SPECIAl ISSUE CONTENTS SPECIAL ISSUE

ON THE COVER: THE ART OF GAG A retrospective celebration of GAG and a peek into our future. PAGE 20 5 // Musings from the Editrix 6 // Back Talk 8 // Gagging On with special guest Chiffon Dior

LIFE 10 // Libations by Candace Collins 12 // Ask Edna Jean 14 // Voices Trans* by Freddy Prinze Charming 72 // Drag-o-sphere 74 // Spotlight: Fans

ART 16 // The Art of Drag: The Making of a King Documentary An interview with woman behind the kings, Nicole Miyahara.

66 // Extravaganza The Austin International Drag Festival GAG sits down with the mastermind behind the world’s first 4 day drag festival. BRANDI AMARA SKYY EDITIRX

PAUL MICHAEL ARMSTRONG CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CONTRIBUTORS Candace Collins Chiffon Dior Freddy Prinze Charming Edna Jean Robinson

PHOTOGRAPHERS Alex Craddock Austin Young AJ Bates photography Cher Musico/Roots Photography Edwin Irizarry Gabe King Photography Jose A. Guzman Colon Kristofer Reynolds of kristoferreynolds.com Marcelo Cantu Photography Mathu Anderson Mei Na Nicole Miyahara Photography by Suri Rosemary Photography Robert Stahl musings from the editirx

This issue of GAG is special not only because we are celebrating our second birthday, but because we’re in the middle of a growth spurt. We’ve outgrown some things . . . Departments like News, Music, Library, DID (Dipping into Drag). And grown into others . . .

Voices where YOU write the story; The Art of Drag where we highlight others like us who are creating spectacular things; and - my personal favorite - Spotlight where we dedicate the last page(s) of the magazine to shining the spotlight on those who make us stars - the fans. But the biggest change is one that you might not see at first. GAG is going ad free. i have always believed that art is at its best when it’s not commercialized or dictated by a paycheck. And i have always seen GAG as art - our art. The Gay Art of Glamour. Going ad free ultimately means that GAG will now be 100% funded by readers, by you. This is your magazine as much as it mine. The sharpest growing pain is saying goodbye to GAG’s long time Creative Director, Paul Michael Armstrong. He has a new vision and new vibe that he must follow. And while this may be his last issue with us, he is creatively bound to me for life. He will always be the creative visual realization of what GAG is and the standard to which all that follow him will be held. i will miss him deeply. This issue is a fond farewell to who we were and where we’ve been. But it also serves as an introduction of who we are becoming. If GAG were a caterpillar, this issue is our Chrysalis stage. In January, we welcome the butterfly.

Love, light + metamorphosis, 6 // BACK TALK THROUGH THE YEARS “GAG is an exciting, vibrant and unique “It’s about time.” concept showcasing real people within our - Raine Devries community doing what they love. I couldn’t be prouder to be queer! I am GAGging!” - Manny Castro “I cannot shower you with enough compliments regarding your Art Issue-- it is beautiful and provocative. The layout “I am GAGging for GAG Magazine. It’s exactly is absolutely stunning. You are doing what my magazine collection was missing - truly incredible, important work with this some gay glamor. This magazine will serve magazine. I am a magazine junkie and GAG you some serious fish and then some!” beats the shit out of 95% of the magazines - Jesse Jynx on newsstands. Keep up the brilliant work!” - Tranna Wintour

“I can’t wait to see where your fab magazine goes in the future. I am a supporter and a fan.” “My first impression of GAG was that it - Kurtis Dam-Mikkelsen was as flawlessly diverse as it was lush. I expected it to be aesthetically pleasing, but was surprised by the depth beyond the design. GAG engaged every aspect of me: “Loved the article on Chris March! Thank the activist, the performer, the producer, you for sharing this amazingly talented man the transguy, and the life-long learner. with the world.” Absolutely inspiring.” - Devona Bright - Ephraim Freese Show us your GAG! Have a copy? Love the magazine? Share your pictures with us and the entire GAG galaxy. Email your snaps to [email protected] 8 // GAGGING ON

5. Jamie Steward Bancroft I’m STILL riding high from this interview. I love everything about Jamie - his vision, his passion, and his sincere love of the art of drag. I know you’re going to love him too! Turn to page X to read his interview.

4. Let’s Have a Fefe The dynamic duo of Felicia “Fefe” Minor and Freddy Prinze Charming let us have it every Wednesday at 8pm. Fun, campy, offbeat, and always opinionated - it’s one of my top 5 not- to-miss shows on YouTube!

