Arts & Entertainment
Best of LGBT LA 2019
Your picks for the city’s best in nightlife, food, activism and more
Readers of the Los Angeles Blade began nominating their picks for our 2nd annual Best Of LGBT LA awards in early fall. And after more than 15,000 votes over 40 categories, we can finally reveal the winners, some incredible choices and very special people among them.
The Los Angeles Blade is pleased to salute them and wants to give special thanks for Sean Loeffel of Spoonfed LA and Bar Joe for hosting our winners and helping make our Best Of LGBT LA Awards truly a magnificent honor.
BEST DRAG QUEEN
Shangela (Courtesy of Shangela)
The only contestant to compete on three separate seasons of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Los Angeles Blade fan favorite Shangela is eternally enshrined in global pop culture amber, as creator of the versatile interjection, “Halleloo.” In music video and solo stage performance, Shangela continues to impress, and is still earning new fans, for her work alongside Lady Gaga, in “A Star Is Born.” Although her name was unjustly absent from the Best Supporting Actress nods during this week’s Academy Award nominations, it’s comforting to note that Shangela has further cemented her status as an eternal All-Star, by slaying her peers and emerging as the winner in this fiercely competitive category.
Jackie Beat (Photo courtesy of Jackie Beat)
Being the target of an acidic quip from Jackie Beat is like getting a hickey from Kenickie — it leaves a shameful mark, but can also be worn as a badge of honor. Tell that to our Best Drag Queen winner, Shangela, of whom Beat remarked, “The only thing better than actually winning this award is being named Runner-Up to someone half my age, who is most famous for popping out of a box and yelling, ‘Halleloo!’ What a fucking honor. Just kidding! I love you, Shangela… CONDRAGULATIONS!” When not insulting winners, Beat can be found on stage, in “Golden Girlz Live!” and touring with Sherry Vine, in their “Battle of the Bitches” show.
BEST REAL ESTATE FIRM (Tie)
(Photo courtesy of The Collective Realty)
This hip, 100 percent LGBT-owned boutique real estate firm hosts charity events through the year, whose past beneficiaries have included The Trevor Project. At their West Hollywood and Silver Lake/Echo park offices, buyer and seller expectations are exceeded by a team of fierce negotiators, representing everything from estates to condos. Owner Anthony Vulin assures that all of his mortgage brokers and appraisers are vetted as LGBT friendly, so you can invite them into your home with confidence. The Collective Realty also advocates for LGBT home ownership and nondiscrimination, by lobbying statewide, and in D.C.
(Photo courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Winner: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Taking you through the home buying or selling experience, and being by your side during life’s greatest moments: That’s the mission and the reward, of those who work at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. “As Realtors, we have the obligation to be culturally competent, to understand the needs of our clients, and to guide them toward wise decisions in their real estate choices,” says president and CEO Mary Lee Blaylock, who also notes, “Working with the LGBT community is a privilege. Our sales associates take pride in their ability to represent the interests of their clients, and to help them navigate the diverse array of communities throughout the Southern California area. We are grateful to have earned your readers’ trust and it is our pleasure to continue to serve all.”
BEST MUSEUM OR ART GALLERY
Modern design, beautiful gardens, open spaces, and spectacular views of Los Angeles make Getty Museum a cherished institution. (Image from Getty Museum website)
Winner: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Cultivating a curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts is the J. Paul Getty Museum’s mission, one achieved by collecting, conserving, exhibiting, and interpreting works of outstanding quality and historical importance. The Museum is also continually producing exhibitions, publications, scholarly research, public education, and programming in the visual arts. These elements are enhanced by the uniquely evocative architectural and garden settings at the Getty Villa in Malibu, and the Getty Center in Los Angeles, which houses European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts and photography.
Since 1965, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art has been devoted to collecting works of art that span both history and geography, mirroring Los Angeles’s rich cultural heritage and uniquely diverse population. Today, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of more than 135,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of art history, from new and unexpected points of view.
BEST FITNESS OR WORKOUT SPOT
(Photo courtesy of Equinox West Hollywood)
Winner: Equinox West Hollywood
With a design reminiscent of classic local nightclubs of the 1950s and ’60s, high energy meets high drama, at this 35,000-square-foot fitness club. Offering a full complement of classes, trainers, equipment, and amenities that facilitate high-performance living, the iconic West Hollywood location features one of the largest and most luxurious spas Equinox has to offer, along with a Kids’ Club, and rooftop sundeck. “If it’s not fitness,” they say, “It’s not life.”
(Photo courtesy of Barry’s Bootcamp)
Known for a workout that’s military-level tough, but administered by instructors more likely to inspire cries of victory than tears of regret, Barry’s is a true local success story. Founded in West Hollywood in 1998, its strength and cardio interval fitness experience provides an immersive, high-intensity, one-hour workout that’s fun and effective.
BEST GROCERY STORE
Trader Joe’s (Photo courtesy of Trader Joe’s)
Fast service and friendly faces at the checkout make those long lines at Trader Joe’s well worth the wait — but it’s the tempting free samples and addictive signature products that explain the chain’s loyal following. As for their win in this category, certain elements of the Los Angeles Blade staff wholeheartedly agree with our readers, having succumbed on many occasions to the sweet siren call of those Milk Chocolate Macadamia Nut Laceys Cookies. Not a cookie person? They’ve got a cake or a pie for that.
(Photo courtesty of Gelson’s Market)
Our readers’ love for Gelson’s is real, although it’s worth noting that Martin Sheen, as fictional character Robert, gives a shout out to the superiority of their rotisserie chicken, in the latest season of “Grace and Frankie.” Granted, he shops in San Diego — but whether it’s the meat, seafood, wine, or deli selections, consistency is a hallmark of this national chain. So, Los Angeles, the compliment applies.
BEST LGBT SPORTS LEAGUE
(Photo courtesy of Gay Varsity League)
California’s largest LGBT Recreational Sports league welcomes and unites all, regardless of sexuality, gender identity or athletic ability. There are no try-outs, and attendance at practices, although certainly encouraged, is not mandatory. Even the dress code is casual. Yes, you’ll look good in VGL Apparel, but rocking your favorite comfortable clothes is not a scandal. Just dress to express, park your offensive language on the sidelines, and leave the nudity where it belongs: at home, or in the lobby of your very liberal workplace. Finally, a sports league that not only gets you moving, it totally gets you!
Members of WeHo Dodgeball. (Photo courtesy of WeHo Dodgeball)
Take your gym class trauma and consign it to history. From prom queens to drag queens, you never know who will be on the business end of those soft rubber “no sting” balls that are the humane hallmark of WeHo Dodgeball. Their membership, which numbers in the thousands, is united by a desire to make elimination-based competition fun, party down at GYM Sportsbar after each match-up, and participate in fundraising efforts that benefit local charities.
MOST LGBT-FRIENDLY WORKPLACE
Winner: AIDS Healthcare Foundation
AIDS Healthcare Foundation was started 31 years ago by a handful of friends, who sought to provide AIDS hospice care to predominantly gay men who were being shunned by their employers, landlords, and families. Today, AHF is a $1.5 billion organization serving more than 1 million, 60 thousand patients in 43 countries. “A respect for diversity has been embedded in our DNA since our inception,” says Senior Director of Communications Ged Kenslea, “and that’s reflective in the number of affinity groups we work with, including Impulse United, LOUD, BLACC, FLUX, In The Meantime Men’s Group, and SPARK. In our overseas clinics, we do not import doctors or staff from the U.S. We hire local professionals to manage our sites and facilities, and to treat our patients. So both inside AHF and in our external relations, we listen to, and participate in, the diversity of conversations and life experiences.”
(Photo courtesy of City of West Hollywood)
Runner-Up: City of West Hollywood
BEST HAIR SALON
(Photo courtesy of Shorty’s Barber Shop)
Founded by Chris Bair in 1999, with only four chairs, Shorty’s Barber Shop now boasts 26, along with a staff whose diversity mirrors that of the community they love. “When you walk in,” Bair notes, “there’s always somebody you can connect with, who will make you feel comfortable.” And when you walk out with some merch (the styling putty and soy paste are customer favorites), you can feel good about that, too. All of their products are ethically created, and never tested on animals. Besides the perfect cut, Shorty’s also puts a premium on giving back, by working with the likes of Concrete Hero, AIDS Project Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
(Photo courtesy of Chaz Dean Studio)
Chaz Dean Studio prides itself on capturing the essence of its clients, by helping them create a look that feels authentic, yet also reveals a side of them that they have never seen. The stylists, all experts at cut and color, are able to achieve your goal without heat or chemical damage. Best of all, the look you walk out the door with will be easily maintained at home.
BEST DANCE PARTY
Winner: Salvation Saturdays at The Abbey
Whether you’re at The Abbey for a liquid pick-me-up, going there to pick somebody up, or just getting picked up (it’s a massively popular Uber and Lyft drop-off/pick-up point), Salvation Saturdays is a must, for anyone cruising their way through Boystown. Dance floor bottle service, go-go dancers who identify as male, female, or somewhere in-between, and beat-keepers hand-picked by resident DJ Dawna Montell whip the welcoming crowd into a fabulous frenzy. A team dedicated to maintaining the multimillion-dollar lighting and sound system make sure the gyrating guest next to you isn’t the only source of quality stimulation.
(Photo courtesy of DTLA Proud)
DTLA Proud’s mission is to strengthen and empower the local LGBTQ and ally community in Downtown Los Angeles through visibility, volunteerism, partnerships and events — and what better way to be visible than by getting your groove on, at the festival’s popular pop-up water park? Nightlife promoters were part of the team that founded DTLA Proud, and have worked hard to ensure their DJs are drawn from a diverse lineup of musical styles and identity spectrums.
BEST BARTENDER
Tyler Booth (Photo courtesy of Booth)
Winner: Tyler Booth
There’s nothing down low about the moves Tyler Booth busts, when he two-steps from behind the bar to entertain the crowd, in full-on “do-si-do” mode. Self-described, and confirmed by our voters, as “an awesome dude,” Booth is an actor whose charm and skills are definitely not the stuff of some fictional role. Buoyed by Flaming Saddles owners Chris Barnes and Jacqui Squatriglia to up country western’s queer quotient, this buff bartender is a tall drink of water, who knows how to authoritatively snap the cap off a brewsky, or mix a cocktail with tender loving care.
Kimber Bering (Photo courtesy of Bering)
Runner-Up: Kimber Bering
Known for spiking the drinks she serves at The Abbey with words of encouragement that deliver a sense of intoxication all their own, Kimber Bering created some of the menu’s signature cocktails — including, as a tribute to Prince, The Paisley Peach. As local winner of the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic, she represented LA in 2016, and has gone on to judge that competition. Bering performs around town, and can be found on Spotify, as “Kimber Chronic.”
BEST STRAIGHT ALLY
Ariadne Getty (Photo courtesy of Getty)
Winner: Ariadne Getty
Ariadne Getty has described herself as an “introvert” — but her public work paints a different picture, one of a determined, tireless, and engaged activist working to make a better world for her two gay adult children and LGBTQ youth all over the globe. As President and Executive Director of the Ariadne Getty Foundation, last year she pledged $15 million to launch the GLAAD Media Institute, which brings advocacy trainings to national and international LGBTQ organizations. She also pledged $2 million to help build the LA LGBT Center’s Anita May Rosenstein Campus, which will host more than 100 new beds and apartments for LGBTQ youth and seniors. Earlier this week, she made sure LGBTQ issues were center stage, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, an annual meeting of world leaders. The Ariadne Getty Foundation hosted LGBTQ-focused events showcasing global CEOs and LGBTQ activists calling for positive change. She also appeared on several panels, speaking about the urgent need for LGBTQ acceptance. She is a recent addition to the Gay Men’s Chorus of LA board of directors, the recipient of the Los Angeles LGBT Center Vanguard Award, and the namesake of GLAAD’s newly launched Ariadne Getty Ally Award. Getty’s recognition by the Los Angeles Blade as “Best Straight Ally” is proof our readers are anything but reserved, in their appreciation of this introvert’s empowering words and deeds.
