Get Out! GAY Magazine – Issue 400 January 9, 2018

PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHY
Rapsody is a tour de force in hip hop, blazing
the trail for a new generation of emcees,
showcasing effortless lyrical mastery in
celebrating the culture of a hip hop. But this
Grammy Award nominee represents much
more than just the female side of hip hop
culture; she is an emcee who represents
hip hop culture beyond the lines of gender,
proving that anything the boys can do, she
can do too, and better.
Her virtuosity and dexterity behind the
microphone highlight her presentation,
and her humble demeanor attests to her
constant pursuit of improvement with every
beat and rhyme. I was thrilled to have the
opportunity to interview her during her very
busy schedule.
Modesty aside, how would you describe
yourself?
A lyrical alien, tomboy, feminine, black
woman with a lot of soul and machine gun
funk.
You are the only woman ever nominated
for a Grammy Award in the Best Rap
Album category. You were named one of
the top female artists to know by both
Time magazine and USA Today, as well
as named one of the 20 Greatest Female
Rappers of All Time by XXL. How do you
reflect on those honors, as well as others?
Well, I can’t say that I’m the only woman
ever nominated for Best Rap Album in the
Grammys, but I am one of five (now six if we
included Cardi B’s most recent nomination).
It’s gratifying to work so hard and be
acknowledged for years and years of practice,
growth, talent, art. I appreciate those flowers
as reminders that I’m enough as I am, and
my flowers to the world through my music
are received and noticed. However, it also
pushes me to keep growing and do more. I
don’t want to just be boxed in as one of the
greatest women to do anything; I wanted to
be one of the greatest across all boxes. I want
to help open and widen doors for the girls/
women coming behind me in the same way
so many women have done before me. One
of my mantras has always been, “Anything
the boys can do, we can do just as well if not
better than them.”
Along with many other accolades, your
music is sometimes described as having
intricate rhyme patterns, metaphors and
wordplay. Does texturing and layering
music come naturally to you, or do you
have a particular process?
That’s natural for me. I’ve always been a fan
of wordplay, and I was intrigued at an early
age with the power of words and all the ways
you could use the words in hip hop.

When listening to my favorite artists growing
up it was amazing the ideas they were able
to convey in just two bars of a song. By
setting up the words and using metaphors
you could put some of the densest thoughts
into 10 lines. That’s genius. I looked at it like
a puzzle. I’m a huge fan of thriller movies
that have twists and set you up for the big
“ah-ha” moment that you didn’t see coming.
The twist. That’s the kind of lyricism I have
always loved. The set up. Connecting words
four bars from the last time you said it. I feel
in love with that creativity, learning how to
be complex and simple at the same time, to
say things like no one else would think to say
them.
Both rap and hip hop are used when
describing your work. Do you have a
preference? Why or why not?
Hip hop is a culture. That’s something I live.
Rap is something I do within hip hop. It’s an
element of the culture.
How do you adjust to the fast-changing
realities of the music industry and how
business is conducted?
I came in prepared, because I was groomed
and educated by both 9th Wonder and
Young Guru on the business. So, most of the
time I knew what to expect or how to react to
different situations. They told me what to look
for, what to watch out for, the things to do to
keep my sanity. They gave me all the tools I
need for the good fight. To run the marathon.
So, having that as a foundation and
taking emotion out of anything, it hasn’t
been a hard adjustment. It’s knowing the
difference between the culture of hip hop
and the business of hip hop. Once you
understand that difference, have defined your
boundaries, know what you want out of the
business and define what success means to
you, it’s easier to navigate. That’s not to say
it’s easy, but easier to work towards what it is
you’re trying to accomplish. And not being
afraid to say “no” or walk away from money.
The business is very political. The best thing
I did was start indie to learn the ins and outs
on a smaller scale of having a hand in all
moving parts of my art, and understanding
at the end of the day, I am the captain of my
own ship. Patience and communication is
everything.
What advice do you have for young
women rappers starting out their careers?
There’s so much I would tell them. First and
foremost, that they are enough. They don’t
have to be copycat versions of anyone else.
Their unique self and light is bright enough.
So, to always remain true to self and mostly
importantly align themselves with people
who believe in them, their vision and their art.
If you start out trying to follow a trend, you
will be chasing trends forever and eventually
burn out. You can be a better version of
anyone else. You can always be the best
version of yourself ever. So, do something
that can be recreated because it’s exclusive
to you.
To never let anyone box them in because
of their gender. Our gender is a power we
possess, but it is not all of who we are. We
are limitless in what we can do, create and
become. So, embrace your womanhood,
however that looks to you, but measure your
potential and greatness across the board.
Demand that respect.
What does your average day look like?
When I’m not traveling for tours, festivals,
interviews, meetings, etc., my normal day-today
is waking up around 8 a.m. I’ll pull out my
laptop and check all my emails, touch base
with my Jamla team on any day-to-day things
we are all working on, then I usually start
working on new music, run errands, hit the
gym, etc.
Then I’m at our home base, Bright Lady
Studios, by around 4 p.m. The rest of the
evening is spent in the studio until the wee
hours of the morning, or sometimes I spend
the night, or I’ll go home around midnight
and work from home. I have a studio to work
at my residence.
That’s a normal Rapsody day. If I’m not
working on my own project, we are all
working one of our other artist’s projects
and making sure recording, marketing ideas,
branding, etc. are taken are care of. And, I
may make time to throw a spades game in
every now and again.
What’s new on your playlist?
Our new “JAMLA IS THE SQUAD 2” album is
different on my playlist, mixed with a bunch
of new artists and new releases I’m in love
with. Leikeli 47’s new album “ACRYLIC” is
a favorite of the year. She has a song titled
“Top Down” that I run several times a day.
My RocNation labelmate Nicole Bus released
a new single titled “YOU” that is a jam!
Amazing record.