3. #HurricaneBianca THE movie everyone is talking about is literally being filmed in my backyard. The stars have flown in, Bianca is leading the troops, and with Matt Kugelman directing the brigade is destined to be, well . . . EVERYTHING!

2. Our new website! GAG’s online facelift has been complete and she has never looked better. I’m so excited to introduce her to the world! Check her out at gagmagazine.com! And the number one thing I’m gagging on right now is . . .

1. NotSafe4Werk.com and the first ever online drag pageant!

This one got me so damn excited I had to let the founder and producer, Chiffon Dior, tell you all about it.

It’s a drag pageant to literally GAG over!

In July, the popular drag, entertainment and pop culture site, NotSafe4Werk.com, announced their inaugural Miss NotSafe4Werk.com 2015 pageant - but there was a big difference from your typical drag pageant! This one would be entirely online with contestants sending in weekly videos as their entry for the category of the week!

The seven categories feature drag pageant staples such as talent, evening gown and “on- stage” question, as well as some less common known categories like swimsuit and celebrity impersonation. There are no eliminations. A running tally of scores will be kept - just like a traditional pageant - until we crown a winner at the end of the seven weeks.

Contestants will be scored by a panel of judges from NotSafe4Werk.com, weekly guest judges, and a weekly fan vote.

Featuring over twenty special guest judges including , Jack Mackenroth, Deven Green, Kelly Mantle and more, plus an impressive prize package (Miss NotSafe4Werk.com 2015 pageant is proudly being sponsored by Corset Connection, BookTheFilm, Spencer Williams Designs, Nails by Shlumpadinka, Akstatic Art and even GAG magazine!), and an interactive fan vote that counts towards the contestants scores, Miss NotSafe4Werk 2015 should be heating up the end of the summer!

NotSafe4Werk.com was founded in April of 2014 by Chiffon Dior and features such diverse writers as Poppy Fields, Sister Indica, Sidney Stokes, Crunk Panda Spencer Williams, and more - as well as numerous contributors, specializing in the worlds of fashion, music, pop culture and of course the art of drag!

Once Miss NotSafe4Werk.com 2015 is crowned, Chiffon’s team will turn their attention towards their 2nd Annual Year End Awards which recognizes the best achievements of the year in numerous categories including the coveted Drag Queen of the Year Award, which was captured by last year.

For more information on the pageant, head to notsafe4werk.com! 10 // LIBATIONS

MEET OUR MIXOLOGIST, CANDACE COLLINS! Photo by Robert Stahl

What she drinks: Manhattan Best bang for your buck: Fuckleberry Trademark drink: Candy Juice ASK A BARTENDER Q: Why is tipping my bartender important?

A: We don’t get a check so if you don’t tip, we don’t make money. Also, your tip isn’t just paying your bartenders salary - it also pays the bar-backs as well.

Have a question you’ve been dying to ask your bartender, but were too afraid to? Ask our bartender anonymously via email at [email protected] ORIGINAL CRAFT COCKTAILS

The Blue Fairy Inspiration: GAG Magazine’s official MEET birthday shot.

1 1/4 ounce Three Olives Loopy OUR 1/2 ounce Blue Curaçao 2 count Pineapple Juice

MIXOLOGIST, Shake over ice. Pour it. Shoot it. CANDACE COLLINS! Photo by Robert Stahl

What she drinks: Manhattan Best bang for your buck: Fuckleberry Trademark drink: Candy Juice

Spicy Latina Inspiration: My own spicy Latina!

2 ounces vodka 1/4 raw jalapeño 2 sprigs cilantro 1 sprig mint 2 count pineapple juice 1 count cranberry juice

Pour 2 ounces of vodka in shaker tin. Muddle jalapeño, cilantro, and mint. Add pineapple juice and cranberry. Add ice. Shake.

Strain. Serve. 12 // ASK EDNA JEAN

But first, Edna ASKS a question!

Dear Readers (America) (Gaggers),

My first question isn’t a question for me, but rather, a question for many of our elected officials who simply refuse to embrace the new world of marriage equality.

Why do you choose to be on the wrong side of history?

After the ruling, we do expect you to embrace the new law of the land and move on. It’s really that simple. OUR supreme court has ruled and the argument is over. Furthermore, why do some of y’all choose to be George Wallace? Who remembers him? If he is remembered, it’s for being on the wrong side of history.