Joely Fisher (Photo courtesy of Fisher)
Runner-Up: Joely Fisher
With great comedic timing and a glint in her eye that makes even the most lavender-leaning guy think fondly of the road not taken, LGBTQs, and anyone high up on the human decency spectrum, admire this awesome ally’s longtime labors on behalf of the community, whether through public declarations of support, personal friendships, or the roles she chooses to accept.
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
(Photo courtesy of Revolver Video Bar)
Gay-owned and operated, Revolver Video Bar has been a West Hollywood staple worth stampeding to for more than 30 years — and not just because of the buzz created by their $2 tequila and vodka drinks, 3-9 p.m., on Saturdays and Sundays, respectively. Karaoke and drag shows cast their spell on customers, while live DJs and go-go dancers turn up the heat on already smoking-hot cruisers and boozers.
(Photo courtesy of Hamburger Mary’s)
There’s no beef to be had with Hamburger Mary’s WeHo, whose generous menu of drag entertainment makes everything between the buns all more fun to gobble up. And you can feel good about losing your shirt at Drag Queen Bingo: Besides basking in the glory of rotating hosts Roxy Wood, Willam, and Calpernia Addams, all proceeds go to charity.
BEST NON-PROFIT
(Photo courtesy of Project Angel Food)
Man cannot live by bread alone — but for those impacted by life-threatening illnesses, the more than 11,000 free meals cooked and delivered every week by Project Angel Food feeds their nutritional needs, while bringing comfort and hope into their homes. In addition to this service, Project Angel Food provides nutritional counseling, to ensure those in Los Angeles County struggling with illness will not be burdened by hunger and malnutrition. “A world where every sick person is fed, nourished, and loved” is their vision, backed by the core values of empathy, integrity, inclusiveness, and joy.
(Photo courtesy of Los Angeles LGBT Center)
Runner-Up: The Los Angeles LGBT Center
Every year, more than half a million people representing the full diversity of the community access their free or low-cost programs, in the areas of Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, and Leadership and Advocacy. Looking fit and feeling fierce at age 50, the Center is steadfast in its mission to fight against bigotry, while building a better world, and is always ready to welcome new guests and volunteers — or have you help spread their message of love, by scoring some sweet swag from their online store.
BEST DJ
DJ Morningstar (Photo courtesy of DJ Morningstar)
You get back what you give, as demonstrated by the winner in our Best DJ category. Describing the vibe at the LGBT clubs he plays as consistently “fun, freeing, energetic, friendly, and loving,” DJ Morningstar (Kian Amiri) says the gay community “essentially saved my life,” by making him feel valued, and supporting the liberal ideology he embraces. Pride events are among DJ Morningstar’s favorite gigs, and a chance to deliver what the people want: “A big, booming, female voice; powerful soul on top of an energetic dance beat.” The gay community, “is always on the right side of history, no matter the cause,” he says, which allows him to be “unapologetically outspoken” without “worrying about repercussions, as you would at straight, corporate clubs.”
DJ Asha (Photo courtesy of DJ Asha)
“I think these are very special places to DJ,” says DJ Asha, of her work at LGBT venues, including Micky’s and Beaches. “People need a safe space, a place,” she noted, “where they can be free to express themselves, make friends, look for love, hook up, or whatever.” The open-format DJ, who hosted LA Pride six times, is not locked down to a specific genre — so you’ll always hear a variety of sounds, within one set, no matter what crowd she’s playing to.
BEST LGBT RED CARPET EVENT
The world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, every year at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles holds a dynamic red carpet that draws some of Hollywood’s most iconic celebrities in support of equality. One reader posted, “it rivals the Golden Globes and it’s held in the same room.” J- Lo, Leo, Taylor, Mary J., Britney, Cher, Madonna, just to drop a few names, have posed and mingled with our community, joining with GLAAD to protect all that has been accomplished and to creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.
(Photo courtesy of OUTFEST)
Over the past three decades, OUTFEST has showcased thousands of films from around the world, educated and mentored hundreds of emerging filmmakers and protected more than 20,000 LGBTQ films and videos. The red carpet rocks with glam poses, celebs and future celebs. OUTFEST has become one of Hollywood’s most important film marketplaces.
BEST ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
(Logo courtesy of Lyft)
We all love a good pick-up app. How about a Lyft? The more politically correct of the two major ride-sharing services, Lyft has 100 percent, 24-hour coverage of Los Angeles and you can be on your way to anywhere in just a few minutes. Just open the app and you’re almost there, whether you need a luxury ride or one to carry the whole gang. Lyft is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars but Los Angeles Blade readers give it 5 stars.
(Logo courtesy of Uber)
Runner-Up: UBER
Uber is everywhere too and when it was first launched it had the feel of a truly luxurious chauffeur service. The shine is still there and many people still prefer it.
BEST PET BUSINESS OR VET
(Photo courtesy of West Hollywood Animal Hospital)
Winner: West Hollywood Animal Hospital
The go-to vet practice of many people in West Hollywood because it offers modern full-service Veterinary services every day. It has a hometown feel; it’s founder Dr. Monica Revel, DVM, was born and raised within one mile of its location and it shows. Pet lovers come from around SOCAL like a return home: “I wouldn’t take Max anywhere else unless it’s an emergency and we live in Laguna where we relocated 4 years ago from Beverly Hills. (9000 N Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069)
(Photo courtesy of VCA-Miller-Robertson Animal Hospital )
Runner-Up: VCA-Miller-Robertson Animal Hospital
Home to Dr. Mark Nunez, last year’s winner in this category. Full disclosure: Dr. Nunez is the primary care doctor for our publisher’s senior dog, Lilly. “Mark is always fully engaged and he listens without judgment and corrects without scorn,” said one commenter. (8807 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069)
BEST LGBT SOCIAL GROUP (TIE)
Winner: PRIDE RECOVERY LA
Provides addiction treatment for the LGBT community, through LGBT-affirmative therapy, group and individual therapy, and psychiatric care, but it’s their after care and support program that one reader cited as the reason they are a winner: “They are my family,” the reader posted, “I can always go home and know I will be OK.” (8300 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90048)
(Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce)
Winner: Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
LAGLCC describes itself as “the premier advocate of the Los Angeles Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender business community, representing hundreds of businesses, advancing common business interests, economic growth, and equality in the workplace and society for its LGBTQ members, businesses, and allies by providing educational, networking, and community building opportunities.” The group’s monthly mixer functions are must-attend features of the local social scene.
(Photo courtesy of AIDS Lifecycle)
Runner-Up: AIDS LIFECYCLE
For many people the fundraising marketing that precedes the 545-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles bike ride is about much more than AIDS; it’s about family and community at its very best. Not only do you get to pedal forward in life, you get to ask people to pay it forward. AIDS Life Cycle represents our community at its very best.
BEST PLACE TO LIVE
There’s just no place like it. What can we say? A lot, actually. The little town of 39,000 residents remains Los Angeles’ hottest destination for the entertainment industry with its boutique hotels, celebrity-owned restaurants, unparalleled nightlife and shopping and world-renowned events like the HBO Emmy Party, Sir Elton John’s Annual Oscar Party, LA PRIDE and the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, the largest Halloween street party in the world. West Hollywood continues to set the standard for progressive, creative individuals on the cutting edge of trends and new ideas, working together as a community in one of the most exciting destinations in the country. And it is home to one of the largest concentrations of LGBT people in the world.
At the other end of the rainbow is Beverly Hills, pot of gold included. It’s an aspirational town for sure and there are more Mazarattis, Rolls Royces and Bentleys sold here than anywhere in the world. It’s quiet, sequestered, manicured and intensely beautiful and the perfect place for wealthy LGBT families. And there are many. It’s where West Hollywood gets its water supply as they are always reminding.
BEST HOTEL
(Photo courtesy of W Hollywood)
Winner: W Hollywood
It seems Los Angeles Blade readers know a thing or two when it comes to family and friends from out of town: they all want to experience Hollywood. It’s perfectly located, giving easy access to Universal, DTLA, Pasadena, all points west. And while you’re family is visiting, you and your friends can visit one of the best pools in town as a bonus. (6250 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028)
(Photo courtesy of Kimpton La Peer)
Runner-Up: Kimpton La Peer
“Imagine a space where art, music, fashion, poetry, film and architecture intertwine to a cacophony of spatial harmony,” says Icelandic-born, Los Angeles-based cutting edge designer Gulla Jónsdóttir, of the new Kimpton La Peer. Consider it for a weekend staycation for you and your honey. (627 N La Peer Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069)
BEST DOCTOR/MEDICAL PROVIDER
(Photo courtesy of Cedars Sinai)
Winner: Cedars Sinai Urgent Care
One of the world’s best hospitals, not surprisingly, also runs the best Urgent Care locations in the nation. Cedars-Sinai’s urgent care facility in Beverly Hills keeps extended hours seven days a week, providing immediate healthcare needs that are not life-threatening. You’ll walk in and find expedited service from some of the world’s best doctors. (8501 Wilshire Blvd #150, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)
Dr. David Alajajian. (Photo courtesy of Pacific Oaks Medical Group)
Runner-Up: Pacific Oaks Medical Group
One of the earliest responders during the AIDS crisis, Pacific Oaks Medical Group is a leading community provider of medical care to our diverse community. And the group’s recent addition of Dr. David Alajajian is apparently a big hit with our readers. (150 N Robertson Blvd #300, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)
BEST CAR DEALERSHIP
(Photo courtesy of Beverly Hills BMW)
Winner: Beverly Hills BMW
This dealership is located on Wilshire just east of La Brea, displaced from Beverly Hills during construction of the Purple line, but it remains the go-to BMW dealership for many of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills’ BMW owners. The immaculate shop runs like clockwork and there’s never a wait. Last year at SUR, they delivered $200,000 worth of cars and leather jackets to our Best Of awards. Our readers apparently have not forgotten. (5070 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036)
Runner-Up: Mercedes Beverly Hills
Mercedes is the most popular luxury brand in the several zip codes surrounding West Hollywood and 9 out of 10 local owners work with Mercedes of Beverly Hills to keep their cars current and in top condition. (9250 Beverly Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210)
BEST PRO LOCAL ATHLETE
LeBron James. (Photo courtesy of James)
Winner: LeBron James
LeBron and the Lakers are both reader favorites. Our readers were over the moon about his decision to join the ranks of prominent Angeleno sports stars when he moved west from Cleveland. One reader wrote: “LeBron is almost as magic as Magic and I admire him for taking a pioneering stand for people of color and justice.” His solidarity with Colin Kaepernick resonated with our readers as a fitting addition to the ever progressive Lakers, just after the team’s first ever LGBT night.
Gus Kenworthy. (Photo courtesy of Kenworthy)
Runner-Up: Gus Kenworthy
Since the Seoul winter games everyone has been in love with Gus and his sexy Instagram and love of dogs. Who wouldn’t want to be loved by Gus? Sorry Adam, we love you too but, hey.
