people who aren’t from there know. Fashion came first! I loved dressing up as a child, and I started sewing what mostly resembled actual clothing when I was 18. I had decided to go to college for photography, not fashion. But I’m a big nerd, so I’d do a few cosplay projects to wear at the anime conventions I went to every summer.

Who were you cosplaying as?

My first actual cosplay was Hirai Ken from the “Pop Star” video. There’s three of him in different colored jumpsuits, and I could sort of do the hair he has in the red one! I also did a very loose Tommy February6 (we share a birthday!), invented a fake Japanese band with friends, and Ray Watts from KMFDM / PIG / Schwein. I still wear the shirt I made for that, but the jumpsuit was sacrificed last year to become Beltane ribbons, and the others just languish in my clothing labyrinth.

And when did DJing come into the picture?

I’ve always wanted to be musical, but I’m not. I tried to learn instruments, to learn how to write music. I was briefly sort of in a band or two (I even have album credits). I am, however, a collector and very opinionated... so I can DJ! My friend DJ A-Ron’s DJing partner moved away, and he offered to show me the ropes. We did a few gigs together at Nowhere back in 2013, and I struck out on my own DJing for a few now-defunct parties around Manhattan and Brooklyn. I didn’t start the drag-DJ gig until Qhrist With a Q and Sherry Poppins asked me to do what was then 1-900-HOT-GLUE two years ago!

You met Qhrist in a nerdy chat room, right?

Yep! Eightish years ago? I helped convince Qhrist to go to Purchase, too.

Good for you! What was the rationale at the time behind creating HOT GLUE, which is now STR8 to DVD?

At the beginning, I was just helping out! They wanted to make a space for themselves and the other performers coming out of Purchase, like Maxxx Pleasure, Lindsay Blowhan, and Jenn D'Role, and I was along for the ride. I didn’t initially do any production work besides promo, letting Qhrist and Sherry stay at my place, and making sure I had everyone’s music at first. But now we all do booking / coming up with names. I’ve been the one finding our newbie performers all year long, and I convinced them to change the name to STR8 to DVD.

This has become a hugely popular night, enough so to warrant a recent move from monthly Mondays to Fridays! What have been some memorable moments for you from STR8?

Every single one of Qhrist and Sherry’s stupid, perfect, beautiful, unrehearsed duets. They’re so good together that people don’t realize how unrehearsed they are. When Sherry was still getting ready at my house with Qhris, they might listen to the song once or twice to get the words down, but that’s it!

I’m also very fond of our massively overbooked Halloween show last year, when we all kept booking people and forgetting until it was too late. We wound up with 9 performers and 13 actual numbers. It was perfect. Half of them involved food, because we’re gross and live in Brooklyn.

That reminds me, I hear that pasta and fake blood were factors in a perilous Bushwig this summer!

I fully missed all of the mess, because of where my booth was at Bushswag! I couldn’t see shit. I made sure to see the performers I’d made clothes for, and my personal legends like Charlene, Untitled, Ragamuffin, Tyler Ashley, and Chutney Spears with that fucking snake.

Gurl, that snake! So STR8 is turning 2 this Friday at Gold Sounds ... what's in store for the anniversary?

STUPIDITY! I’m glad we’re leaning into being irredeemable and canceled. Qhrist already has to redo the flyer because one performer canceled, we forgot we booked one performer, and Lindsay Blowhan is coming all the way up from Virginia for it, and we should probably have her perform? I guess? It’s not like she’s Sherry’s daughter and performed at our first, like, six shows or anything.

We’ve got Sandy Devastation who made her debut at STR8 to DVD, Papusa Smear who made their debut with us, and Kaey Kiel, a nice cabaret singer and journalist from Berlin who doesn’t deserve to deal with any of this! She’s staying with my husband and her dream is to perform in New York, so we’re making all her dreams come true.

Another monthly (third Saturdays, in this case) you've been DJing, Emi Grate's “A+: The Asian Revue,” has also recently had it's own (1st) anniversary, and has moved to The Monster in the West Village. What has it been like, being a part of that?