In Hood County Texas, County Clerk Katie Lang will only be remembered for her few days of foot stomping and refusing to issue same sex marriage licenses. But she wised up when she heard “lawsuit.” Her fifteen-seconds are over and her career is too. The ruling has been made and y’all lost. Get over it!

The GOP candidates that accept the future will be the ones that have a place in it. In fact, all those kicking and stomping will stay right where they are - on the platform of bigotry waiting for the redemption train that will never come.

Let me tell you that I have never felt more proud to represent you and to help lead you in the fight for marriage equality.

Now on with the show! I got many questions about marriage: Dear Future National Titleholder, What a funny question! First off, the on- Will you officiate? What will our traditions be? stage category is so important because it What do we call each other? Should I get married allows the judges to be able to hear YOU and in a church? score you on your ability to speak in front And the strangest one from Billy in Mesquite, of an audience and gauge your comfort level Texas who asked if I would marry him. with a microphone in general. Trust me, that microphone will be your friend for the rest I will of course be honored to officiate of your drag career, baby. If you master the weddings. In fact, I am the honored officiant to microphone, you will be a commodity. The MC my dear friends Melissa and Tina’s ceremony in of a show is the most important element of a the fall. show. She keeps the crowd entertained with her clever banter. If the need to streeeeetch This is a happy time for us all and it’s the arises, she does so with ease. She welcomes most important time for ALL of us to start our own traditions. We are the history of our the out-of-towners and celebrates the communities marriages. We will be creating birthdays, anniversaries, and - of course - reads the traditions and deciding upon what our the people who just need to be read for filth. marriages and ceremonies will look like for The on-stage category is your time to be clever, centuries. We should call each other spouses, poignant, direct and most of all answer the husbands, wives and families. There are no question - regardless of how stupid, political or right or wrong answers for any of us. Get ridiculous it may be. married in your homes, on a mountain cliff, on beaches, in a plane, in a church, on a camel’s “Thank you for asking me that very funny back or at the Justice of Peace’s office. Please question. My name is Edna Jean Robinson, get married because of love. And I hope that we stay married because with the possibility of contestant number 5. Good evening ladies and marriage comes the possibility to divorce. gentlemen and distinguished panel of judges. I have always been most attracted to our What I am most excited about is the validation beautiful oxygen making Sugar Maples. They that our love and relationships matter. are tall and strong like my presentation; they provide lots of shade - like my feelings toward And Billy, the other contestants in this pageant; and in the fall, my leaves are bright yellow - like my I will certainly consider it . . . but, please, will sunny disposition. Thank you and enjoy the you at least treat a girl to a nice dinner before a marriage proposal? You were my first and I show.” will always remember you fondly. I hope your mother likes me. Dear Edna Jean: Dear Edna Jean, Did you go see Jurassic World? I was recently in my first pageant and had a great - T-rex Fan. time. I loved all the categories except for on-stage question. I want to know why that category is so Dear T-Rex fan, important and how would you answer the question RRRRRRRRRuuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnnnn!!!!! I got - If you were a tree what kind of tree would you be and if you are deciduous, what color would to the theaters and see it. I loved it. I want to your leaves be in the fall? marry it . . . Chris Pratt, I mean.

Thanks so much, Pterodactyl Fan. Pageant Girl Edna Jean 14 // VOICES

When asked what the difference is between a and a male illusionist, the general consensus is that a king is a woman who puts on men’s clothes and performs, while an illusionist takes it to the next level with makeup, costuming, and such. The common thread between the two is the idea that the entertainer is a woman - hence the “illusion.”

However, there is a grey area of which I am a part: transgender male illusionists.

It almost seems like a redundant oxymoron, doesn’t it? I am a transgender man; therefore, I am a man; therefore, it’s not an illusion anymore, right? Right. Sort of. But not really. Personally, I feel that while I still have DDs that need to be hidden, it’s an illusion. While I still paint my face, contouring it so that it looks different from my day-job face, it’s an illusion. While I wear costumes that help turn me into one character or another, it’s an illusion.

In the pageant world, trans* performers are often thought of as having the upper hand, i.e. a transgender woman performing as a queen will look more like a woman, a transgender man performing as a king will By Freddy Prinze Charming look more like a man. I believe this in itself Photography by Gabe King Photography is a fallacy, and is by no means indicative of talent - which is what pageants are really about.