I’m also diggin’ on TDE’s “Reasons” new
project, and J.I.D’s “Strawberries” song
from his latest project is dope. Mereba
has a song called “BLACK TRUCK”
that gets heavy fun on my drives. As
well as a new singer 9th put me by the
name of Mac Ayres. His “SOMETHING
TO FEEL” album is crazy. And, I’m still
listening to SiR’s “November.” Meek Mill’s
“CHAMPIONS” project is dope, and we
all are still blown by the Jay-Z verse on
“FREE.” As you can see, I’m into a lot of
R&B this year.
What is your favorite charity or cause?
My favorite charity is Black Girls Rock. I’m
particularly drawn to anything that uplifts
our youth, especially young black girls.
It’s an amazing organization created by
Beverly Bond that educates, empowers
and celebrates our girls.
The youth, boys and girls, are our future,
and it’s important to expose them to
limitless possibilities so they know their
worth, that they matter, are prepared
for the world and can do anything they
dream.
Which living person(s) do you most
admire?
I have to start with my foundation, and
that’s my mother and father. I’ve learned
so much from them about womanhood,
sisterhood, work ethic and family. They
were my first examples of strength, power
and love.
Then there are women like Phylicia
Rashad, Cicely Tyson, Nikki Giovanni,
Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill and MC Lyte
that I look up to. Phylicia and Cicely
taught me, outside of the women in
my family, how to be classy, regal, carry
myself with respect, be gracious, poetic
and strong. They were powerful examples
of the light I wanted to walk in and being
a strong black woman. They were real
queens, in the same way my mother and
aunts were.
Nikki Giovanni showed me how to
portray in written form. How to use my
voice through words. Latifah, Lauryn and
Lyte taught me what that looked like in
hip hop, how to shine through all the
masculinity and be an undeniable force.
For more information about Rapsody,
please visit iamrapsody.com.