It’s super fun! Emi is so fucking on top of every detail. She sends out a multi-page email with every piece of information you could ever want, she has the lineup a month in advance sometimes, and the show is at a reasonable hour! Never underestimate how great it is to leave the gig at 10pm and still be able to go out afterwards... or even just go home, have dinner, and go to bed. Because of the way Gold Sounds is set up, I don’t actually do much DJ work if there aren’t drag queens on stage. But with A+ (and Annie Mae), I spend a significant amount of time actually DJing. That’s always fun. For both those shows, I play exclusively Jpop and Kpop (and would happily take suggestions for fun pop and dance music from throughout Asia! A cute boy suggested some Hindi pop songs at the most recent A+)

And the next “Annie Mae” is October 7 at the Rosemont! That's a super geeky celebration of genre fan culture that Laé D. Boi produces. That must be right up your ally!

It is! I always choose anime movies or TV shows to screen during the party on top of DJing! This month the theme is Studio Ghibli, so I think I’m gonna be playing Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and either Pompoko or Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro. I’m pretty sure Sherry Poppins will bring one of her swords, too.

So, your Ten Yards clothing line is all the rage! The sexy and colorful speedos are especially in demand! How did this come about?

I wanted to make bathing suits--made a few for myself. And then it felt like suddenly people started asking me to make them suits, and now here I am! A local bathing suit mogul. It’s been over four years, and all it took was saying “Sure, I can do that.” and then figuring it out.

How long does it take you to make a speedo now?

My first few took time, but I’m a fucking wizard now. Obviously with my arm it’s hard right now, but I can make a speedo from start to finish in about 35 minutes. Jockstraps are 27 minutes if I go at full speed!

And now you’re bringing us jewelry as well!

You can thank my mom for the jewelry! She made it all in the 80’s and early 90’s. I’m just the refurbishing squad. I’m actually photographing it right now, so I have a record of it, because most of it’s totally unique and once it is gone, it’s gone.

And much-belated congratulations on having your Fashions nominated for a Brooklyn Nightlife Award a few months back.

It was amazing to be nominated, and I knew I would lose to Florence or Diego because they’re both powerhouses! Luckily, Florence moved to Manhattan, so I have an entire year to snatch that brick from Diego’s beautiful and talented hands.

Another thing to congratulate you on: being happily married! That may sound trite, but finding true love in the nightlife biz is damn hard. What’s your secret?

So, part of it is that we don’t live together, so I’m usually not disturbing him when I come home at 4am. And when we have problems, we talk it out! Erik’s also a lovely angel who supports me no matter what. He helps out whenever I have to sell shit, and buys fabric and zippers even if it makes him nervous. But he has a day job, so he’s only been able to come to three of my gigs in the five and a half years we’ve been together.

I also wasn’t working in nightlife when we met! That probably helps, too. He’s been there every step of the way as I’ve made the switch into nightlife and fashion design.

Okay, do you have anything else you wanna plug or discuss before I ask the closer?

Nah, just a schedule recap for people who get lost in my rambling! STR8 To DVD: CANCELED is at Gold Sounds (44 Wilson Ave) on 9/28, we have shows at Midnight, and it costs $5-10. I’ll be at table C31 during DragCon (that’s the 28-30th at the Javits, ugh), Annie Mae: Ghibli is at The Rosemont on 10/07, and is free, I’ll be there at 10:30 to start the movies! See you there!

Finally: who would you really love to see in one of your speedos?

Anyone who wants a pair! But I wouldn’t say no to some Instagram thots with 30k+ followers, so long as they tag me.

Thanks, Ten!

Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ Ten Yards’ upcoming gigs, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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thotyssey · 6 years

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On Point With: Theydy Bedbug

This genre-blending and gender-bending performer has evolved (over a short period of time) through several incarnations in Brooklyn nightlife into what we have today--something that’s hard to define, but thrilling to behold. Before you tuck yourself in tonight, let Theydy Bedbug bite!