The term “drag” used to refer almost I wish there were more options for trans men exclusively to men who dressed in women’s who compete. As it is now, we are limited to clothes, wore makeup, and flounced around king pageants and unable to compete in “bio a stage. Everyone knew what a drag queen boy” competitions. Now, I can understand it was. When I started performing back in 2006, potentially being an issue if said trans man the term “drag king” was gaining popularity. has not had top surgery, but if he has, who For at least a few years, I would get strange the hell cares what’s between his legs? Don’t looks when I told people I was a drag king worry, I’m all about equal opportunity and - some never really grasping the concept. A feel that a trans woman should be able to few more years went by, and the term “male compete with femmes and divas, should she illusionist” became a thing. want to. I believe it should be less about biology and more about identity.

I worry that the biological women who perform and compete as male illusionists are beginning to feel that trans entertainers are taking over which is unfortunate, but valid, from their standpoint. When looking at a list of contestants for an MI (male illusionist) pageant it seems that a good majority of them are trans men, but really it’s only because we have nowhere else to go. I’d love to see a national pageant system start divisions for transgender entertainers. I mean, why the hell not? There are divisions for everything else!

When it comes down to it, I am an entertainer. Regardless of whether I identify as male, female, or porpoise in my personal

life has no bearing on the effort I put into my persona.

For many of us, “drag” simply means performing as a bigger, more elaborate version of ourselves, and that is the type of drag I do. I have a toolbox full of makeup, closets and tubs full of costumes, and a serious shoe fetish. Put these things together, and you have the persona that is Freddy Prinze Charming. Being trans does not make me any better or any worse than my peers, if anything it makes me want to continue upping my game, pushing the envelope, and becoming an even better entertainer. I was born female, identify as male, and still fall under the umbrella of “drag performer,” because I say so!

Have an opinion or story you want to share? Email us at [email protected]. 16 // THE ART OF DRAG

Phantom Photo by Nicole Miyahara The Making of King An interview with the woman recently discovered that was known for their behind the kings, Nichole Mivahara By Brandi Amara Skyy burgers. We had no idea that they hosted a monthly drag king show. The kings hit the stage with their very convincing illusion of GAG: What inspired you to make a a flat chest, facial hair, incredible costumes, documentary? and captivating performances. That was it, I was hooked. Niccole and I started going to shows together as often as they had them. It was a happy accident that I discovered When it came time to apply to USC for their the Los Angeles drag kings at Hamburger graduate program in Visual Anthropology, Mary’s in Long Beach. My classmate, and I knew I wanted to immerse myself in now Producer, Niccole Osborn, took a this world for the next year and create a bunch of us gals out to a restaurant she had 30-minute thesis film about these kings. Fast forward two years later and I am currently kings. The drag king community is so working on the feature length version of the beautiful in its diversity and we hope to be film. part of a dialogue that will open hearts and minds. GAG: What are your goals for the film? GAG: What has the response from the drag We hope that our film will bring awareness community been like? to the drag king community. Kings exist, they aren’t going anywhere, they deserve The drag community has been incredibly just as much respect and equal pay, as the supportive of the project! It’s one thing . Drag is an art form, a freedom of to make a thesis film as part of a graduate expression, and the audience will appreciate program, it’s quite another to ask people to the thoughtfulness and creativity the kings support a feature length project. When we ran put into each and every number. our Kickstarter campaign we had kings across the country perform numbers specifically People are just beginning to have dedicated to the film and donating all their conversations about the false concept of tips to us. We got tons of messages telling the gender binary (male/female). There is us how long they have waited for a film like an entire spectrum of gender identities and this and that they felt it was for all kings, the film explores those with the transgender everywhere. Head promoters of the USofA

Havok Von Doom Photo by Mei Na 18 // THE ART OF DRAG

Landon Cider Photo by Nicole Miyahara

Pageant system stepped up in a very big way and are now Producers of the film. Several queens supported us with donations, and “I like to say that Jewels, who started the first LA drag king show, performed at our drag king fundraiser. documentary Overall there seems to be a hunger and excitement among the community for a film filmmaking is that focuses on kings. like a long term GAG: What is the biggest thing you’ve learned from observing the king community? relationship. I have

We followed Havok Von Doom to Nashville really enjoyed the where he competed in the 2014 Mister USofA MI (Male Illusionist) pageant. The entire experience first day people were talking about the “brotherhood” and I wasn’t sure that I bought into that idea. I couldn’t understand how at and have learned a competition, there would be camaraderie among the contestants. We filmed backstage so much along the for four nights. I witnessed kings steaming each other’s suits and giving performance way.” and makeup tips. It was a beautiful thing to see, that even in the midst of tension and excitement there was still time for compassion and kindness.