BEST PUBLIC OFFICIAL
Adam Schiff (Photo courtesy of Schiff)
Winner: Adam Schiff
No congressman has been more consistent in his criticism of Donald Trump than congressman Adam Schiff, the U.S. Representative for California’s 28th congressional district since 2013. With the Dems now in majority control of the House, Shiff wields significant power over the fate of Trump as House Intelligence Committee chairman. On LGBT issues he bats 1,000 and in our estimation he’s a smart man, an avid reader of the Los Angeles Blade’s Karen Ocamb.
(Photo courtesy of West Hollywood City Council)
Runner-Up: West Hollywood City Council
A uniformly progressive city council comprised of longtime gay rights activists, advocates and allies of the LGBT community. Mayor John Duran, Mayor Pro Tempore John D’Amico and Council members Lindsey Horvath, Lauren Meister and John Heilman are known for fast-acting government responsiveness and well attended, well-run meetings. The city ranks among the best-run local governments in America.
BEST HOUSE OF WORSHIP
(Photo by Annie Wells/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images. Courtesy of Kol Ami)
Winner: Congregation Kol Ami
Since its founding in 1992, Kol Ami has become an important leader in the Jewish, LGBTQ and West Hollywood communities. Kol Ami’s commitment to progressive spirituality, diversity, inclusion and social justice is celebrated nationwide. It is known for being innovative while remaining rooted in Jewish tradition and practice. Rabi Denise L. Egers broke barriers to create a more inclusive Reform movement that has resulted in more LGBTQ inclusion at Synagogues worldwide. (1200 N La Brea Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90038)
(Photo courtesy of InVision Church)
Runner-Up: InVision Church
Since MCC left West Hollywood about a decade ago, there has been no LGBT specific Christian Church service in the area but that changed when pastor Josh Johnson brought his spirited Invision Church to WeHo. In services held every Sunday at the Sunset Strip’s famed Viper Room, Invision gives the LGBTQ community its own down home, rollicking and near evangelical place of worship. (8852 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069)
BEST LGBT BUSINESS
(Photo courtesy of My 12 Step Store)
Winner: My 12 Step Store
RJ is widely considered to be one of the hardest working people in the sobriety community, not above working the register, helping customers select gifts for their loved ones, or packing items he ships out to customers around the world. My 12 Step Store is an exceptional and rare model of service to the LGBTQ community, part community center and part business, selling inspirational and motivational sobriety themed gifts. My 12 Step Stores sober mixers are one of the most popular events on the mix and mingle calendar. (8730 Santa Monica Blvd B, West Hollywood, CA 90069)
(Photo courtesy of Chi Chi LaRue’s)
From the bright pink exterior to the exclusive state-of-the-art merchandise and apparel inside, Chi Chi LaRue’s stands out, loud and proud, as West Hollywood’s only gay-owned and operated adult boutique. (8861 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069)
BEST COFFEE SHOP
(Photo courtesy of Alfred’s Coffee Melrose Place)
Winner: Alfred’s Coffee Melrose Place
It’s like a very intentional selfie. It’s a little embarrassing how indulgent and fun it is, this coffee shop where everyone is drop dead gorgeous but somehow it’s still all about the coffee. You’ll find it in the heart of LA’s trendiest retail destination, proudly brewing Stumptown Coffee Roasters. (8428 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, CA 90069)
(Photo courtesy of Blue Bottle Coffee)
Runner-Up: Blue Bottle Coffee
They seem to be popping up everywhere, this one part Oakland, one part LA coffee house is not cheap but it is certainly delicious. (8301 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048)
BEST LOCAL BREWERY
(Photo courtesy of Arts District Brewing Company)
Winner: Arts District Brewing Company
One of Los Angeles’ few craft brewpubs, opened December 2015 in Downtown LA’s historic Arts District. With an on-site, 15-barrel brewhouse capable of producing 3,300 barrels of beer each year, Arts District Brewing Company debuted with nine original beers and now offers 30+ all brewed on-site. Enjoy an entertainment area with a photo booth and multiple classic bar games available, including pinball and Skeeball machines. (828 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013)
Runner-Up: Santa Monica Brew Works
Just a group of guys who share a mad love for great beer and the City Of Santa Monica. The brewery’s “Beach Brewed” philosophy is said to embody “the spirit of the world-renowned Santa Monica lifestyle. (1920 Colorado Ave C, Santa Monica, CA 90404)
BEST RESTAURANT
(Photo courtesy of Tortilla Republic)
Winner: Tortilla Republic
It’s Viva Mexico at its very finest. Every bite will have you saying “F*uck Trump and his crazy wall” because the best food in the world comes from our neighbor to the south. It’s a Los Angeles Blade favorite. (616 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069)
(Photo courtesy of Bottega Louie)
Runner-Up: Bottega Louie
Get ready WeHo! The Gourmet Market, Patisserie & Café located in downtown Los Angeles will soon open on Santa Monica Boulevard and life will never be the same. (700 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017)
BEST CHEF
Susan Feniger (Photo courtesy of Feniger)
Winner: Susan Feniger, Border Grill
Iconic culinarian, author, and entrepreneur Feniger has been helping to define the culinary landscape of Los Angeles since 1981. She’s opened a host of successful restaurants, but Border Grill remains her crowning achievement. Opened with co-chef and business partner Mary Sue Milliken in 1985, its modern, street-food-inspired Mexican cuisine has been defining the city’s culinary landscape ever since. As if having an iconic LA eatery and being a celebrity chef weren’t enough to make us love her, Susan is also an out and proud member of the community, currently sitting on the board of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Jon Rollo (Photo courtesy of Rollo)
Runner-up: Jon Rollo, Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop
Revolutionizing the gourmet fast-casual dining experience the “Commander-in-Leaf” of Greenleaf has always had an appetite for fresh ingredients and living a healthy life – something he embodies with the farm-to-face concept of his restaurant, where he uses local, fresh, natural, organic ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and wholesome. In his free time, you can find Jon working out at Barry’s Bootcamp, training for a triathlon, and raising his daughter and son with husband, Joey Gonzalez.
BEST LOCAL TV PERSONALITY
James Corden. (Photo courtesy of Corden)
Winner: James Corden
This Tony-winning actor may be from the other side of the Atlantic, but as the host of “The Late, Late Show,” he’s been regularly taking over the streets of Hollywood to film celebrity flash mobs, musical numbers, and the spectacularly popular “Carpool Karaoke” since 2015 – and that makes him as much an Angeleno as anyone. It’s no wonder we’re proud to lay claim to him; smart, funny, and talented, he’s got a pure love of “show business” that makes his late-night talk show a must-see event for millions. He’s also a strong LGBT ally who uses his public platform to promote LGBT equality – for instance, by performing a song in protest of Trump’s intended trans military ban in 2017.
Alexander Rodriguez. (Photo courtesy of Rodriquez)
Runner-up: Alexander Rodriguez
The iHeart radio personality is one-third of the all-gay Latinx panel on “Glitterbomb,” LATV’s explosive pop-culture talk show that offers a queer Latinx perspective on entertainment news. Along with fellow hosts (actor Enrique Sapene and EW senior editor Patrick Gomez), he brings wit, humor, and first-hand experience into the show’s look at Hollywood A-lister life.
BEST MARIJUANA DISPENSARY
(Logo courtesy of MedMen)
Winner: MedMen
Founded in 2010 by Adam Bierman and Andrew Modlin (who are also CEO and president, respectively), this Culver City-based company has grown up to be one of the leaders in the burgeoning legal cannabis industry, dedicated to “writing the book on the modern cannabis industry, from how facilities are designed and constructed to setting the bar on quality and excellence.” They’re also the single largest financial supporter of progressive marijuana laws at local, state, and federal levels. But what’s probably most important to the many satisfied consumers at their elegant boutiques in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills (as well as four other locations in the Los Angeles area) is their philosophy that standards, practices and reputation matter – and the high quality of the product that results from it.
(Photo courtesy of Zen Healing West Hollywood)
Runner-up: Zen Healing West Hollywood
With two locations, this longtime (since 2003) local-fave dispensary scores high Yelp ratings for its outstanding customer service and wide selection. As they say on their website, “Whether you vape, rollup, or use a piece, Zen Healing has a strain for you.”
MOST COMMITTED ACTIVIST
Madonna Cacciatore. (Photo courtesy of Cacciatore)
Winner: Madonna Cacciatore
She moved to LA as an actress, after a regular role on a short-lived TV reboot of “The Fugitive” gave her a taste of Hollywood; but it’s her dedication to another calling that has brought her true prominence in our local community. A longtime LGBT activist, she made a splash in the headlines when the LA Times featured a photo of her holding hands with then-partner (now wife) Robin McWilliams in their cover story on June 26, 2015, when the Obergefell victory made marriage equality the law of the land – but she had already been building her leadership role in the community for years as the director of special events at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. In 2018, she was chosen as the new executive director of Christopher Street West – giving her the opportunity to bring her years of experience to the table as she shepherds the non-profit, which has faced challenges in the last few years, toward the 50th anniversary of LA Pride in 2020.
Ari Gutiérrez Arambula. (Photo courtesy of Arambula)
Runner-up: Ari Gutiérrez Arambula
A tireless community leader, Ari is dedicated to increasing support and quality of life for the LGBTQ and gender non-conforming members of the Latinx community and their families – a community for which she has been an advocate for 30 years. She is the founding Advisory Board President of the Latino Equality Alliance, and the co-founder of HONOR PAC, a non-profit organization providing advocacy, leadership development and public education that honors cultural traditions and is accessible to youth and their parents.
BEST LOCAL PRO SPORTS TEAM
Winner: Los Angeles Dodgers
They may have lost the 2018 World Series to the Boston Red Sox, but LA’s “Boys In Blue” will never lose the hearts of the city they’ve called home since 1958. Part of the reason is the team’s determination to connect with the community by embracing diversity. In the words of Erik Braverman, the Dodgers’ vice president for marketing, communications and broadcasting who spoke to the Los Angeles Blade for a 2017 article, “LGBT people are as important to the organization as any other community.” For six consecutive years, the Dodgers have hosted an official LGBT night, and for the past two have made it an official kickoff party for LA Pride.
(Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers)
Runner-up: Los Angeles Lakers
Just as it is with the Dodgers, love for the Lakers is part of our city’s DNA. In 2018, the basketball organization hosted its own first-ever LGBTQ Pride night, honoring first active openly gay NBA player Jason Collins with the Laces of Unity Award (recognizing individuals in sports who have significantly contributed to the LGBTQ community) and featuring Amanda Palmer, the first female and first openly lesbian referee in NBA history, as the night’s honorary team captain.
BEST HOME FURNISHINGS
(Photo courtesy of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams)
Winner: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Started in North Carolina back in 1989, this elegant furniture company began with the simple idea of providing “comfort for all,” and nearly 30 years later, its signature store in Beverly Hills is a must-visit for any Angeleno with an eye toward decorating their home with stylish and modern home furnishings. In addition, its founders are activists and advocates for the LGBT community – Gold is co-founder of Faith in America, a nonprofit that educates people about the harm religious bigotry causes LGBT Americans that recently merged with the Tyler Clementi Foundation, and has served on the board of HRC for the past seven years, and Williams is known for his philanthropic work for equal rights; together, the men received a Groundbreakers Award from NYC’s Housing Works, dedicated to ending AIDS and homelessness.