Thotyssey: Hey hey, Theydy! Happy Almost Halloween! Do you have your lewk prepared yet?

Theydy Bedbug: Why hello! Well... Dragoween is all month, right? So I have ideas for a couple lewks! But no, I am an impromptu bug.

So, you often find yourself putting makeup here or there and pulling random things out of your closet with no idea how it will all add up?

Oh, definitely. I am making it up as I go! Unless a certain number has a specific costume that relates to the storyline, I try to do new looks each time by pairing together new combinations, and normally don’t know what I’m wearing until hours before... oops!

How would you describe, to the uninitiated, what kind of an artist you are? A burlesquer, a drag performer, a performance artist, all or some of the above?

All of the above! Draglesque clown, nonbinary bug, performance Fartist.

That is a business card I would definitely keep! Where are you from?

Well, I grew up in Indonesia and Singapore, but to two US citizens, so home is still a big ol’ question mark.

And how did all this fartistic clownery begin?

I’ve always been interested in the performing arts. My parents did community theater, so I was always around it and I was always make-believing scenarios. I think one way of dealing with being a baby closeted queer was making up fantasies and living in them.

My parents haven’t always understood my gender and sexuality, but they certainly unconsciously raised me to be a femme fag considering there were always costumes around my childhood. I feel really blessed to have had access to those tools to transform.

When did you find yourself mixing it up with the Brooklyn nightlife scene?

Three years ago, I took a workshop with Crimson Kitty called “Ladyqueen University.” It helped get the ball rolling and got me experimenting with names, lip sync, and makeup. My gender and my drag name have changed since then, but I appreciate that initial platform.

And then it was competing in the Mx Nobody pageant in 2016 that connected me to the Brooklyn scene and The Nobodies. After, those fools kept letting me roll through their shows and give messy numbers for tips.

I remember seeing you at that first Mx Nobody at Eastlands; it was my first or second ever judging gig. I don't remember what your performing name was then, but I remember your act involved a tricycle and a poopy lollipop!

Wow, yes! That was Miss Cuntstrude. If Theydy is the intersection between a boy and a bug, MC was between an actual baby and a slut. She was helping me work through the infantilized sexuality of young girls, but also she was a HOT MESS.

She was memorable! A lot was memorable that night... Elle McQueen and Kandy Muse wound up in the Top 2, and then Elle won the final lip sync battle and the crown. But there was a sense of shade from the Haus when that happened, at least from my perspective.

True. I think that was a time in the scene where AFAB drag performers were not welcome. Not to say we have it easy now, but when I first began, non-cis men in drag were really excluded... even in Brooklyn. Honestly, The Nobodies were some of the only folks who gave me the time of day.

Things have changed dramatically in Brooklyn in just a few years! Still not perfect as you said, but so much of what the scene IS now involves gender fluid identity.

Thank goddexx.

Congratulations on being the first person to appear twice in the Mx. Nobody finals! Do you think you might give it a go again next year?

I think my Mx Nobody competing days are over. It’s time to make space for other folks. That competition pushed me to make pieces I’m proud of, and introduced me to fab folks. It taught me to ask for support emotionally and artistically from my communities, which is actually quite hard for me. I can be stubborn about doing it all. And next year, I can’t wait to support!

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Yes! So I get “Theydy,” which evolved from Lady and reflects a non-binary identity, but why “Bedbug?” No creature evokes more horror and disgust in this town.

Truly! A lot of my trans and my drag is about rejecting the position of pretty, weak, victim. I came to drag because I was tired of being cast in plays as the vapid ingenue, only valid in sexual relation to men. I wanted to access my rage, my ugly, my raw: the gross parts that compulsory femininity attempts to exterminate.