I’ve seen this happen backstage at LA shows too. Someone forgets their duct tape or scissors and a hand reaches out to loan it to them. Drag kings for the most part didn’t grow up in drag families like some queens, so everything they have achieved they have done it on their own. There isn’t anyone teaching them how to bind or contour their face or sew a costume together. In my opinion this makes them stronger, because they want it more. It also makes their drag more interesting because it’s as unique as they are. I think there is an idea that they are all the underdogs and all in it together. The better they are collectively, the better it is for everyone.

GAG: Do you have a release date?

We are currently in post-production and are hoping to release the film sometime in 2016.

GAG: Where can our readers go to learn more about and support the film?

We are continuing to fundraise throughout the post-production process because making a quality film is really expensive! We appreciate any support big or small to help us get the film finished and into a theater near you! Pledges of support can me made on our website at www.nicolemiyahara.com.

Facebook: The Making of a King Instagram and Twitter @dragkingmovie

Read the full interview at Lucky Johnson www.gagmagazine.com! Photo by Nicole Miyahara The Art

A RETROSPECTIVE of BY BRANDI AMARA SKYY GAG

GAG - or a version of it - has been a dream of mine since the early 90’s.

It was 1996 and i was just getting started in the drag scene. i was making videos and screening them on our local PBS station, making mini documentaries, and dreaming of owning my own newspaper called The Voice.

Flash forward to 2006, i moved to a city whose LGBTQ newspaper was called Dallas Voice - sign #1 i knew i was home.

In August 2013, this long time dream was made a reality.

From its inception, GAG has always been about the art. GAG has always been about the people performing the art. GAG has always been about the people behind-the-scenes working their asses off to elevate our art. And at its heart, GAG has always been about the fans - the people who make our art come alive.

But it’s also been about me. i started GAG because the way most of the world sees drag didn’t align with my perception or vision of it. Drag is transcendent. Drag is art. Drag is a craft. And i fell madly in love with it all . . . Seeing gender lines blur or be completely erased. Seeing how the people who perform it - like the most seasoned couturier - could paint, weave, glue, and transform themselves into performing pieces of couture art.

High art. Haute art.

That’s the drag i’ve always seen. The drag i worked so hard to be a part of . . . the drag GAG was created to share - all packaged in a new way the art has never seen before.

GAG returns to you in January a little different, but still with the same purpose: to bring high glam, high fashion, haute drag to all the drag lovers in the world; the same vision - drag is art; and most importantly the same heart - my own. Always, still, on the page.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for believing. Thank you for evolving with us.

But, most importantly, thank you for loving the art of ALL forms of drag as much as we do.

Here’s a look back in gratitude to move forward in love, light and much success!

We had the pleasure of interviewing Christopher Logan, creator and publisher of the beautiful coffee table book dr.a.g. What’s he up to now? We caught up with him last month to find out. GAG: It’s been two years since we last heard from you. What’s been going on? It’s been a hell of a ride! We lost our first publisher to bankruptcy soon after the dr.a.g. book came out so we had to switch gears. I got a business loan and relaunched the book with an added 20 pages. Now I’m in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign to get the sequel, Burlesque, off the ground. GAG: How did the re-release of your dr.a.g. book go? The relaunch was the most fun I’ve ever had. I didn’t realize how many people knew about the book before it hit the stores. We had so many people of all walks of life clamoring for a big book of drag. So many had knowledge of what happened with the first book and were rooting for me . . . I was in love. One of the highlights was Desi, the 8 year old boy who stole the show in photos of the NY Pride. I met him at our NY book launch last year with his mother Wendy. This little girl in a gorgeous hat asked me to sign her book, then Pictured above: leaned in and whispered, I’m a boy! Christopher Logan GAG: What new projects are you taking on? Pictured right: dr.a.g. book cover Right now, I’m getting the Burlesque book Jeffree Star by Austin Young settled. But after that, I will be diving headfirst into a new book exploring, “Why people are inspired and tiny moments that inspire them.” It’s a look into the process of creativity. I’m also acting in tv and film in Vancouver in- between all of this so it has been quite a busy and eventful year! GAG: The year is 2020. Reflecting back, what are you most proud of accomplishing in the last 5 years? Meeting you (smiles). I think I will be most proud of being able to point to something another producer, writer, , creator has done and say, that happened in small part because we did what we did. The point is never just the thing . . . it’s how it inspires others to create things we ourselves could never imagine.