BY IAN-MICHAEL BERGERON
@ianmichaelinwonderland
I’ve always hated the term
“New Year, New Me.”
January 1st seems to
inspire everyone to “turn
everything around,” when
really, at best, they’ll go to
the gym every other day
for a week or so before
giving up, just like they did
the year before.
All the same, last week
while having dinner at
Grey Dog I found myself
thinking about the idea
of a fresh start. “What are
you going to write about
in your column this week?”
my friend S asked, filling
his glass with happy hour
wine.
“I don’t know,” I sighed,
wondering if we should
buy another bottle before
happy hour ends at 7:00.
“When I started the
column three years ago,
it was a sex and dating
column. I had tons of New
York experiences to write
about. Now… I don’t know.
I feel like I’m running dry.”
I realize it’s too meta to be
talking about my column
in my column—but here
we are.
“Maybe it’s time to expand
the column,” S suggested,
shrugging. “Or, expand
your idea about what the
column can be.”
I bought another
bottle of wine.
New Year
We spit-balled ideas
for the next hour, each one
getting more and more…
drunk. “I can do this,” I
slurred, waving my hand
dismissively. “I’m not a sex
columnist, I’m a writer. I
can write about anything.”
And it’s true. I’ve known I
wanted to be a writer my
whole life, even before I
could read. My parents
gave me a cassette
recorder; I’d set up all my
toys, Barbie and teddy
bears alike, open one
of my books and record
myself making up my own
stories to the pictures.
When I got older and
learned how to read, I
realized that my stories
were always better. (At
least, I thought so.)
I went to college
specifically for creative
writing, my senior thesis
being a novella and three
collected short stories.
(Fun fact: I double majored
in theater, my senior thesis
being a one-man show
written and performed by
me.) (I’ve not acted since.)
When I moved to New
York, I specifically targeted
the short-story market,
feeling it was my strong
suit. Then I learned that
the short-story market is
very small and, just like any
creative market, not easy
to break into.
I struggled along trying
to write a novel, trying to
find my voice. In 2013, my
ex-fiance suggested I start
a blog, ditto’d by one of
my greatest inspirations,
David Levithan. So I did,
a blog of personal essays
about my experience in
New York, before it was
picked up by Get Out!
Magazine in 2015, and has
been featured solely here
ever since, focusing on my
sex and dating life.
And here we are, three
years later. And it’s time to
expand: evolve.
New Year, New Me. Or,
rather, New Year, New
Column.
As much as I scoff at the
“New Yearers,” sometimes
we need to revamp
ourselves, or our work, and
if we use the New Year as
the excuse to do that—
well, why the fuck not?
See you in 2019.
PHOTO CREDIT STEVE BRENNAN

JUNE 2019
NYCPRIDE.ORG/2019
PRODUCED BY
HOST PARTNER
WORLDPRIDE LICENSOR
HOST PARTNER

Show Subject To Change. WARNING: Adult Comedy

BY EILEEN SHAPIRO
CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT
Cherry Jubilee
THE 20TH ANNUAL GLAM AWARDS
PHOTO CREDIT WILSONMODELS
On January 14 at the fabulous Sony Hall in Manhattan, the 20th Annual Glam
Awards will be hosted by Bob the Drag Queen and Peppermint to honor New
York City nightlife. In an array of sparkle and glamour, dazzling entertainment
and spectacular splendor, the evening will feature awards for members of the
community in every category imaginable as recognition of their hard work all year.

Cherry Jubilee, its founder
and producer, has shared
insight into the evening’s
events and what might
be expected. On behalf
of Get Out! magazine,
we want to congratulate
Cherry on 20 years
of hard work and
wish all the
nominees the
best of luck.
What excites you most about this year’s Glam Awards?
This is our 20th year, so it’s exciting to reach this milestone and watch the
show continue to get bigger and better! This year we will be holding the Glam
Awards at a new venue, Sony Hall! It’s a gorgeous space! I’m very excited
about that! And I’m always looking forward to all the great performances that
the best in NYC nightlife bring to the stage on Glam Awards night!
Where, when and how can we get to go?
The 20th Annual Glam Awards happen at 8 p.m. on January 14 at Sony Hall in
the heart of the Theater District! You can get tickets online at GlamAwards.
net. And for express entry and the best seats in the house, there are a limited
number of VIP tickets.

Who’s hosting, performing and attending?
I’m so thrilled to have the hysterically witty and wonderful Season 8 winner of
“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Bob the Drag Queen, hosting, along with the fabulous
Season 9 runner-up Peppermint! And we have an amazing lineup of performers,
including Brita Filter, Honey Davenport, Tina Burner, Stephanie’s Child, Sherry Pie,
Hibiscus, Kimmi Moore, Boudoir LeFleur, Jayse Vegas and the cast of Mary. All of
the best of NYC Nightlife will be in attendance looking and feeling fabulous.
Anything new this year?
There’s the gorgeous new venue, and we’ve added some great new categories. We
are honoring the people who make the NYC nightlife stars shine: I’m talking about
the best hair and fashion designers. I’m planning on a runway moment featuring
the amazing talents of the nominated designers.