(Photo courtesy of Josh Johnson Home)
Runner-up: Josh Johnson Home
A Tennessee native who became known as “Sparkle Josh” during his stint in HGTV’s “Design Stars,” this flamboyant celebrity interior designer has a design philosophy of “Livable Luxe,” which he describes as the pairing of affordable elegance with functional practicality, and his status as a celebrity designer has made him a designer to celebrities — or anyone who wants to live like one.
BEST PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
Winner: Walt Disney Concert Hall
This downtown landmark, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and opened in 2003, is not just part of the Los Angeles Music Center – with its sleek, shining, non-linear design, it’s an icon of urban architecture and a signature LA building, and with its hear-a-pin-drop acoustics, it’s a world-class performance hall. Intended as a gift to the people of Los Angeles by Lillian Disney (widow of Walt), who in 1987 donated $50 million to fund a venue that could serve as a tribute to her late husband’s devotion to the arts and to the city, today it fulfills that purpose by providing a home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, as well as by hosting variety of artists and events from around the world.
(Photo courtesy of Geffen Playhouse)
Runner-up: Geffen Playhouse
Founded by Gilbert Cates in 1995, and named for its donor, music executive David Geffen, this not-for-profit theater company is housed within a historic 1929 building – one of the first 12 structures built in Westwood Village – that was once the Masonic Affiliates’ Club for students and alumni of UCLA. In its two venues there, the Geffen mounts eight top-quality theatrical productions per season, showcasing both new works and time-honored classics, often performed by familiar actors from film and television – one of the definite perks of living in a movie town.
BEST DAY TRIP
(Photo courtesy of Palm Springs)
Los Angeles’ relationship with its neighbor in the desert goes back to the 1920s, when the town’s growing status as a getaway spot made it appealing to Hollywood’s rich and famous as a quick and easy escape from the rigors of their glamorous everyday lives. It serves much the same purpose today, but it’s grown into an internationally recognized resort destination – which means world-class entertainment, luxurious hotels, and glittering casinos await any Angeleno ready to make the 90-minute drive (OK, only if there’s no traffic) to get there. It’s not just about pampering yourself, though that’s part of the allure; there is also a thriving cultural scene, lots of nightlife, magnificent restaurants, a weekly street festival, and an annual week-long celebration of the Modernist architecture long embraced as a definitive part of the city’s identity. Of course, Palm Springs is something of an LGBT Mecca, too – but odds are good that, if you’re reading this, you already knew that.
(Photo courtesy of Avalon, Catalina Island)
Runner-up: Avalon, Catalina Island
Located on the southeast end of Santa Catalina Island, Avalon has been a popular destination for visitors since the early 1900s. Like Palm Springs, it has always attracted the glitterati crowd, from film stars to presidents, and is known today for its resorts and casinos – along with the numerous other attractions offered by a picturesque seaside community. Only a short ferry ride away, it’s one of the best opportunities for Angelenos to have a sun-soaked mini-vacation and still be home in time to feed the pets before bedtime.
BEST MOVIE THEATER
Winner: Arclight Hollywood
In a city built by the movies (and those who love them) it’s no surprise that the favorite pick is this landmark multiplex on Sunset, which is home to 15 screens (including the historic Cinerama Dome) that feature state-of-the-art projection and sound technology, and amenities like a gourmet snack bar, no commercials before the show, and – a favorite flourish for convenience-hungry Angelenos – reserved seating that eliminates the need for standing in a long line. On top of all that, Arclight offers an impressive selection of movie offerings, from the biggest entertainment blockbusters to the edgiest indie art films, all in the name of catering to the sophisticated interests of its cinema-loving clientele. As a bonus, moviegoers stand a good chance of seeing some of their favorite stars off the screen as well as on – it’s a popular location for the people who make movies to go and sit in the audience for a change.
(Photo courtesy of Pacific Theaters at the Grove)
Runner-up: Pacific Theaters at the Grove
Offering its own kind of Hollywood appeal, this elegantly designed multiplex in the heart of one of the city’s most popular malls (adjacent to the historic Farmer’s Market). It’s a haven for film lovers, with its own state-of-the-art auditoriums that feature large screens, surround sound, and luxury stadium seating – and if you want to pair your moviegoing experience with a meal, the Grove location ensures a wide selection of nearby eateries that will be perfect for discussing what you’ve just seen over lunch or dinner.
BEST LIVE MUSIC
(Photo courtesy of Hollywood Bowl)
Steeped in history — it’s seen the likes of everyone from Billie Holiday to Billy Joel — the Hollywood Bowl reigns, as Southern California’s premier destination for live music. Its iconic concentric-arched band shell is recognized the world over, just as sure as the venue itself is recognized by our readers as the best of the best.
(Photo courtesy of The Greek Theatre)
Located within Griffith Park, the historic Greek Theatre stands as one of the nation’s most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment destinations. This iconic venue has also served as a site for numerous high school graduations, community events, and backdrops for television shows and motion pictures.
a&e features
Nick Drake, the non-binary trailblazer, comes to Los Angeles in ‘& Juliet’
Nick Drake talks bringing queer flair to “& Juliet” and the importance of non-binary representation on the stage.
Since “& Juliet” hit the Broadway stage in 2022 with Paulo Szot, Stark Sands and Betsy Wolfe leading the cast, the show has brought its pop anthems across the world. Spanning Australia, the UK and Germany, this modern flip on Shakespeare is now continuing its North American Tour with a four-week run in Los Angeles.
“& Juliet” plays at the Ahmanson Theatre from Aug 13-Sept. 7, with a cast including Original Broadway Cast member Rachel Simone Webb. The ensemble is rounded out by Paul-Jordan Jansen, Teal Wicks, Corey Mach, Kathryn Allison, Michael Canu, Mateus Leite Cardoso and Nick Drake, who plays May, Francois’s non-binary love interest in the show.
The original play has a notoriously tragic ending, but “& Juliet” grants Juliet a second chance after she decides to give life another go. May is one of many new additions to the “Romeo and Juliet” story and Drake gets to hit the stage running after their first Broadway show, “Back to the Future.” Drake has also made numerous on-screen appearances, with credits including “Fire Island,” “Saturday Night Live” and “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.”
Ahead of the show’s premiere, The Los Angeles Blade had the opportunity to ask Drake about their experience playing the non-binary character May, giving a Shakespeare story some queer flair and how the show has evolved since its Broadway debut.
Can you talk about how you fleshed out and connected to May as a character and the significance of them being non-binary, especially as a non-binary actor yourself? What does this representation mean to you?
Since May is not a part of the Shakespearean catalogue, I get to create an entire persona out of a name and some lines. I remembered when I, too, was a baby gay and finding my identity. I tried to bring as much of myself into May and create the character from there! I wish when I was little, watching shows at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, I saw a character like May onstage. I would be so inspired and feel so seen as a Black queer person. Now, I get to be that role model for queer people across the nation and get to meet queer people after the show, and that just makes my heart so happy!
What makes the story of “Romeo & Juliet” so fitting to have a queer twist and love story?
Frankie and May make the “forbidden love” trope even more exciting! Since May technically sees Juliet kissing Frankie after Frankie and May meet at the party, May and Frankie can’t help but be in love with each other and have this secret relationship. The stakes are so high!
What have been some of the most exciting developments in this show on its North American Tour since the 2022 Broadway debut?
We have more choreography because we don’t have a turntable! The best example is during “I Kissed A Girl!” Mateus and I have this cute “Fred & Ginger” dance moment that is so Old Hollywood and just full of love.
This show is filled with pop anthems, many by icons like Britney Spears, who are beloved by the queer community. What are the most fun songs to perform?
Definitely “Show Me Love!” It is my favorite number in the show. I love Robyn so much. The second contender, even though it leaves me so out of breath still, is “Domino.”
What are you most excited about in getting to perform this show in Los Angeles and experience the theatre scene here?
I have never spent more than a week in LA and it’s always been for work at the Bourbon Room, which is amazing and I love it there. However, this time I’m here for a month, in a cute Airbnb and with a car! I can’t wait to kind of feel like I am living in LA, I have always wanted to live here — this time, I’ll get a true taste of that.
Is there anything else you want to add or mention about the show as it approaches?
Be ready to have the time of your life. Scream, shout, and let it all out!
& Juliet runs Wednesday, August 13 to Sunday, September 7, 2025 at the Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles / Tuesday, September 9 to Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
a&e features
Choreographing culture: A peek inside the magnificent mind of Draico Johnson
Draico has danced with legends, choreographed vampires, and still finds time to flip the script on industry stereotypes. In this interview, he opens up about his creative journey, the power of representation, and why he leads every project with love
There are folks who follow and mirror trends, and then there are folks like Dondraico “Draico” Johnson, who not only create new ones but choreograph them into reality. Emmy-nominated choreographer, actor, and full-on creative powerhouse, Johnson has created and cultivated a career on breaking norms, turning expectations upside down, and infusing every project he embarks on with soul, style, and just the right amount of swag.
From performing with the familiar folks like Madonna and Janet Jackson to choreographing little vamps and ghouls in New Zealand, Johnson navigates through the entertainment industry like a tempest of energy and intention. But behind the big names and even bigger moments is an artist truly and deeply committed to authenticity, joy, and making sure he leaves every space he enters just a little more magical than before. In this interview, Johnson dishes on shattering the boxes others try to put him in, shaping culture one box step at a time, and why his work is rooted in purpose, powered by passion, and always aimed at opening doors for the next generation.
You’re an Emmy-nominated choreographer and a working actor. How do those two creative muscles support and challenge each other?
Great question. Those two creative muscles definitely challenge each other because people often want to put you in a box. They assume you can only do one thing. But for me, the way to break that mold is by being excellent at both and showing that you’re multi-talented.
Sometimes they actually complement each other. I’ll book a choreography job, and they later find out I’m an actor. Then it’s like, “Oh wow, two birds with one stone!” It ends up being more of a pro than a con. They really do go hand in hand.
You’ve worked with legends – Michael and Janet Jackson, Madonna, Britney Spears. What’s one lesson from those early days that still guides your work today?
To enjoy it. No matter who walks into the room or what kind of energy they bring, adjust it to fit your world. Don’t let anyone throw your energy off. I always remind myself: good energy trumps bad energy, especially when you’re leading the ship.
People will come in with bad vibes, and I’ll still be like, “Okay, I’m having a great day. Let’s work.” I’m big on shifting the energy of the room for the better.
Was there ever a moment in your career when you had to pinch yourself and think, “Wow, this is really happening?”
Oh, absolutely. When I got the call to work with Michael Jackson, I was like, “Wait, what? Me?!” Same thing with Janet, especially when I danced at the Super Bowl. That was a huge moment.
Another pinch-me moment was choreographing the Aretha Franklin: Genius series with Cynthia Erivo. I was just blown away. It felt like a family on set every day, and I’ll always remember that experience.
When you work with iconic artists, how do you balance honoring their brand while also pushing them creatively?
I always frame it as a collaboration. It’s not about me—it’s about the artist. They brought me in to help bring out the best in them. Whether it’s dance, music, or acting, I try to create something that fits them and elevates their brand.
They also need to feel like they’re part of the process. That’s something I learned from Madonna. She always wants to have input, and that makes total sense. It’s about teamwork.
You recently worked on Disney’s Zombies 4. How did you approach choreographing the vampires to make them stand out in the franchise?
My first introduction to Zombies was on Zombies 3, which had aliens, werewolves, cheerleaders—it was wild! For Zombies 4, the torch is passed to a younger generation. We introduced Daywalkers and Vampires.