Bedbugs are resilient and relentless, not easily extinguished. Much of the poetry I perform is about turning sexual trauma I’ve experienced into strength by trans~forming myself into something that cis straight men are repulsed by. Plus, queering sexuality to me means flipping what we find sexy, and what we fear. Can you describe s recent number / performance you’ve done that best embodies this description? I just revamped my Mx. Nobody ‘18 finale number for a monthly show I help put on, Primal Scream. I begin this piece as a high femme fragile flower. After a tragic striptease, I pour “OFF” candles on my skin to ward off the bugs, and a spooky voiceover says: “think you can get rid of me that easy? Just because you’re itchy?” A poem ensues about how this flower is both flower and insect, and denying the bug, the gross, the ugly, the trans, will never make them less of a pest. This flower transforms into a full bug costume and a song about how “bed bugs bite, I hope they eat your heart” ensues.

Tell us more about Primal Scream, monthly at Bizarre Bushwick. It’s a kinky cabaret that leads into a sensation play dungeon. I think the word dungeon intimidates people, but it’s really a basement with different stations for folks to safely explore different kinky sensations. It’s produced by Rara Darling and I perform and guide the hot wax station. We focus on teaching sexy ways of communicating consent boundaries within a pansexual queer space where all genders and body types feel welcome, we hope! Sacred and intentional kink through candles has been really healing for me, so I love guiding folks to connect with their breath and body and partner if it’s a couple session. It’s more spiritual than sexual for me. I think it has profound power for healing trauma and dysphoria stored in the body.

We’ll also see you this Thursday night at Starr Barr.

Yes! Compost Bin with brASS Burlesque! A Radical Cabaret, to deal with the times!

And THEN... there's an event coming up next weekend I'm super excited about: Thee Suburbia's Full Moons: Harvest Moon Halloween Showcase at Bizarre Bushwick on Sunday the 28th! I'm gonna be making my onstage hosting debut (gag), and the tremendous roster of Spoops includes Zalika Parsons, Chris of Hur, Martyr, Vylette Tendency, Pinwheel Pinwheel, Jayse Vegas ... and of course, THEYDY! And so many more, I’m gonna be so starstruck! Aaaaaaaaa! Can you even!?

Hah! It’s going to be a wild time. There’s a lot of performers on the roster who are old pals, and many I’ve never met before! I appreciate that Suburbia offers opportunities to new folks in the scene. I think it’s easy to be a gatekeeper and fear new artists coming for your gigs, but much more in the spirit of community and collectively breaking down binaries to be a gate-opener. So let’s spoop on!!!

What else?

Well! I’m hosting Keepeasy Sundays, a live jazz band burlesque show on Sunday at The Keep....

And I’m teaching a drag performance class to 8-11 year olds at BAX Brooklyn Arts Exchange this Fall. It’s been pretty heart-warming. Werk! Last question: Will you be voting in November?

Most certainly!

Thanks, Theydy!

Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Theydy Bedbug’s upcoming gigs, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

On Point Archives

#onpointwith #theydybedbug

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thotyssey · 6 years

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On Point With: Megami

If ComicCon and DragCon had a baby, she’d grow up to be this new queen! And in a modern queer pop culture where drag and genre cosplay are increasingly melding together, it will be goddesses like Brooklyn native Megami D.Vil (better known simply as Megami) who will be leading the freaky masses to a new horizon of performance entertainment.

Thotyssey: Hello Megami, seasons greetings! The heat just came on in my apartment today. This is great drag weather, isn't it?

Megami: It really is! Gür! I’m a Thicc Woman. I sweat walking to the train!

Oh me too, it's tragic! So, what were you more excited about these past few months: DragCon or ComicCon?

Ugh! That’s so hard! It’s like choosing between my children! Do I choose the pretty one, or the fun one!? I was really looking forward to both for different reasons. At DragCon, I got to see all my fav NY girls (from on Drag Race and off), buy their merch, feel beautiful! And this has been my 10th year going to NY ComicCon, so it’s been my yearly geek pilgrimage since I was 19.

I mean, for both Cons it’s so great to just be in a place where my weird hobbies and interests are celebrated; as both a Queen and a Geeky Cosplayer. Although, I did get to dress as Sailor Moon Darth Vader for NY ComicCon... so I suppose that edges out DragCon by a hair. Haha!