For those who still don’t know, please explain the awards and how and
why you started them?
Two decades ago, when I was a baby drag queen, I would marvel at all the
extraordinary talent in NYC nightlife. At the time it was legends like Lady
Bunny, Sherry Vine, Candis Cayne, Jackie Beat, Kevin Aviance, Joey Arias and
Raven O ruling nightlife. They absolutely blew my mind. So incredibly talented.
And I wondered why no one was honoring them for their talent. So I created
this awards ceremony, and luckily everyone embraced it and really appreciated
it. It’s become such a great night for everyone to come together and celebrate
each other and their accomplishments. The energy is so positive and fun. I’m
really proud that after all these years it still gets people excited!
PHOTO CREDIT WILSONMODELS

SUPER MEN’S
SPA
20% OFF
Nails & Waxing
● NAILS
● WAXING & TRIMMING
● BODYWORK
● FOUR HAND BODY WORK
● BODY-SCRUB (TABLE SHOWER)
● FACIAL
(212) 989-5075
163 W 22 ND STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10011
(BTWN 6TH & 7TH AVE.)
HOURS: SUN 11AM-11PM
MON - SAT 10:30AM - 11:30PM
NOW HIRING

THE REASON
TO CHOOSE
UTOPIA SPA:
•Relaxing atmosphere
•Professional skills
•Clean and hygienic
•Respectful and friendly
30mins $40 60mins $60
Free cold drinks
Free shower
Value packages are available!
Massage - Waxing - Trimming
Table shower - Body scrub
Like Nowhere,
You’ve Ever Been!
www.UtopiaSpaNYC.com
965 Lexington Ave
2FL @ 70th Street
Tel: 212 -879 -0402
Hours: 10:30AM-11:00PM
Trains: 6, F, Q

SUCCESSFUL
MEN'S
SPA
SPA HOURS
11AM-10PM
212 - 989 - 1012‬
15 Christopher St. NY, NY 10014
Cover: Clockwise from top left - Rify Royalty,
Paige Turner, Cherry Jubilee, Jan Sport, Chris Harder,
Vinny Vega and Jayse Vegas
Photo Credit Wilsonmodels
ISSUE 400 - JANUARY 9 2018
PUBLISHER
MIKE TODD
MIKE@GETOUTMAG.COM
(646) 761-3325
DESIGN
AGOTA CORREA
AGOTA@GETOUTMAG.COM
NATIONAL ADVERTISNG
REPRESENTATIVE
RIVENDELL MEDIA
(908) 232-2021
CONTRIBUTORS
CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT
EILEEN SHAPIRO
IAN-MICHAEL BERGERON
ADVERTISE
WITH
___________________
ANUNCIA
EN
The right price, the right distribution, the right size,
the right quality, the right quantity, the right service
24/7 - everything is just right! Call us to get the best
prices in the tri-state area.
CALL TODAY & GET OUR
SPECIAL WELCOME OFFER!
MIKE TODD
(646) 761-3325
mike@getoutmag.com
The publications of MJT/GOOTH Magazine, getoutmag.com or any related
print or Web publications or social media accounts, their images, quotations or
articles, should not be construed to be an indication of the sexual orientation
of anyone portrayed therein.
All content © 2016 MJT/GOOTH Entertainment LLC.
MJT/GOOTH Entertainment LLC
47-16 67 St. Woodside, NY 11377
GETOUTMAG.COM
@getoutmag