I approached it like this: the Daywalkers were from Atlanta, the Vampires from New York. They all do similar dance steps, but each group thinks their style is superior because it’s rooted in tradition. That tension made for fun, dynamic choreography. It was about respecting the differences while showing they’re more alike than they think.
We shot in New Zealand, the cast was amazing—it was such a great time.
Fun question: if you could be any mythical or teenage creature in the Zombies universe, who would you be?
Oh, definitely a werewolf! They have the coolest style, their music slaps, and their costumes are fire. So yeah, werewolf all the way.
You mentioned boxes earlier. The word “representation” gets used a lot in the industry, but what does authentic representation actually look like to you?
To me, authentic representation is about showing up as your true self and being accepted for it. I don’t care where you’re from, who you love, or how you identify—just be real.
I love working with people who are honest about who they are. If you’re true to yourself, then your talent—whether it’s dancing, acting, or singing—can shine through without a mask. That’s real representation.
Are there any assumptions people make about you in this industry that you often find yourself challenging?
All the time. People look at me – big guy, athletic build – and they don’t expect me to be flexible, to dance, or do gymnastics. But I can flip, layout, full-out, everything.
Also, as a dark-skinned Black man, people sometimes see me and feel intimidated. But I’m a total love bug. I grew up in a home full of love, not a silver spoon, but love. My dad still calls me “baby,” and I’m a grown man. That’s who I am.
So I always say, give people a little grace. You never know what someone went through three seconds before entering your space.
That’s beautiful. What’s something you’ve passed on to the next generation that you’re most proud of?
I’m from a very small town in South Carolina, like, one stoplight small. I always knew I wasn’t the only creative kid there. In towns like that, if you’re not into sports, there’s often no outlet.
So I make it a point to speak to the next generation, especially those who don’t have access to the industry. I encourage them to do their research. Know who came before you. Use the internet to study the greats. That’s how you train yourself when resources are limited.
What would surprise 15-year-old Draico about where you are now?
That I figured it out. Growing up in the woods, seeing only trees and deer, and then looking at TV, seeing Broadway, films, lights, I thought, “Where do people learn to do that?” It felt impossible.
Now, looking back, I’d tell 15-year-old me: “You did it. You waited it out. You didn’t compromise your values. You stayed ready, and the universe delivered.”
Do you feel the industry is becoming more authentically inclusive, or is it still surface-level?
That’s tricky. Some days it feels like we’re making progress, and other days it feels like we’re taking 10 steps back. It’s a yo-yo.
I think the problem is that so many different groups are pushing for change at once, and the world just isn’t ready for all of them simultaneously. But we’ve got to keep our voices loud. If we go silent, we end up back at square one.
For every Cynthia Erivo, there’s a Sydney Sweeney, right?
Exactly. And speaking of Cynthia, I love her. Just saw her kill it in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl. She and Adam Lambert were phenomenal. I’ll plug her all day! That’s my girl.
You once called yourself a “culture shaper.” How do you define that in your work?
I bring who I am into every room and every project. I’m from the “other side of the tracks,” and I own that.
Even in Zombies, which is Disney and fun and family-friendly, I made those kids dance and brought some soul to it. A little sauce, a little Goya. It’s about keeping it authentic while elevating the work.
We live in a world where people go from one show to the next. What’s one thing you hope people truly feel after watching your work?
I always say people may forget what happened, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. I want my work to feel like a warm hug. Even without words, I want people to walk away thinking, “That touched me. That made me feel something good.”
I’m a love bug. Like I said, I grew up that way. I want every project I touch to feel like a love letter to the audience.
What’s one dream collaboration still on your bucket list?
I want to do a big musical, something that moves like Chicago, but feels soulful and Black, like the movie Polly from the ’80s. I want to help create the next Wicked, but with real roots, and take it from Broadway to the screen.
What can we expect from you in the near future?
We’re speaking Broadway into existence! I’ve got a few TV projects in development with Anthony Hemingway Productions. I’m also working on a podcast called Beyond the 8 Count with my friend Jamal Sims. He’s a huge choreographer and does RuPaul’s Drag Race.
I’m also working with Duran Bernard and have some stuff with Normani in the works. Lots of exciting things coming!
Events
Founder Mariah Hanson’s final Dinah Shore Weekend gets all-star lineup
Reflecting decades of growth and change, this year’s lineup bridges generations, honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking toward a future of love and inclusion.
Dinah Shore founder Mariah Hanson is ending her run with the most iconic queer women’s festival with a star-studded lineup that is pulling out all the stops. Past guests, rising stars, queer icons, and aspiring queer talent will take the stage for a once-in-a-generation celebration of queer culture, music, and legacy. Dinah Shore takes place from September 24th to the 28th at the Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, CA.
Leading the charge are L Word icons Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey, gender-nonconforming queer NY Rapper Princess Nokia, dance music icon Crystal Waters, fast-rising, compelling voice in alternative pop SkyDxddy, boundary-pushing artist Only1 Theory, and returning fan favorites Xana and Mariah Counts— all prepared to set the stage ablaze in this historic closing act.
Returning as the longtime host of The Dinah pool parties is Rose Garcia, joined this year by Kaycee Clark, star of CBS’s Big Brother and MTV’s The Challenge. Some of the hottest DJs in the queer scene — DJ P. Nasty, DJ Les Ortiz, DJ Lotus Banks, DJ KG Fresh, DJ Tatiana, and DJ Alex D. — will be behind the decks, delivering pulse-pounding sets that will keep the crowd dancing, connecting, and living for every moment.
The Dinah 2025 is an invitation to join Mariah in a powerful tribute to the legacy she created and to experience the unparalleled magic that only The Dinah can deliver. This year’s Dinah isn’t just Hanson’s last—it’s her most meaningful. With the Dinah, Hanson didn’t just
build a festival, she built a family.
Tickets and full event details are available now at www.thedinah.com
Television
Bear World TV at long last debuts: A new screen experience for the global bears far and wide
Bear World TV is crashing your screen with flair, fabulousness, and a whole lot of fur. From nightlife to news, our five fierce hosts are serving up bites of bear culture hotter than Palm Springs in August.
Bears, start your streaming engines. Bear World Magazine, the top-notch lifestyle bible for the global bear scene, is turning up the heat with the launch of Bear World TV, a bold new video platform serving up weekly mouthfuls of news, nightlife, culture, and cheeky charm. Dropping its debut episodes last week, Bear World TV will roll out its fur-forward content across the Bear World Magazine website, YouTube, and socials.
At the core of Bear World TV are five fabulous hosts – Marquis The Honey Bear, Joe Martone, Ravi Roth, Hunter Harden, and Los Angeles Blade’s very own publisher, Alexander Rodriguez – serving up fast, fun, two-minute segments that highlight the sweet, sweaty, and saucy sides of bear life. It’s a frothy mix of nightlife, travel, pop culture, community events, and some well-placed innuendo.
Produced by Bear World Magazine Co-Founders Richard Jones and Robin Gray, Bear World TV takes the magazine’s mission, celebrating body positivity, inclusivity, queer joy, and body hair, and puts it on full display. “Bear World Magazine turns 13 this September, and we wanted to do something big and bold to mark the milestone,” says Jones. “With Bear World TV, we’re not just telling our stories. We’re broadcasting them loud, proud, and in hi-def.”
Each host brings their own flavor to the screen, from hilarious deep dives into niche bear culture to glitter-dusted nightlife guides and globe-trotting adventures with a dash of sass.
LA Blade’s Alexander Rodriguez, veteran entertainment journalist and resident pop culture provocateur, dives deep in Alexander on Screen. “Representation is evolving, and so is our journalism. Expect sharp questions, fearless conversations, and maybe a few scandalous confessions.”
Comedian Marquis The Honey Bear brings the laughs (and a bit of bite) in Marquis is Barely Informed. “We’re tackling gay and bear culture one ridiculous topic at a time. It’s unseriously serious fun and fur-friendly.”
Need a party planner with a taste for trouble? Enter Hunter Harden, whose nightlife series Hunter’s Hot Nights, sponsored by Gun Oil Personal Lubricant, is your after-dark roadmap. “A hot night is hugs, a killer DJ, body confidence, and maybe just a little glitter in your beard,” he purrs.
Keeping you in the know, Joe Martone curates What to Know with Joe, covering must-see events and hairy heroes coast to coast. Sponsored by DeviousSaint.com, Joe promises, “If it makes you say, ‘Damn, why wasn’t I there?’ I’ve got the tea and the RSVP.”
For those whose idea of a good time includes a passport stamp, Ravi Roth leads Ravi Round the World, a whirlwind of queer travel joy. “Travel is more than a vacation, it’s a celebration of our global community, and yes, your bear passport is always valid,” says Roth, whose series is sponsored by Island House Key West.
Publicity photos for the series were captured by Nathan Noyes at the chic Creator Lounge at W Hollywood, a space dripping in art deco vibes and old-school glamour, setting the scene for a very modern media moment.
With new episodes dropping weekly, Bear World TV is about to become the digital HQ for bears from sea to shining sea, serving up much needed laughs, connection, and unapologetic celebration with every click.
Tune in at bearworldmag.com/TV and follow @bearworldmag for your weekly fix of fur, fun, and fierce representation.
a&e features
TikTok star Clayton Farris talks queer representation and his new horror movie, ‘Weapons’
Even amidst gore and bloodshed, this bisexual actor finds the space to show his Pride.
It’s a story that has been heard countless times before: someone feels the call of stardom, and they believe the only way to answer is to move across the country to Los Angeles. Entire libraries are filled with the unfortunate stories of these people, who often discover that the “City of Angels” is much harsher than it seems onscreen. But for the select few, they manage to find success in one of the toughest industries in the world. And for those like TikTok star Clayton Farris, they manage to do it while providing the LGBTQ+ representation our communities need now more than ever.
“I grew up in a very traditional Southern space, and I always just stood out because I was…I was different,” said Texas-born Farris when he sat down to discuss his new movie, Weapons. “I had a whole life [in Dallas] that I packed up and left — and as soon as I got to LA, I was like, ‘Oh, this is where I’m meant to be.’”
Anyone online in the past decade has seen Farris’s work. Before starring in numerous hit TV shows and movies, the man made his mark on Vine through comedy sketches (never again can someone ask for their keys without imagining a printer being hurled at them). Since then, he’s acted in hit series like Scream Queens and Ratched, all while becoming a mainstay in the LA comedy scene and amassing more than 400,000 followers on TikTok. Clayton brings his trademark style of irreverent humor to every project, all while proudly sharing his bisexual identity with the world — a sense of pride that didn’t come easy to him.
“Coming from a place that really encourages people to be closeted, it’s been a long journey for me to be able to be myself,” he explained when he sat down with the Los Angeles Blade, still tired from the Weapons red carpet he’d been strutting down only a day before.
“I always say: any character I play, I always bring the ‘bisexual edge’ to them.” The actor laughs but stresses the importance of this kind of representation, and the long journey it took for him to share his bisexuality through his art. Farris knows that it is essential to bring his authentic identity into every single role…even in a movie as terrifying as Weapons.
Most horror fans are familiar with director Zack Cregger’s work; his previous film, Barbarian, is infamous for not only its jaw-dropping plot twists but the unceasing anxiety it carries throughout every scene. His latest film, Weapons — a mystery-horror centered around a classroom of children who flee their homes in the dead of night — recently premiered and is already being lauded as one of the scariest movies of 2025. Yet somehow, amidst the thrilling bloodshed that its trailers are promising, it finds the space to feature LGBTQ+ representation through Farris’s role as Terry, the goofy, endearing partner of one of the main characters.