Understood! It actually feels like the worlds of drag and sci-fi fangeekery blend a little more each year, don't they?

They do! Crazy characters, stunning looks... they’re highly compatible. And I certainly try my best to make them blend as much as I can.

I started doing drag about two years ago when I won the Gay Geeks of New York cosplay lip sync show GeekSync (which I’m hosting at the West End Lounge for the second time this October), but I’ve always loved to do cosplay drag looks, even before I performed.

It’s always been my goal to merge gay culture with geek culture as much as I can--to let all the queer geeks out there know, like, “Hey! It’s not weird at all to geek out about Star Wars and Game of Thrones as much as Drag Race, or...” ugh...I don’t know what gays like...”the gym!” Like the things you like with your full heart. Your geeky passions are what make you unique!

Werk! I was in the judge’s panel for Miss Nerd at Rockbar in June... your Bowie / Labyrinth look and number was a crowd pleaser!

Yeah. And I mean, I won Miss Fan favorite, so the crowd definitely responded to my geekery! I’m not much of a pageant girl, but I definitely already have some highly ambitious gags planned for next June. I’m coming for that crown! Haha!

You’ll be the queen to beat! “Megami,” by the way, is a video game reference, right?

Yes! Megami actually means “Goddess” in Japanese. I took [Japanese] for two years in college ‘cause I’m a super anime loving Otaku Weeaboo and thought I could learn enough to not need subtitles! (Spoiler: I did NOT. Japanese has three alphabets, and is one of the hardest languages in the world to learn).

But yeah, Megami D.Vil was inspired by the video game Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga ‘cause I’m a Goddess and a Devil. I know. Incredibly convoluted. Nobody understands my name. I have to spell it out all the time. But like I say at all my shows: I’m a Puerto Rican man pretending to be a Japanese woman who acts like a white girl who thinks she’s a black girl... so eat your heart out Rachel Dolezal! Step your pussy up!

And Megami is actually my old cat’s name. So every time I go visit my parents and someone calls “Megami!” It’s very confusing for the both of us.

Are you, like, a JPop and KPop fan, also?

Oh I love KPop and Jpop! Koda Kumi, Twice!, Girls Generation, of course Utada Hikaru... there’s not a single self-respecting weeb out there who doesn’t know every single word to Utada’s “Simple and Clean.” It’s the weeb anthem! And I’ve performed songs in Japanese and Korean before. And in Spanish too, while I’m at it.

I draw my inspirations from all aspects of my life. If it’s my own Latin culture or gay culture or geekery or music... I will never be shy about saying “Hey everyone! This is an awesome thing I love and that inspires me! Love it, too!”

Side Geek Question: lots of fans seem unhappy with the casting of Ruby Rose as a lesbian Batwoman... even LGBT fans. What are your thoughts?

Okay, real talk. I wasn’t gonna watch even if, I don’t know, Ellen was Batwoman. Haha ...Maybe if it was like... Meryl... or Gaga... or Cher... Cher Batwoman would be AMAZING! I have two X-Men / Dark Phoenix tattoos on my arm, so I’m staunchly on the Marvel side of the fence in these kinda fights. I’m more upset that the godawful-looking Dark Phoenix movie is getting released than about Ruby being Batwoman. Like, Sophie Turner apparently graduated from the Kristen Stewart school of Non-Acting, with all 2.5 facial expressions she’s capable of emoting. I really, really wanted Disney to give X-Men the MCU overhaul.

But at the end of the day, fans (LGBT or not) will always get their panties in a twist about EVERYTHING! EVERY SINGLE THING! (Hey, myself included, proven by my previous statements). Across all fandoms, these stories and characters are sooo precious to us Geeks. They were our friends, and reasons to keep going on and be brave when the world told us we were too weird, or too weak, or too queer. We all have deep connections with our fandoms. So it’s hard sometimes when a story or character that’s precious and personal fells like they’re being mishandled by greedy corporations. Art is personal.

