Austin and Harry’s conversation with Anuj Vaidya was a highlight for the Draggedy project. They explored the themes of not only gender, but also nationality and species, in drag. Anuj discusses his work from his first experience of dragging Bollywood actress Helen to his most recent work, which finds drag as a tool to discuss the radical possibilities of imagination.
A conversation with Sal Virelli about the creation and development of Villinda Vile.
Sal is a horror drag performer from Michigan and is 19 years old. He is a polished entertainer and a rising star in the drag community. He created Villinda and other drag personas, as well as creating clothing of his own design and acting in community theater.
Sal wearing stockings, a garter belt and a top hat + jean short shorts
Timothy French, a dancer, choreographer, and fashion merchandiser out of New York City whose drag persona is Stefani Victoria Spears.
Learn about Timothy and Stefani in Harry’s and Austin’s this installment of The Draggedy Project. Timothy discusses the origins of his performance persona in this conversation while also highlighting some of the struggles of being a gender performer as well as the possibilities that he sees within the world of drag and gender. (more…)
Harry’s and Austin’s first conversation about the scope of The Draggedy Project.
They discuss the differences between how drag is most generally portrayed in mainstream media and the radical possibilities which drag presents. The conversation also focuses on some of the evolutions of drag as an art form, including its movement from small-scale performances at gay clubs to wider audiences in theatres and mainstream media, such as RuPaul’sDrag (more…)
During the summer of 2016 @hhawk and @RainbowSquirtle will have a series of audio or photographic conversations with gender performers discussing their performance personas and the origins of their artistry.
We invite you to join us by listening in or by sending in your feedback, including your suggestions for conversationalists and interlocutors. We don’t want to call it an interview; it’s just a discussion.
Ivan Sierra talks about growing up in Mexico with his adoptive parents. For Ivan there is tragedy and joy at nearly every turn. He talks openly and fearlessly about his personal journey for self acceptance. Life has not always been easy for Ivan but he has worked to triumph over adversity, and find his own path to happiness and joy.
Ivan is current working doing hair in Mexico City (CMDX).
Gil (like me) has a real love of food and food culture. We talked about food, family and dishes that he enjoys, makes and shares with friends.
Gil Camargo – LGBTQ Editor @ Time Out Mexico
Gil Camargo is the LGBTQ and Music editor for Time Out Mexico City. You can find him on Twitter @GilCamargo_ and you can find Time Out Mexico City here –> https://www.timeoutmexico.mx/df
I spoke with Gil Camargo during my January 2016 visit to Mexico City. We talked about gay life, food, culture and so much more. Gil is my friend and the LGBTTTI and Music Editor at for Time Out Mexico City.
You might not expect it, but Mexico’s Government has declared Mexico City as officially gay-friendly. Mexico City (know as DF “the Federal District” (and now CDMX) is the largest city in North America and like other large cities: New York, San Francisco, LA, Chicago and Atlanta it’s very gay friendly with parades, bars, night clubs and more.
Mexico City also has some of the world’s best restaurants (including 3 of the top 50), a great music including massive EDM scene, art, culture, great hotels, friendly people and a culture that stretches over several millennia.
Gil and I had the opportunity to dine at Biko enjoying wine and a 10 course menu. Biko is helmed by European Chefs (Gerard Bellver, Bruno Oteiza, and Mikel Alons) who have made Mexico City their home. Biko is currently rated as the 37th best restaurant in the world.
Images from Biko
A mushroom dish from BikoA salad course at BikoOur soup courseGil dinning out at Biko in Mexico City
Josefina Santa Cruz is a local who Chef who devoted to Mexican ingredients, but is well known for using them in Global Cuisine.
Our global cuisine has many ingredients and techniques are linked to Mexico. Chef Santa Cruz owns Sesame which specializes in Asian street food, and Paprika which served the food of the “Silk Road.”
In early January 2016 I visited Mexico City and followed up with Nicholas Gilman (Episode 38), to talk about and understand the modern heartbeat of Mexican cooking.
Nicholas Gilman and I met up at Restaurant Limosneros for several conversations with the owner Juan Pablo (episodes 40, 41 and 42) but before we spoke with him Nicholas and I talked about the history of the area and what Nick means by Modern Mexican Cuisine.
The restaurant is located in the central historical district. An area of Mexico City that was heavily damaged by the 1985 earthquake. An area that has slowly been growing, changing and evolving. The area has received lots of investment and redevelopment including funds from Mexican businessman Carlos Slim.
Nicholas Gilman is a food critic and author of the book Good Food Mexico City. His blog is also called Good Food Mexico City.