While he laughed about the quirks he brought to the character and what wild fun it is to star in a scary movie, Farris also recognized just how important this performance really is. “To be one of the only queer characters in such a big movie, [I was] like, ‘Oh, this kind of has some weight to it!’” he exclaimed, proud of injecting casual queerness into such a complex plot.
He went on to describe how, even at the premiere, there were executives coming up to him, thanking him for the representation and the nuances he brought to what could have been such a cliché stereotype. It’s a kind of representation that LGBTQ+ horror fans have fought decades for, and through Terry, Farris is proud to push it even further.
No matter where his career takes him next, whether it be in another gore fest like Weapons or some hit comedy show in LA, Farris makes it clear what his goal is as a bisexual actor: “I just want to do a good job, and represent the community well.” It’s a mantra that more performers should carry, and it’s what makes Farris one of the true standout comedy stars of Los Angeles (and TikTok) today.
Follow Clayton Farris on Instagram & TikTok
Weapons is now in theaters
a&e features
And the winner of this year’s Project Drag is…LØRELEI
LØRELEI brought her signature theatrical flair and drag queen skills to the spotlight, earning the crown as this year’s Project Drag winner.
Picture it, West Hollywood, the tension is high in the air as this year’s Project Drag contestants battled each other, one act after the other. Los Angeles Blade was on hand as guest judge for this particular evening, with TV show characters being the theme of the night. Project Drag, created in 2013 by nightlife personality Tony Moore, is THE drag competition when it comes to representing local drag queens. Even though this evening’s edition marked just a few weeks into the competition, it was clear these queens wanted to win…badly.
LØRELEI, no stranger to a spotlight, took the stage dressed as Smurfette and launched into a frenzy of dancing (backup dancers in tow). Halfway through her act with a dizzying array of jumps and jazz hands, she leapt into the air and smack dab into the DJ! The audience gasped as she teetered on the edge of the DJ’s station. Would she crash into the DJ, taking the whole setup with her? Or would she fall back and crash into the audience? Gravity had its way, and she crashed into the floor in a blurred mess of yellow hair and red high heels. Was this the end of LØRELEI’s time with Project Drag? Like the showperson she is, she turned the moment into a bit, not knowing that weeks later, she would take home the crown.
Even though LØRELEI wanted the win so much, she came to the competition a consummate performer, mixing her theatre world with her drag skills to put on truly unique acts. She is a true drag queen in the sense that she’s not just about looks. She can command an audience, she is a successful podcast co-host of SHABLAM!, and she co-founded and runs Dionysia, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing long-form theatrical works by drag artists. Oh, and did we mention she’s been touring around the nation with the Taylor Swift Eras Tour: Drag Brunch? When did she even have time to do the competition? It’s what she does, she makes the show go on.
We chatted with this fabulous queen after her win, in between cities on her current tour.
What was your first exposure to drag?
I was always a theatre kid since I was 10, and I was introduced to drag in small doses through Musical Theater. A Chorus Line, La Cage Aux Folles, Kinky Boots – seeing queer representation in this particular medium was formative to my understanding of drag, and knowing that one day I wanted to be a famous drag queen. Through high school, I would dress in drag for Halloween, and by the time I got to college, I started to hit club nights that were 18+ in drag.
What was your first professional drag gig? How did it go?
I remember my first “big-time” professional gig was at Queen Kong with the Boulet Brothers back when they produced parties at Precinct in 2018. I competed in their star-search competition, placing 2nd in the Top 3 alongside Kornbread Jete (RPDR S14) and Charles Galin (King of Drag S1). After that, I was added to the rotation as a performer at Queen Kong until they finished producing the party in 2019. My very first booking with them after the competition was a “Satanic Lady Gaga” night, and I performed “Applause” as Charles Manson. I was so nervous, and I was corseting so tight, I think at that age I was corseting down to 21 inches – so I hate to say this, but I threw up onstage during my performance. The audience was shocked – and I was shocked too. But I kept performing and made it work. Around this time, Dragula was picking up speed, and we had seen the likes of Vander Von Odd vomiting on screen as part of the performance, so many thought that what I did was incredibly punk, and I just kinda ran with it. It’s one of my cringiest memories in drag – but I remember after my number, the Boulets came to check in with me and make sure I was okay, and they told me that I did a great job and that they loved the number. The show must go on, I guess!
What sets your drag apart from other Queens?
What sets me apart the most from other queens are my inventive performance ideas. I am a conceptual performer with a sense of humor that I express through writing and staging, and many of my performances feel like short-form theatre shows. My palette of references steers away from conventional drag pageantry, and gears more toward the avant-garde, the meta-theatrical and the bizarre. Every performance has a new character, so you never know what to expect from a Lorelei show – but I guarantee that no matter what you will be entertained.
You are the winner of Project Drag! What did going through this competition teach you most about yourself?
That no matter how cunty you think you are, there is always room to grow. It taught me not to be afraid to try things that might make you uncomfortable. Being in a competition like Project Drag requires you to be vulnerable and receptive to critique, it requires you to risk failing despite your best efforts. There were plenty of times that I fumbled in the competition – literally. One week I fell clear off of the DJ stand (shoutout to my Smurfette performance). But there were also many successes – I won two challenges before hitting the finale, and those were celebratory moments that demonstrated the best of what my drag could be. You have to take the good with the bad, and if you don’t ever swing big, you’ll never get that pay off to celebrate your drag. You have always be a student of the world, and look for ways to constantly improve your craft.
What were your biggest challenges in making it through the competition?
I would say the schedule of the competition was probably the hardest part – this was an 11-week competition, with challenges that are comparable to Drag Race, including group challenges and design challenges. Our weeks were spent crafting, rehearsing, spending, working incredibly hard to stay on top of our game every week, while still balancing life obligations like work or our health.
Personally, I was competing in Project Drag while also traveling out of town every weekend as a cast member in the Taylor Swift Eras Tour: Drag Version brunch show. During the competition, I traveled to cities like Albuquerque, El Paso, Oklahoma City, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin. Every week, I’d fly out after work on Friday, perform brunch shows on Saturday and Sunday, fly back home Monday morning, and then compete in Project Drag that same night. From Tuesday to Thursday, I balanced my day job, other drag gigs, and prepped as much as I could for the next week’s challenge—before hopping on another flight Friday and doing it all over again.
It was incredibly challenging, but that’s how badly I wanted to win. Looking back, I’m truly grateful for the experience. With everything I managed to juggle, I can honestly say this was the most drag I’ve ever done in my life—and I love living a life that’s so deeply connected to my craft.
What do you plan to do with your title?
I will probably leverage this title as rage bait against my haters for the rest of my life! And also — of course, I want to use this title to platform my own personal creative journey of making drag performance pieces, but also I would like to use it to platform other artists I work with. There are so many drag artists who helped me win Project Drag because they believed in my vision, and I want to give back to those friends and the community at large. With this title, I hope I can be a beacon for drag artists who may feel limited by the artistic scope of doing drag in a club or bar and are looking to bring their artistry to new arenas, like stages, art galleries, and alternative performance spaces. I hope to create new avenues for drag artists to incubate their ideas and develop performances that push the limits of our industry.
Theater and drag are two major components of your life. How do your drag and theatre aesthetics complement each other?
I’ve always considered myself a theatre artist, using drag as my medium. Drag has an important role in theatre traditions all around the world, and I think it is the chosen responsibility of a handful of drag artists to continue that performance tradition and innovate upon it as time passes. I’m inspired by artists like Taylor Mac, John Cameron Mitchell, Hibiscus – who use drag and playwriting as a means of distilling their ideas and insights about the world. In the future, I hope I can produce more theatrical work that uses drag as a means of storytelling, and infiltrate the theatre industry with new works that feature drag artists onstage.
What is your biggest mission in running Dionysia?
My biggest mission in running Dionysia is to create a collective of theatre artists and drag artists who help each other in producing more long-form theatrical works that feature queer voices. I would say most theatre queens are known for impersonating or re-creating famous theatre productions onstage, like doing Liza Minnelli or Wicked-themed drag brunch. However, my goal with Dionysia was to make an incubator for drag artists to bring in their own original material and collaborate with others to bring it to life onstage. It’s all about innovating new works to then perform onstage, submit to festivals or grants, and hopefully grow the skill set of each individual artist.
How can the queer community best support the drag community?
The queer community can help support the drag community by joining us at our events, and thus helping us promote our work of creating safe spaces at a time when being queer in public is becoming politicized once again. As drag artists, we do more than just perform onstage: we offer our image and our visibility as a means of indicating to others that we are creating a space that is sacred for our community. As drag artists, we share stories, we contribute to local culture, we help to preserve community and tradition, and we always appreciate audiences who at minimum come to enjoy the show because it motivates us to continue our work. Tipping helps too!
How has being a drag queen changed your life the most?
Being a drag queen has changed my life for the better because it has galvanized my life behind the guiding principle of liberation for obviously queer people, but really of all marginalized people. To me, being able to do drag feels like a proclamation of my freedom – my ability to be whoever I want, when I want. Everyone should have that freedom. I think of that age-old adage “no one is free until we are all free” – and it makes me realize that while I have the liberty to express myself, there are people around the world who don’t have that privilege. I think drag queens in general are especially attuned to the pursuit of justice, and that has helped to guide my life in the direction of being in service to others. Freedom for me means freedom for all – from the USA, to Palestine, no matter who you are or where you’re from.
We also love your podcast SHABLAM! What do you love most about the podcast?
Of course I love the opportunity on SHABLAM! to discuss my thoughts and opinions, but the best part is being able to do it with my co-host Annie Biotixx. Annie and I have been friends and collaborators for a long while now, and she always keeps me motivated to produce my best work. She competed in Project Drag 5, and although she didn’t make it as the winner of her season, she was a rock for me in my season of Project Drag, providing her support and guidance through all the challenges. She was even featured in my winning finale number! She’s an incredible host and drag queen here in Los Angeles, and a high-value theatre aesthete. Collaborating with her is effortless, and makes my job of showing up each week to record very easy.
What do you want listeners to walk away with after listening to SHABLAM?
At the end of the day, I want listeners to walk away feeling like they belong to an online community that supports them. Ultimately it’s a comedy podcast, so I always want people to laugh – but humor is such a great tool for building community. I feel through recording SHABLAM!, we are sharing our jokes, our vocal stims, whatever makes us laugh to build a shared language that we can use to identify who is part of this online community, and who share our values and principles. We create a space for people to find each other!
What are your biggest challenges in being a drag queen in SoCal?
Compared to other cities, I think the SoCal drag scene, particularly in Los Angeles, is uniquely suited to support many different types of drag, thanks to our sprawling geography. From West Hollywood to Downtown, from the Valley to the Inland Empire, there are countless pockets around LA that each celebrate a distinct style of drag. This diversity makes it possible for many people to pursue and succeed in drag.
However, that same strength also presents a challenge: everyone is looking to succeed, and the scene is highly competitive. The geography that fosters diversity also makes it difficult to make a name for yourself across all these different drag communities. Successful drag queens in SoCal know how to navigate between these various pockets. They show up professional, prepared, and with a strong point of view that sustains them over time. It takes patience, tenacity, and a commitment to continually growing your skill set and network.
You are touring with Taylor Swift Eras Tour: Drag Brunch Version! What Taylor Swift song most speaks to you presently and why?