You’ve been hosting Thirsty Thursdays at Mom’s Kitchen & Bar in Hell’s Kitchen for a few months now. There are certainly no shortage of queens in that neighborhood, but your show seems to be a hit! What’s Thirsty’s winning formula, and how did you land that gig in the first place?

Well, landing the gig was partially luck, partially just impressing the right people. Mom’s was looking for a newer queen to spearhead a Thursday show. They’ve never done anything like this, so they wanted someone they could grow with and establish something fun in a relatively new establishment. So I stepped in with a game plan and a few good recommendations, and we’ve just gone from there.

I think the formula that works for me has been choosing a different theme every week to build each night around. It forces me to come up with fresh material and numbers consistently. I’ve done themes like “Geeks & Gaga” (for the week of NY ComicCon and the A Star is Born premiere), “Ladies of the 80s,” “Extra Divas,” “Ladies Who Rock,” and many others. “Latina Night” and “Halloqween Spooktacular” are coming up very soon.

I think above all, I just like people. Aside from drag, I volunteer with the LGBT organization GGNY (Gay Geeks of NY) as their VP and Art Director. So I’m very used to talking to people, running events, and just letting my terrible personality shine!

Well, it seems like you’re doing great work! And speaking of new gigs, tell us about The Creek & The Cave in Long Island City, where you will be premiering a new monthly drag revue, Gender Blender, on Sunday the 28th!

Yeah! The Creek and the Cave is a well-known comedy club that’s hosted a TON of the world’s best comedians. But they’ve been looking to expand and have different kinds of acts. So I’m bringing the Queer to Long Island City! I have a lineup of cosplayers and queens to kick of this monthly show with a geeky bang!

Wonderful! anything else to report as far as gigs or projects?

Well, on top of hosting Thirsty Thursday every Thursday at Mom’s Kitchen in Hell’s Kitchen from 9-11, I will be hosting GGNY’s Third Annual Geek Sync (the cosplay lip sync competition) Saturday, October 20th at the West End Lounge, from 6-8pm...

... premiering Gender Blender: A Monthly Drag Show, Sunday October 28th at Creek & the Cave, and in the near future doing a Miss Nerd 2018 Miss Fan Favorite show at Rockbar. And of course, whatever other little gigs I can wiggle my size 10 rainbows pumps into.

Excellent, have fun with everything! Last question: best video game ever?

This is a hard question!!! Again, cruelty to animals. I’m calling PETA!

Final Fantasy X. I have it on PS2/ PS3/ PS4 and soon the Switch. I’ve played through it a million times, and I still cry at the end every time. And the sequel X-2 is the SINGLE gayest piece of media that has ever existed. The Sailor Moon costume transformations, High Summoner Yuna becoming the Pop Star sensation, Leblanc the Drag Queen. Gay gay gay!

Though I do plan on getting married to my imaginary boyfriend on November 7th because of Mass Effect... so it’s Sophie’s Choice... or Shepard’s Choice, actually.

Play on, Megami! Thank you!

Megami hosts “Thirsty Thursdays” every week at Mom’s (8pm), and “Gender Blender” monthly last Sundays at The Creek & The Cave (7pm). Check Thotyssey’s calendar for all her scheduled gigs, and follow Megami on Facebook and Instagram.

On Point Archives

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thotyssey · 6 years

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On Point With: Lemon

Undeniably one of NYC drag’s next big superstars, this radiant and bittersweet young dancing queen will soon be zesting up a venue near you. Thotyssey gives Lemon the squeeze!

Thotyssey: Hey. Lemon! So are you doing something, er, Lemony right now? Lemon: I’m just sorting through some photos I just got back from a shoot!

Your pic's everywhere these days. I just saw the flyer for your new weekly show... fabulous!

Thank you! Yeah, it’s been fun getting out there. I try to make sure my Instagram is always up to date with something new.

You're on your way to InstaFame! You don't use Facebook much though, I noticed.