“IT’S NEVER BEEN ABOUT ME. IT’S ABOUT BEING A STEP IN THE CHAIN THAT ALLOWS THE NEXT THING TO HAPPEN.” Christopher Logan by Edwin Irizarry THE FASHION ISSUE THE RISE TO FAME We featured Miss Fame on the cover of our first fashion issue released October 2013. We knew we had found a diamond and we were immediately taken back by her humbleness, positivity, and 150% dedication and complete immersion into the art form. It was love at first sight. And the world would soon follow suite.

Nails by Marisa Carmiche Wigs by Bobbie Cliffton Zlotnik Makeup by Kurtis Dam-Mikkelsen Design by Elias J. Gutierrez Long Sleeved Gold Gown Design by Babatunde Ajiboye

Miss Fame by Marcelo Cantu Photography ON THE FUTURE: “I DON’T FEEL I HAVE DONE AS MUCH AS I WOULD LIKE; I STILL FEEL LIKE I AM IN THE EMBRYONIC STAGES AT TIMES. I DO BELIEVE I AM A PARTICIPATING PAINTER OF MY CANVAS AND THAT COSMIC ENERGY GUIDES MY EVERY MOVE. I SEE THE LIGHT AHEAD AND KEEP WALKING, FIERCELY!” Miss Fame by Marcelo Cantu Photography chris march WONDER WO(MAN) “I started dressing in drag when I was three (yes, THREE). The glorification and expression of the power of the fe- male image has always appealed to me. I started wear- ing drag seriously as an adult when I couldn’t find any- one else who would wear my outrageous ideas. I started winning costume contests, which led to a career in cos- tuming. People thought I was funny, so I was invited to be in some theater shows. That led me to New York and eventually into fashion design as well. I still do drag, but most places now want me to look like me, so it’s difficult to really do it right without shaving (!). I used to dress up to be recognized, now I dress up to hide . . .”

RUPAUL We knew for our inaugural GAG19 list we wanted to go big for our icon cover feature. For us that could only mean one person - RuPaul.

From beginning to end, what RuPaul’s ascension into megastardom has taught those who are willing to listen is that drag is a marketable business—you just have to have the charisma to sell it, the uniqueness to be your own brand, the nerve to act on it, and the talent to keep seeing past where you are now so you are always on the cusp of reinvention.

Photography by Mathu Anderson

GAG: What advice would you give to rising young talents of the future?

RuPaul: “LEARN YOUR CRAFT. KNOW THY SELF.”

GAG19 In the same issue we also named our first annual GAG19 - a list of dragsters destined for superstardom: Tommie Ross Rip Porcelain Landon Cider Holestar Miss Tiger Mykul Jay Valentin Nina York Misty Snatch Spikey Van Dykey Venedita Von Däsh Aurora Sexton Hazzard Strange Michael LaMasters Brandon Young-Taylor Ruby Scott Trana Wintour Spacee Kadett Brandi Amara Skyy Mod Carousel Mod Carousel by Rosemary Photography Tommie Ross by Kristofer Reynolds “NEVER GET CAUGHT UP IN THE APPLAUSE. BECAUSE IF YOU VALUE YOUR WORTH BY WHAT OTHERS GIVE, IT COULD HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON YOU.” Tommie Ross “IMITATE YOUR IDOLS WITH CAUTION.” Holestar Holestar by Alex Craddock THE ART ISSUE AUSTIN YOUNG & PEACHES CHRIST This was the GAG staff’s favorite issue. It was intellectu- al and beautiful - the closest to our original vision for the magazine yet. The marriage between our two features - Austin Young and Peaches Christ - couldn’t have been more visually meant to be. Kelly Mantle by Austin Young “I THINK TAKING SOMEONE’S PORTRAIT IS A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY. A RESPONSIBILITY TO SEE THAT PERSON AND REPRESENT THEM IN A WAY THAT IS AUTHENTIC TO WHO THEY ARE.” Austin Young GAG: What is the one thing that people need to know about your art?