Yes! I’ve been listening to a lot of her music for our show, and I would say that the song that speaks to me the most… on tough days, it’s “Anti-Hero” from Midnights. I think any artist can relate to the feeling of self-sabotage, and as I get older, I realize I have a lot of learning to do. But on good days – I believe in “Karma” from Midnights. I feel at ease in knowing that the universe is working for me, and what is meant for me will not pass me by. Winning Project Drag has amplified both of those feelings, and I know in my heart that this title was meant for me.
Do you get up to any shenanigans (wink, wink) while on tour?
My PARENTS are going to want to read this article, you FREAK! Lol, I’m kidding – yes, of course, there are plenty of shenanigans, and if you are interested, might I direct you to Season 2 of my podcast SHABLAM! Where, in addition to dissecting Project Drag week-to-week in real time, we discuss my escapades while on the road. Last thing I’ll say is get tested, get on PrEP, remember that undetectable = untransmittable! Mwah!
What kind of legacy do you want to create with your theatre and drag?
I’d like to leave a legacy as a thought leader in the school of theatre and drag. I want to hybridize performance theory, queer history and drag performance to create innovative works that push the limits of how drag can be used in storytelling. I want to be added to the canon of drag artists who are lauded by the global theatre community, and leave in my legacy a collection of dramaturgically astute, advanced works of drag theatre.
What is your message to the community this Pride season?
Where do I even begin with all the chaos that has ensued in Los Angeles since the election of our current administration? ICE raids terrorizing our communities and kidnapping our neighbors is a crime beyond comprehension. It has rightfully left many of us feeling scared and hopeless, but I encourage the community to remain firm in our pursuit of justice and to fight back against Facism! Donate, Protest, Educate, Engage – do whatever you can to make it clear to any authoritative power that Los Angeles will not be fucked with! Especially the queer community! Today, we stand on the shoulders of queer ancestors who have endured similar treatment of threats and intimidation, and we have persevered. We will always be here! And no human is illegal on stolen land!
a&e features
‘King of Drag’ fan favorites Perka $exxx and Big D sound off
King Perka $exxx and Big D share what inspired them to do King of Drag, the filming process, and the path for drag kings.
In the penultimate episode of the world’s first drag competition show, King of Drag, two contestants would be sent packing with their packers before the big finale. The five fan-favorites had to create original looks from scratch, lip sync to “Good Boy,” and come up with an interpretive dance to earn their spot in the top three of the Revry series. Unfortunately, two fan favorites didn’t make it past the final hurdle: King Perka $exxx and Big D.
Big D has big P-personality. The one-of-a-kind character actor had never lip-synced before this episode, but judges loved what Big D brought week after week. Of the five weeks he competed on the show, Big D was in the top three times! His background in clowning helped him to bring such vivid and memorable characters to life on King of Drag. On the other hand, King Perka $exxx had a much bumpier road, but throughout that journey, audiences fell in love with the performer we got to know. From his perfect Urkle to his hilarious stand-up routine, Perka $exxx was the heart of King of Drag season 1. To lose them both before the finale was tough for fans. But fingers crossed for an eventual King of Drag All Stars.
The LA Blade caught up with Perka $exxx and Big D to talk about their experiences on King of Drag, advice for other kings, and what they would do differently.
Tell me about your first time in drag.
KPS: My first number was last at my college drag show, and I didn’t wanna wait a year till the next school show, so I went out and hit the city.
BD: Drag was a gradual process for me, from my dad teaching me to do a double Windsor when I was in middle school, to suits, fedoras, pocket watches and worshipping macho-intellectual books and movies in my teens and 20s, to a slow realization that I could BE the thing I secretly worshipped, that I didn’t have to have my face pressed up against manhood’s window anymore. I could do the damn thing.
What made you decide to be a part of the inaugural season of King of Drag? What do you hope to see differently in future seasons?
KPS: I had half my timeline tagging me in the audition posts, so partly peer pressure. I went back and forth on whether I should do it, but I had to stop thinking and start doing it. I just did the best I could on my tape, and I was myself the entire time, and I always made sure to have fun. I want future seasons to have more episodes and more days off to sleep in.
BD: Murray was my main motivation. He was the artist who inspired me to really step into drag, and I cheered along as his career grew from clubs and live shows in NYC to TV and film. The chance to connect with him was impossible to pass up. I still pinch myself that I have his number in my phone, and that he let me borrow his Doc Martens for one of the shoot days.
What surprised you most about your experience on King of Drag?
KPS: That we were able to be competitive, and not be bitches to each other like I’ve seen on other shows. I shouldn’t be surprised though – drag kings are just built differently.
BD: I was celebrated far more than I thought I would be. I thought I would be read to filth for my lack of polish, but I was more often than not encouraged and deeply seen by my castmates, by production, and by the judges.
What do you cherish most about your filming experience?
KPS: I cherish the kindness of production and the moments behind the scenes with everyone.
BD: The connection with my castmates and with the fans of the show. The community that has come together to support this project. Being part of something much larger than myself.
If you could do one thing over on King of Drag, knowing what you know now, what would it be?
KPS: Drink more water.
BD: More stillness, more breath.
Have you had any especially memorable fan interactions since the show began?
BD: I want to inspire others to take up more space—and I’ve heard from kings and aspiring kings that I made them feel that they could do the damn thing, regardless of all the little things that can make us stop ourselves from doing the damn thing. If I made people feel that there is a place for their art, or even just a fuller flower of their soul, that’s awesome.
What do you want aspiring kings to know about the working life of a king?
KPS: Don’t quit your day job or ruin your day life over drag. You, as a human being, are still important, and you have to work twice as hard as queens, because you will have higher standards. When that happens, you need to rise to the occasion and prove the haters wrong
BD: There are a lot of ways to King: in theater, in comedy, in dance, in role play, in… probably knitting, you know? It isn’t just lip syncing in bars. Take kinging further, take it everywhere it’s needed.
If you can ask a co-star or Murray Hill one question at a season 1 reunion, what would it be?
KPS: I’d ask Murray to try one of these challenges. Like, c’mon, 90 minutes on the first day songwriting; I wanna see Murray try to do that.
BD: Hey, Murray, what size/make were those Doc Martens again?
Stream the entire season of King of Drag now on Revery.com and followKing Perka $exxx and Big Don social.
Movies
‘Sunset Boulevard’ at 75: ‘It was all very queer’
Golden Age classic still holds universal appeal
Few classics of the Hollywood Golden Age have stood the test of time with as much stamina as Billy Wilder’s “Sunset Boulevard.”
Released on Aug. 10, 1950, it became a near-instant classic, earning rave reviews for its savage portrayal of the very industry that produced it and the fearlessly intense performance of former silent screen goddess Gloria Swanson — as tragically deranged former silent screen goddess Norma Desmond, whose fictional history mirrored her own more than enough to make the casting provocative. It was one of the year’s biggest “award season favorites,” a creative triumph for the longtime director/screenwriter team of Wilder and Charles Brackett (along with co-credited D.M. Marshman Jr.), and it quickly gained a reputation — one that it largely still holds — as the best film Hollywood has ever made about itself. It would go on to become a frequently cited example of the film noir genre at its finest, a near-legendary insider’s tale of the movie industry, a meditation on the dangers of ego and the fickleness of fame, and a damning indictment of callousness within a system that exploits its best and brightest before casting them aside when they cease to be profitable.
It’s inarguably a great movie, fully worth the reverence with which it is held in the “cinephile” community — but while that’s more than enough reason to observe and celebrate its 75th anniversary, what makes the occasion noteworthy for us here at the Blade is its status as one of the most beloved “gay” film faves of all time.
Not that there’s anything explicitly “gay” about it, at least on the surface. Indeed, if you watch it at face value, it adheres more or less to conventional heterosexual “normalcy” in the specifics of its story. Struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis (William Holden) is the image of mid-century American masculinity: worldly, handsome without being “pretty” and oozing with an almost smug virility; there’s the air of a “hustler” about him, sure, but we all know there’s an appeal to that, too. He’s an attractive enough package to make a movie star — albeit a faded one — want to turn him into her own private rent boy, especially when he has talents that might help her accomplish her delusional dream of a return to stardom. Considering how he looks in those mid-century swim trunks, we can’t say we blame her.
Then there’s Norma. To say she’s larger than life is an understatement; exuding a persona that speaks of a need to be seen and acknowledged, she’s made a place for herself by commanding every room (and every movie screen) with her sheer presence. It’s an identity built on artifice, on the carefully mastered tricks of her trade — the elevated vocal expression, the broad gestures and glamorous presentation that establish her as… well, a queen. Yet she’s been rejected, cast aside in a world that no longer recognizes her glory, which worships youth and beauty and views those who are older as unwanted and irrelevant; how many queer men, especially in the repressive days of “Sunset Boulevard,” have been able to relate with that?
Naturally, there’s a certain amount of camp to be found here, too, which in itself could explain the queer fascination with the movie. The exaggerated acting style of the silent screen, embodied so menacingly in Swanson’s iconic performance, adds a certain air of the ridiculous — and of the terrifying — yet (like all good camp) invites our empathy, too.
That, of course, is why this nugget of classic cinema speaks to us still after three quarters of a century: no matter how flawed, how unlikable, how ridiculous or self-serving the denizens of “Sunset Boulevard” might be, they are so recognizably human that we cannot help but be moved by them. Yes, it’s ultimately a dark comedy, a pitch-black satirical commentary on vanity, amorality, and self-delusion, but it also jolts us throughout with unexpected (and un-ironic) moments of truth.
It’s impossible to watch without feeling a tinge of sympathy for Joe Gillis — dead in a swimming pool before he even gets to tell his own story, and not even a good enough opportunist to avoid feeling sorry for the woman who will eventually put him there. It’s impossible to consider the fate of Norma Desmond — the years of loneliness, of living in memories, of finding connection only through the fawning servitude of her ex-husband-turned-loyal manservant (Erich Von Stroheim), and of finding companionship only through the proxy of a pet monkey — without becoming aware of the profound sadness of her existence. It’s even impossible not to believe in the idealism of naive “good-girl” Betty (Nancy Olson), despite the fact that everything else we see in the film makes a mockery of it.
Wilder and Brackett may have been renowned for their cynicism, but their collaborative film work never failed to touch you with their deep sense of humanity, either — and those moments do not happen by accident, but through careful craftsmanship. “Sunset Boulevard” is a movie full of iconic quotes precisely because they provide those glimpses of profound humanity; they hit us with the recognition of our own pretensions, our own delusional moments of self-importance, our own embrace of ego over candid self-awareness. All of them sting us with a wisdom we cannot ignore, but they also offer a nudge toward our own redemption, perhaps most pointedly with the climactic observation spoken by Joe in an appeal to Norma’s fast-deteriorating sanity: “There’s nothing tragic about being 50, not unless you try to be 25.”
It’s the thesis statement of “Sunset Boulevard,” in a way, a hard-candy truism toward which the movie builds with easily traceable deliberation from the fateful moment its anti-hero turns into the driveway of that decaying mansion on the eponymous street of its deeply metaphoric title. It’s delivered to Norma, not as a slap in the face but as a lifeline, but it’s really aimed at the audience; while it may come too late to save either of these two doomed characters, Wilder and Brackett clearly intended it as a message that it’s not too late for us.