classifieds >> BY GET OUT! Magazine
APPAREL & GIFTS
Luxury Male Sex Dolls
Available At SiliconWives.
com Looking for a literal
‘boy toy’ in your life? Try
one of our luxury male sex
dolls out. These full-size realistic
dolls are the last sex
toy you’ll ever need. Shop
Now and save 15% with discount
code: GETOUTMAG.
www.siliconwives.com/collections/male-sex-dolls
Jackson Men’s Clothing - Adult
Store: 88-10 Roosevelt Ave 2nd
Fl Jackson Heights, NY
HEALTH & BEAUTY
EXPERT GROOMER!
M4M Intimate Grooming
& Waxing services.
Customized and Personalized.
All body types
and ages are welcome
to the safe zone.
Phone: 1(419) 455-6545
W e b s i t e :
alexspot.setmore.com
DONATE & VOLUNTEER
GMHC - Visit gmhc.org
REAL ESTATE
HOUSE FOR SALE
TREMENDOUS VALUE IN
LITCHFIELD COUNTY, CT-
UNIQUE GETAWAY IN
FALLS VILLAGE! 1-2 BR, 1
BATH CONVERTED BARN,
13 ACRES. BARNBOARD
WALLS, EXPOSED BEAMS,
2 FPS; LOFT W/BR, OFFICE;
SEPARATE BARN FOR
STUDIO/WORKSHOP. 2-HOUR
DRIVE TO NYC, CLOSE TO
METRONORTH, SKI AREAS,
HIKING. PERFECT GETAWAY
OR IDEAL YEAR-ROUND
RETREAT! $238,500. CALL
860-824-0027
SHOWS / TV
The Jimmy Star show w/Ron
Russell Wednesday’s 3-5pm go
to W4CY.COM click on ITV to
watch. Also available on Roku
GET OUT! TO BRUNCH
Lips Drag Dining - 227 E. 56th
St - (212) 675-7710
BUSINESS FOR SALE
Prestigious Hudson Valley
pet food and supply
business for sale.
High Volume high profit
business in high traffic
location. Rhinebeck
minutes from village
sale includes, good will,
fixtures and favorable
lease. Business experience
a must. Call Broker
LeGrand Real Estate Inc.
Thomas - 845-876-2630
To advertise in the
classifieds, visit:
www.GETOUTMAG.com/
MYAD
and submit your ad or
send an email to
MIKE@GETOUTMAG.COM
with details. Price starts
at $10/week.
MEDICAL
LEGAL HELP
GET A HAIRCUT
BEAUTY
PICK UP A FREE COPY OF GETOUT
IN THE NEWSRACKS
AROUND GRAND CENTRAL

PHOTO CREDIT: LUIS GIOVANI HERNANDEZ
Jan Luis Castellanos seems to have it
all—former model turned actor who won
the jackpot, playing Topher in Marvel’s
“Runaways.” But winning the lotto has
not made him jaded or caused him to
take anything for granted. The popular
actor celebrates the challenges that have
brought him to this point, appreciates
his fans and works hard to take his career
to the next level. If that’s not enough for
humility and modesty, he prays every
morning and goes to church on Sundays.
Modesty aside, how would you
describe yourself?
Modesty aside, I’m a Renaissance man
and committed to going after what I want.
I seek challenges and see myself as the
hardest worker in any room, and that’s
how I get the best results. I can be selfcentered—but
mainly because if I don’t
center myself, no one else will. Don’t take
me too serious, either; I love to have a
good laugh. But when work calls—it’s
time to work.
There is tremendous mystique and
grandness to the Marvel Empire for
those of us on the outside looking in.
As a member of the Marvel family,
does it feel that way to you too?
Honestly, yes! It really hits me when I’m
around people, and that’s the choice of
conversation. Growing up, I admired all
these great actors, from Robert Downey
Jr. to Ryan Reynolds. It’s something I’m
definitely proud of and a name I must live
up to.
You were born in the Dominican
Republic and grew up in New Jersey
since the age of eight. How do you
reflect on your journey until this point?
Do I wish it was a bit smoother in some
areas? Possibly. But I wouldn’t trade it for
a penny, because everything I’ve done,
everything that’s happened, it’s all led me
up to this point. Good or bad, it’s been a
heck of a journey to be honest. I’m a big
believer in “what’s mine is mine”; you just
have to go out and get it.
Comic book fans are known to be very
intense and loyal, but even more are
Marvel fans. Tell me about your fans
when they recognize you.
I was caught a bit off-guard the first time. I
was at the gym all pumped up when I had
someone come up to me and say, “Hey,
you’re on ‘Runaways’ right.’