Facebook is just so wordy for me. I can’t read, so, I like the photos of Instagram.

Lol! Understood!

You are one of the hottest new queens on the scene.

OMG, you think I’m hot? Just kidding!

Scorching! Tell us, where's your hometown? I’m from Toronto originally! I moved to NYC four years ago to go to The Ailey School for dance. And now I’m in a contemporary ballet dance company during the day, and performing at night as Lemon!

Amazing! By the way, all of us New Yorkers want to move to Toronto now to have a better standard of living, and of course to get away from our terrible Prez. Should we?

Yeah! And I’m single, so all you’d have to do is put a ring on it and you can dip out, catch-free! Go live with hot dad prime minister Justin Trudeau.

Well, he does have the greatest ass in international politics! Back to you... how did drag come into your life?

I mean, drag has always been a part of my life, I think... like, wearing the mop on my head as a kid was me exploring that side of dress up! And I’ve always been a performer. I was always the class clown, I was always a storyteller, I was into makeup and hair and fashion. So I think it just had to happen; but I waited for a time that felt right to me.

Did any Drag Race girls stick out to you as influences, or any local queens?

Well actually I think it was mostly the local queens who really inspired me to begin myself. People like Marti, Brita, Jasmine Rice LaBeija, and the girls of Stephanie’s Child really inspired me.

As a New York dancer, you were probably already in their social circle, right?

Kind of! It’s hard when you have a “day job” to be someone who goes out often and gets to be at shows. But I tried to be there for them as much as possible.

I saw what I think was your first performance as Lemon. It was at a big time drag competition, the Lady Liberty Showdown in February of this year at the Ace Hotel.

Yes! It was Snatch Game, and I did Paris Hilton! That was Lemon’s very first performance. I threw up in my mouth when they called my name!

That's a good way to get in character as Paris. The next time I saw you was a later Lady Liberty, and you won that night!

Yeah, my second Lady Liberty was Pride!

Why "Lemon," by the way? Was Liz from 30 Rock an inspiration?

Not necessarily... although I do love Tina Fey. It was kinda something that came up as a joke, and then I realized how perfect it was for me. I wanted a name that nobody would forget.

It works! Do you feel like you always have to have blonde / yellow hair, or something yellow in your look... like Hedda Lettuce does with green? I like to have something yellow all the time, but I do stick to lighter colored or pastel hairs.

You’re competing in the current season of The Ultimate Drag Pageant at the West End. What made you want to partake, and how are you liking the experience so far?

I really wanted to push myself to do new things, and figured an 8 week pageant with a different theme every week would be a fun way to push it. It has been amazing; the competition is really fierce, so we’re always on our toes. And [host] Marti makes us all feel like royalty.

Good luck... my money’s on you!

Thank you so much!

Aaaaand big exciting news: a new weekly drag show called Woman Crush Wednesday is debuting this week at Hardware starring Allegra Valentine, DD Fuego and yourself! This really caught us all by surprise. How long has this been in the works?

I’m so so excited about it! The girls and I have been working very hard for a while, and I think all three of us just caught the eye of the right people!

This will be the first weekly show for all three of you. What do you think it's gonna be like?

Well, one thing is for sure... because we know that a lot of people are stirring about the show, and about us, we’re all getting ready to prove ourselves in a big way!

Anything else coming up for you... Halloween plans, etc.?

So many exciting things, but nothing I can talk about just yet! Halloween, I’ll be at Hardware all night. Just finished planning my costume, and it’s going to be very cute!

Werk! Last question: What’s one thing the world needs to know about Lemon?

I just want the world to know how much I love and enjoy the art of drag! I think people close to me already do know, but I can’t wait to share my love and passion with everyone I possibly can!

Spread the love! Thanks, Lemon!

Lemon co-hosts “Woman Crush Wednesdays” (10pm) at Hardware, along with Allegra Valentine & DD Fuego. Check Thotyssey’s calendar for her scheduled gigs, and follow her on Instagram.

On Point Archives

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