Likewise, though we never see even a hint of queer identity depicted on the screen, the overtones and undercurrents of queerness are so recognizable — and would have been so to queer audiences even in 1950 — that it’s hard to convince us they are there by coincidence. Though neither Wilder nor Brackett identified as queer themselves, they were veteran workers in the Hollywood industry, and knew full well that there was a “secret world” behind the scenes that the censors of the time would never let them portray directly. Yet understanding that their film’s powerful message was equally relevant (if not moreso) to the queer community, they would have known that they could reach them with it, anyway. So when Joe Gillis, watching the grim nocturnal funeral for that aforementioned monkey from his window, voices his opinion that “it was all very queer,” you can be sure they chose that word on purpose, too.
Of course, for many queer audiences, understanding “why” they like it is not really necessary — after all, it’s an entertaining enough movie, with a wickedly transgressive attitude about social norms and constructs (the reversed gender dynamics between its two “romantic” leads add an overall sense of discomfort for anyone who might feel vaguely threatened by such things), and if you’re a fan of old Hollywood, it offers a host of pleasures in its incorporation of real-life personalities — filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille and legendary gossip columnist Hedda Hopper make appearances as themselves, as do several silent stars (including Buster Keaton, Anna Q. Nilsson, and H.B. Warner) as Norma’s “bridge circle.”
Ultimately, though, what matters most of all is that it is a film with universal appeal — a timeless story, despite its aging stylistic and technical contributions — and the fact that it remains so after 75 years is testament of the universal power of cinema to speak to us regardless of when it was made.
a&e features
Scream queen Suzie Toot stars in the camp horror film ‘Big Easy Queens’ on Hulu
Suzie Toot talks ‘Big Easy Queens,’ Jinkx making her cry at an airport and how Kylie saved her in London
Suzie Toot tapped her way into America’s hearts and international drag stardom during her epic run on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17. The 25-year-old triple threat came in fifth place that year, after winning the talent show, the SNL challenge, and the Lip Sync Lalaparuza Smackdown.
Now that she’s conquered the small screen, Suzie Toot (aka Benjamin Shaevitz) is ready for her close-up. Suzie stars as Mimi Bouvèé-Truvé in Erynn Dalton’s horror comedy Big Easy Queens. The camp thriller follows rival mob bosses set on revenge, and Suzie plays the estranged sister of HBIC, Minnie Bouvèé (played by Eric Swanson).
The LA Blade caught up with Suzie at home in Brooklyn to discuss creating the project, her love of Rocky Horror, and the highs and lows of life after Drag Race.
What’s been your biggest pinch-me moment since Drag Race aired and the world learned your name?
There are so many! There’s something to me about just seeing GIFs of myself and our season in reaction images and in the world. That really does get me.
I feel like everyone shared your winning tap dancing talent video when that happened. That must have been surreal.
It was really, really cool. I forget sometimes, because that moment was tied together with the whole rest of everything starting to come out – I mean, 7 million views on Instagram. Oh, that’s major. That one’s a hard one to comprehend, for sure.
@rupaulsdragrace tappin' and tootin' @suzietoot #dragrace #suzietoot #talent #tapdance #dancer #drag #dragqueen ♬ original sound – RuPaul’s Drag Race
Who’s been the biggest celeb that slid into your DMS to say they were a fan?
Oh my gosh. I know that it seems obvious that Ru girls would swing by, but the first time, Jinkx Monsoon messaged me, I freaked. I cried. I was in the airport having a very bad day, and I was fully crying. Because beyond the RuPaul’s Drag Race of it, Jinkx’s documentary Drag Becomes Him was one of my favorite watches in high school. I’ve watched it 10-plus times. The journey, and the following a dream that is so specific to such a height. It really inspired me so, so, so much.
Big Easy Queens is set in New Orleans but was filmed in Florida. You’re from the oft-dissed state of Florida. Right now, what do you love about the state?
Wow. Okay, because I, too, am one of the haters. However, I’m from Florida, so I have the right to hate. But Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors totally opened my mind when I first got there. I went to college in Boca, and I went down for an audition. It felt like bizarro land. From discovering my sexuality and discovering a queer community, mostly online, to suddenly being thrust into it. I started Suzie Toot right out of high school, and my first three years of doing drag were in Fort Lauderdale. So she is a Fort Lauderdale-grown diva. I think it’s one of the most beautiful places to just exist because of the people.
I love the way you’re styled in this film. Did you have a hand in Mimi’s look?
Yeah, even back then, even when I looked a fucking mess, I was very protective of the Suzie Toot character. So Dan Gagnon was the costumer, and he built a lot of dresses, but did not have the faculty to build the entire wardrobe. So he and I did work on some stuff that I pulled from my closet that ended up in the movie that I was so excited about.
How did filming with the blood work? Did you have to be one-take wonders, because there’s no coming back after blood meets drag?
Exactly, 100%. They built a thing that they called a Blood Sucker in order to fire the blood. They tested it, but we also didn’t have the budget for elaborate testing. And the funniest part, and you can see it in the film, is where the first patch of blood hits not me, but the back of my wig from the side, and fully ejects it from my head. Then they called cut, and everybody involved was on the other side of the camera – people that I had never met before were on the other side to watch the blood thing happen. And then people came up and we all did pictures covered in blood, because it was this big moment. Then, I turn around and I see my wig on the floor, and I did not know that my wig was off during all those pictures. I didn’t notice because I was preoccupied with the blood that was all over. But cover me in blood any day of the week. I loved it. Loved it!
Who’s your favorite scream queen?
Oh, you can’t do this to me! I’m a huge Scream fan. So, Drew [Barrymore]. It’s so good. I love when drag queens do that audio. Drew is so magnetic. And in the only five minutes she has in that series, it’s so incredible!
Back to Drag Race for a moment. Having watched your season play out, if you could go back and redo one moment, what would you like to redo?
Oh my god, before the Lalaparuza ever happened, this question would haunt me forever. And the thing is, we didn’t know that that’s how [the season] was gonna end. We didn’t film [the Lalaparuza] til much later. So for the longest time, I was settled on the fact that I had a really great start and a kind of poor ending, and that’s okay. So the Lalaparuza kind of answered that question of, “what could I have done better?”
What is the best advice you’ve received from another Drag Race girl about life after the show?
Oh, that’s a really good question. My number one, ever, ever, ever, is Kylie Sonique Love. The icon, legend, and All Stars winner told me to always have one outfit in your carry-on. You carry one wig, one outfit, and your makeup with you, and your wig on your person on the plane, so that, God forbid, anything happens to the checked luggage, you have one outfit. It’s already saved my life when I went to London. God bless Kylie Sonique Love; she knew what she was talking about.
Final question today. What’s your favorite drag movie? It can be a movie about drag, like The Birdcage, or a movie starring queens, like Big Easy Queens and Girls Will Be Girls.
My number one of all time always will be Rocky Horror Picture Show. That movie is so important to me. Seeing it was so important to my queer and political awakening. That is the blueprint that is the always and forever. Cult classics and cult followings are my special interests, my favorite thing; I’m fascinated by them. It’s the blueprint. Girls Will Be Girls and To Wong Foo are my other answers, but Rocky Horror is number one.
Stream Big Easy Queens on Hulu, and follow all things Suzie Toot.
a&e features
‘Searching for Robert Hennessey’: A one-man quest through queerness, fate, and kissing John Stamos
A gay actor’s journey to find his father – from escaping a cult to launching a world tour, by local actor Michael-Shaun Hennessey
From the streets of the Boston projects to fabulous West Hollywood, Michael-Shaun Hennessey’s story is anything but ordinary. He is a man of many markers: a longtime AIDS survivor, mystery show entrepreneur, and former Power Rangers writer, Hennessey is now touring the world with an unlikely performance. Searching for Robert Hennessey is an autobiographical story chronicling his decades-long search for his father.
The show begins its world tour August 9th & 10th at Culver City’s Fanatic Salon Theater. It has already drawn praise from critics for its emotional depth, charismatic storytelling, and a final act twist that critics say feels “scripted by fate.”
“I had been working on the show off and on for the last three years,” Hennessey says, “and then in March, I was getting inspired by many of my friends who were writing and performing their own one-person shows so I decided to just go for it!” Hennessey details the process taking a whole month of nonstop effort where he made it “just in time” for the Hollywood Fringe Festival deadline.
Hennessey’s story is full of laughter, sorrow, and everything in between: escaping a cult, living with AIDS, and yes, kissing John Stamos. The show is not a typical autobiography – it is a full display of integral moments in Hennessey’s life. “I actually wanted to be sure I didn’t put any emotional guardrails up and this allows me to be as raw and connected to my story as possible,” he explains. “And it’s definitely paid off. People have said they’ve never seen a show where someone was so connected – mission accomplished.”
When watching the show, a central question emerges: was Hennessey’s story one of fate? “If I didn’t believe in fate,” Hennessey explains, “I absolutely do now after all the twists, turns, and the perfect people coming onto my pathway at the exact moment they were meant to.”
The mix of openness and drive has defined Hennessey’s creative life. Amidst everything, he founded a “mystery company” for children and hosted “mystery events” where children looked for clues to solve various mysteries. Looking back, he finds something deeper at play. “I absolutely believe that I created my mystery company subconscious because I had a mystery to solve of my own,” he says. “All of the children have absolutely inspired me to find my father because I would see them with their fathers and it would awaken my need to connect with my own.”
But it would be incorrect to say Searching for Robert Hennessey is solely about bloodlines; it is about finding one’s true self. “I believe that we each need to find what works and what doesn’t work for our own journey in our search for meaning and connection,” Hennessey reflects. “The main thing we all need to embrace is [something] we have within ourselves already.”
Hennessey finds these connections with various, seemingly random things. Numerical synchronicities and psychic signs weave throughout the performance. “When I first moved to Los Angeles from Boston, my mentor Dee Wallace recommended all of her students meet with her Reiki Master,” Hennessey tells the Blade, “I was extremely resistant because I thought it was some kind of witchcraft and as a Born Again Christian queer man, it bothered me.” However, he overcame his previous fears and biases and attributes Reiki as playing a large role in overcoming AIDS. “I became a Reiki Master soon after and have felt beautifully connected ever since,” Hennessey proclaims.
As the show embarks on a world tour – culminating in a run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Hennessey hopes queer audiences see themselves in the performance. “I truly hope my beautiful queer tribe will realize that they have the power within to make anything happen,” Hennessey succinctly states, “It is my hope that NAYsayers will become YAYsayers when they find that hope within themselves or within the circle of people around them. We are never alone.”
Next steps for Hennessey include Off-Broadway, a potential music version, and possibly a streaming series. In fact, there is even talk of a Grammy as the show could possibly qualify for a spoken word album. In the meantime, however, Hennessey has a goal: “We are seeking out LBTQAI+ theaters around the country that would welcome my story in the coming year.”
Hennessey leaves the readers with a simple, yet profound message: “Don’t stop believing and never ever give up!”
Searching for Robert Hennessey is not a show to miss. You can find tickets here.
Nick Drake, the non-binary trailblazer, comes to Los Angeles in ‘& Juliet’
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Why California must remove the roadblocks to safer streets
Founder Mariah Hanson’s final Dinah Shore Weekend gets all-star lineup
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Why California must remove the roadblocks to safer streets
Founder Mariah Hanson’s final Dinah Shore Weekend gets all-star lineup
And the winner of this year’s Project Drag is…LØRELEI
TikTok star Clayton Farris talks queer representation and his new horror movie, ‘Weapons’
Nick Drake, the non-binary trailblazer, comes to Los Angeles in ‘& Juliet’
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a&e features17 hours agoChoreographing culture: A peek inside the magnificent mind of Draico Johnson
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