It was a funny feeling, trying to fathom
what had happened. You’d be surprised
how much these fans know about Topher
from the comics. It was nice.
What does your average day look like?
It all starts with my morning routine.
Mornings are for me. I get to relax, pray,
brainstorm, meditate, write, exercise
and read, all before getting to work and
answering emails. If not on set shooting for
12 hours a day, the norm is working on my
latest project or getting ready for my next
audition. Daily walks for active rest, eating
healthy, and definitely can’t forget about
the good ole’ afternoon nap.
What’s new on your playlist?
Bad Bunny and Ozuna are new on my
playlist. I drifted from Spanish music a
while ago, but it started creeping up on
me again for sure.
How do you decompress on a day off?
I like to stay away from my phone. Go to
church if it’s a Sunday, read or go on a
hike. I love watching old classics like “Taxi
Driver” and eating a large Margarita pizza
pie. Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese
is one of my favorite combinations. They
have really created such art together, it’s
phenomenal.
Who are a few directors and/or actors
you would like to work with?
I’d love to work with Guillermo Del Toro
someday. Bradley Cooper has really blown
me away directing “A Star Is Born” as
well. As per actors, Ryan Reynolds has
really been growing on me. That dude is
hilarious. Jessica Chastain is also a great
actress. However, I’d also love to work
with some of the younger actors as well
like Noah Centineo, Cara Delevingne and
Ansel Elgort for sure.
What is your favorite charity or cause?
My favorite charity by far is ChildHelp.
It is a non-profit organization that aids
children who have been victims of abuse
and neglect. ChildHelp offers endless
amounts of protection and a much safer
environment. For more information visit
childhelp.org.
Tell me a secret—a good one!
I didn’t have an agent when I had landed
the role of Topher on Marvel’s “Runaways.”
It just goes to show that anything is
possible.

Hookups =
Visit www.squirt.org
to hook up today

THOMAS
TALKS
ABOUT:
A gaymer is a sexual
minority identifying
individual who has an
active interest in playing
video games. Video
game revenue in the
U.S. for 2017 was almost
$24 billion. For some,
video game addiction
is a real thing, whereas
for others it’s just a good
time. If you’re not into
video games, living with
someone who is… well,
it might not always be
great. And I say this as
someone who LOVES
video games.
My roommate’s parents
pay his part of the
rent, and he seems
to not be motivated
to do anything. He
works part-time at a
restaurant, but other
than that, mostly sits
around the apartment
playing video games
and eating junk food.
A lot of the time it’s
all night, and then he
crashes on the couch.
It’s gotten to the point
that I don’t even have
people over or
try and do anything
in the living room
because just seeing
him starts to make
me angry. He also
smells and has terrible
hygiene. We’re on a
lease together, so I can’t
just move out. What
should I do? – Male,
Gay, 26
Yes, this would drive me
nuts too. It sucks to live
in an apartment where
you don’t feel like it’s
actually yours too. Based
on your description, I
wonder if your roommate
is depressed? What
conversations have you
had with him about how
much these things are
bothering you? I would
suggest having an openhearted
talk with him
about your concerns
for him, your friendship
and the apartmjbent.
Then hear what he has
to say and see if you
guys can come up with
some ground rules. Don’t
THREATEN to break the
lease and move out, but
let him know that if things
don’t change, you might
have to start looking for
a new place to live. Rent
is too high in this city to
pay for something that
doesn’t feel like home.
A few months ago, my
BF moved in, after
GAYMER
dating for almost a
year. He lost his job in
finance, was having a
difficult time finding
a new one, and it just
seemed like the right
thing to do. Now, he
hasn’t found a job yet
and doesn’t even seem
to be trying anymore.
We argue about it a lot,
especially because I pay
for everything. I’m really
struggling, because
I care about him, but
I can’t stand seeing
him sit around all day
playing video games.
Should I just dump him?
– Male, Gay, 28
I can 100% understand
why you’d be annoyed.
NYC is really expensive,
and it must feel very
overwhelming to work
all day and come home
to someone who doesn’t
seem to be contributing.
Relationships ebb and
flow; there are going to
be times where things
are more difficult, and
losing a job happens.
If you guys want to be
together and be a team,
then help each other out.
Set up goals for helping
him get a job, and in
the interim, he can have
responsibilities around
the apartment. Work
together so it doesn’t
feel like you’re doing it all
yourself.
Sex/Love/Relationship advice? Send your questions to: ThomasTalksAbout@gmail.com
@ThomasWhitfield84