Austin Young: “IT’S ABOUT INTIMACY AND CONNECTION.” Jackie Beat by Austin Young Peaches Christ by Austin Young “I JUST HOPE THAT PEOPLE REMEMBER COMING TO OUR SHOWS OR SEEING OUR MOVIES AND LAUGHING AND HAVING A GOOD TIME. I THINK IF WE CAN LEAVE BEHIND SOME STUFF THAT PEOPLE ENJOY FOR YEARS AND YEARS - THAT’S ABOUT ALL I COULD EVER HOPE FOR.” Peaches Christ

Peaches Christ by Jose A. Guzman Colon

ISSUE FIVE, SIX,TEN, THIRTY, ONE HUNDRED? Here’s a peek into our future including even more exclusive interviews, the second annual GAG19, the return of the Fall Fashion Issue and much, much, much, much more! The Art of Transformation Photography by Cher Musico/Roots Photography

The Art of Transformation Photography by and Nicole Miyahara Bunny Sightings! Sister Roma! Photo by AJ Bates Photography

66 // EXTRAVAGANZA

Spikey Van Dykey

Austin International Drag Festival By Brandi Amara Skyy Photography by Suri

Ever since hearing the announcement early He dreamt of doing something big. last year, I’ve been dying to chat with Jamie Steward Bancroft - the founder and creator And boy did he. of the Austin International Drag Festival. Last month, I finally got to. His festival last year created drag history. Not only was it the first of its kind, but it And it was everything I hoped for - and showcased drag in ALL forms. more. The best part of it all? The festival is a 501c3 There are dreamers. non-profit with all monies being filtered back into the community and the artists. And then there are those visionaries who act on their dreams and we as community Jamie is putting his money where his heart are better for it. is - in the art.

Jamie falls into the latter. And, lucky for us, he’s not done yet. GAG: What was your relationship to drag festival. But as soon as I thought that 3 before you started the Austin International others popped up in the city. So someone Drag Festival? Had you done drag before? beat me to that (laughs).

Jamie: I’ve never done drag – the closest And the next day it just hit me . . . I got all I’ve been is maybe the genderfuck I did as these friends who are struggling who want a club kid in the 90’s. But I’ve always had this [drag] to be their sole job and I asked drag friends and always loved drag. I’m a myself what can I do for them? huge supporter plus I’m an actor at heart and I love the arts and performance. I mean Queens do so much to raise money for how much more creative can you get than charity and it’s due time we give them our to do drag? It embodies all art forms. You support and pay them back with some love. have to be an expert in make-up, in clothes, modeling, dancing, improve . . . So I thought let’s give them a giant festival so they can be seen, get known, and command GAG: Was this idea a long time coming or just as good of money as the girls coming off did you just wake up one day and say poof of RuPaul’s . I wanna create a drag festival? GAG: Why is the festival so important to Jamie: At first, I wanted to do a gay music you?

Crimson Kitty 68 // EXTRAVAGANZA

Jamie: It’s important to me to help legitimize Jamie: I worked for SXSW for four years so drag artists so people don’t just shrug i had a pretty good idea of what I was getting them off as boys in dresses lip synching to myself into. make money. It’s more than that. They are performers; they want to express themselves The whole festival was built on Facebook. I and been seen. They’re not doing it [drag] used Facebook to its full potential. I made just to make a buck. They are doing it because groups to keep people excited about the it’s their art. festival and the momentum built. It was a Facebook grassroots kinda thing. I got tired of seeing artist not getting their fair share of pay or being brought in as filler GAG: Having one festival under your belt entertainment. already, what did you learn and what do you foresee doing differently. I wanted people to realize that drag is legitimately a great art form and they [drag Jamie: I learned that it’s important to have artists] deserve respect. a team behind you and not try to do it all yourself (laughs). GAG: How long did you allot yourself – to prepare for the festival? Also, not have the festival so spread out in the Matty Horrorchata 70 // EXTRAVAGANZA

city. I had 7 venues, but some were further photographers taking people’s headshots. out than others. I had a shuttle service but it was really difficult for people to get back It will also be much more International with and forth. So next year instead of 7 venues it performers coming from Lebanon, France, will be in 4. and Sweden.

I also want to increase the volunteer base and GAG: Where can people go to find out make sure they are all really well trained. And more, purchase tickets, for the 2016 event. definitely surround myself with people who Social media and website? are just as gung ho as I am about the festival. Jamie: Austindragfest.org and facebook. GAG: I love that your festival is com/austindragfest representational of ALL forms of drags. Why was it important for your event to be all inclusive?

Jamie: Following my mission that drag is a legitimate art form – you don’t have to be a certain gender or certain kind of person to perform in drag. I wanted to educate the public and show them there’s a lot genres and subgenres of drag than what they’re used to seeing.

I got emails after the festival from people thanking me for introducing them to drag kings and faux queens because they didn’t realize they existed and they were excited to see something new.

It’s important to me to educate the public and expand their minds.

GAG: Can you give us any exclusive goodness about next year’s festival?

Jamie: We’re going to be doing Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings show – we’re dropping the Sunday showcases.

Also new this year is the Drag Village. The Drag Village is going to be a conference element. We’re going to have vendors market, education panels, film showcase Drag Cast Theater, make-up lounge, and Goldie Peacock

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Buck Wylde Aurora Sexton by Maddox Price

A faux night by Strange Productions

Jeffrey Kelly and Hazzard Strange and photo by Michael Dutzer Vesper Synd by Miss Gay USofA Strange Productions Miss EOY Femme Contestants Sasha Lauren by Erin Hernandez by David Armijo

Kelly Mantle CrimsonKitty by Jake Steadfast by StacieJoy

Miss Gay Texas America 2015 Asia O’Hara Vesper Synd 74 // SPOTLIGHT

those talent night girls were the best thing I had ever seen. We would get there early just to make sure we had a table to sit at and count down the minutes until showtime. One Friday, we went to see a regular cast show. I was blown away. Shortly after that I was introduced to pageants which takes show performance to a completely different level. I love nothing more than productions or dance routine that makes you want to jump out of your chair and beat the walls. Those moments give me life! The amount of time, energy and money these girls put into this art form should be applauded. There is no way they could every get the money back that they put into it. They do it because they love what they do. And I think their hard work is worthy of an audience, applause and a tip!

Who is your favorite drag performer? Ben and Bianca Del Rio KELEXIS DAVENPORT! Because if I didn’t say her, I would never hear the end Ben Earley of it. But beyond that fear, it’s the truth. I North Richland Hills, TX have witnessed all of her behind the scenes preparations. She may act like she doesn’t In your opinion, what defines drag? care, but she does. She will never hit that stage looking “Shonda!” She still entertains me today just as much as she did 17 years ago The beauty of drag is that it has no definition. when I first met her. She’s had this motto for It’s a platform left wide open to showcase decades, “The House of Davenport, where the entertainers form of self expression and we love to drag, and it shows!,” that she still talents. The fact that it can be done in shiny upholds to this day. costumes with tons of glitter, rhinestones and crazy makeup is a pure bonus! Top 5 MUST SEE drag performers?

What is it about drag that makes you a Bianca Del Rio. She has the ability to super fan? control and captivate a huge crowd with her Drag combines everything I love about the words. An art form that many of the most arts. My first show I ever saw was Valerie seasoned entertainers can’t do. Plus, I do Lohr’s Talent Night back in 1997. I thought enjoy hearing a good read! Tommie Ross. The epitome of elegance and The Rose Room. I know its a room and class on and off stage. If you ever get the not a person, but you haven’t experienced chance to sit down and talk to her, DO IT! drag until you have seen a show in the (She also loves going to the movies!) Rose Room. The cast is the most eclectic and diverse I have ever experienced. You Aurora Sexton. What I would give to like dancing? They have dancers. You want spend a day in that child’s brain. Talented funny? They have plenty of jokes. Illusions, beyond belief. She is one of the very few self sex kittens, old school, they have you sufficient queens - makes her own costumes, covered. I would put the Rose Room show mixes, and is talented with a makeup brush. up against any show cast in the country. It is She has an artistic vision like no other I’ve THE MUST SEE in Drag Entertainment! seen. You never know what’s about to hit the Kelexis, Cassie, Krystal, Valerie, Jenna, stage when they call her name. Layla and Asia, I love and appreciate each of you for entertaining, not only me, but all Whitney Paige. After they made her, they of DFW plus the many who travel here to broke the mold. You felt it when she walked see what an immaculate should into a room. Her presence made itself be! known without her saying a single word. If you never had the chance to experience The Eyes of Texas, I feel sorry for you.

Ben, Chevelle Brooks (left), and Kelexis Davenport (right) 76 // SPOTLIGHT

Ben and Jenna Skyy Miss Gay USofA 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!

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