Get Out! GAY Magazine – Issue 545

getoutmag.com week in pictures
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ISSUE #545
COVER:
THE BIG GIRLZ
PHOTOS BY DANNY BRISTOL
PUBLISHER MICHAEL TODD
MIKE@GETOUTMAG.COM
DESIGN AGOTA CORREA
AGOTA@GETOUTMAG.COM
CELEBRITY INTERVIEWER EILEEN SHAPIRO
@EILEENSHAPIRO3
NYC’S NIGHTLIFE AWARD WINNING BLOGGER/
WRITER & INTERVIEWER JIM SILVESTRI
NIGHTLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER WILSONMODELS
JEASO86@HOTMAIL.COM
The publications of MJT/GOOTH ENTERTAINMENT, getoutmag.com or any
other 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 © Copyright 2019
MJT/GOOTH ENTERTAINMENT
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GET OUT OF THE HOUSE ENTERTAINMENT EST. 2009

JIMMY NEWSUM
FALL INTO THE BEAT
Summer may have come to an end, but that doesn’t mean the heat on our nation’s gay
dance floors is cooling down. Clubs are working overtime to keep floors burning. Here
are the top scorchers being played this autumn.
PHOTO BY FRANCISCO LOPEZ
“I’m Never Gonna Dance
Again”
Jaime Adrian
So Fierce Music
Jaime Adrian’s “I’m Never
Gonna Dance Again”
masterfully reinvents
George Michael’s classic
“Careless Whisper” as
a sleek, futuristic dance
anthem. Maintaining the
emotional core of the original ballad, Adrian infuses it
with pulsating beats and vibrant synths that elevate the
track to a whole new level. His sultry, expressive vocals
bring a fresh, sexy energy to the song, adding a modern
twist while honoring the nostalgic essence of the ‘80s
hit. The infectious rhythm, paired with its bold, highenergy
production, makes it irresistible for club floors,
where it is sure to ignite crowds.
“Alive Again”
On Mekahel
On Mekahel’s new single,
“Alive Again”, is a vibrant
and empowering dancepop
anthem that blends
infectious beats with a
deeply personal message
of self-discovery and
resilience. The track’s
pulsating rhythm and catchy hooks instantly draw
listeners in, while Mekahel’s emotive vocals deliver a
powerful message about embracing one’s true self and
living life authentically. The fusion of pop and dance
elements creates an uplifting, feel-good vibe that’s
perfect for the dance floor, yet the lyrics add a layer of
emotional depth that resonates beyond just the music.
On Mekahel’s ability to combine a meaningful narrative
with dance-ready production showcases his artistry and
adds a refreshing voice to the dance-pop landscape.
PHOTO BY CHRIS MARTIN

“Superpowers”
CERANDA
CERANDA’s
latest single,
“Superpowers”,
is a bold,
empowering
anthem that
transforms
heartbreak into a
powerful celebration of personal growth. With
its infectious pop melody, CERANDA delivers a
message of resilience and strength, reminding
listeners that even in their darkest moments,
they possess the inner power to rise up and
face the world. The song’s driving beat and
uplifting production make it an energetic, feelgood
track, while the emotional depth of the
lyrics gives it a poignant edge. “Superpowers”
captures the process of healing after a painful
experience, turning vulnerability into strength
and triumph.
PHOTO COURTESY CERANDA
“Ann N Andyy”
PrettiBoiRoq
PrettiBoiRoq’s
“Ann N Andyy”
is an intense,
emotionally
charged track
that dives deep
into his real-life
experiences of
betrayal and
transformation. The clever title, a play on the
iconic Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, reflects
the “raggedy” nature of those who betrayed
him, setting the tone for this unapologetically
raw song. The production is minimalist yet
purposeful, allowing PrettiBoiRoq’s fierce lyrical
delivery to take center stage. His aggressive
flow and biting words capture the pain of
betrayal, while also showcasing his resilience
and growth in the face of hardship. The strippedback
beat and haunting atmosphere amplify the
emotional weight of the lyrics, making the track a
powerful statement on overcoming adversity.
PHOTO BY NICHOLAS EASTMAN

#1 PRESCRIBED
HIV TREATMENT*
*Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 05/19/2023.
ELIAS
SWITCHED TO BIKTARVY
Listen to REAL STORIES
being told by REAL VOICES.
Person featured takes BIKTARVY and is compensated by Gilead.
No matter where life takes you,
Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.
BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used
to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.
Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.
* This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from the following IQVIA
information service: IQVIA NPA Weekly, for the period week ending 04/19/2019 through week ending
05/19/2023. IQVIA expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution, and republication.

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®
This is only a brief summary of important information about
BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare
provider about your condition and your treatment.
(bik-TAR-vee)
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side
effects, including:
Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV)
infection. Your healthcare provider
will test you for HBV. If you have
both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may
suddenly get worse if you stop
taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop
taking BIKTARVY without first
talking to your healthcare provider,
as they will need to check your
health regularly for several months,
and may give you HBV medicine.
ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day
prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1
in adults and children who weigh at least
55 pounds. It can either be used in people
who have never taken HIV-1 medicines
before, or people who are replacing
their current HIV-1 medicines and whose
healthcare provider determines they meet
certain requirements.
BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.
HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.
Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take
a medicine that contains:
dofetilide
rifampin
any other medicines to treat HIV-1
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side
effects, including:
Those in the “Most Important Information
About BIKTARVY” section.
Changes in your immune system.
Your immune system may get stronger
and begin to fight infections that may
have been hidden in your body.
Tell your healthcare provider if you
have any new symptoms after you
start taking BIKTARVY.
Kidney problems, including kidney
failure. Your healthcare provider
should do blood and urine tests to
check your kidneys. If you develop
new or worse kidney problems, they
may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.
Too much lactic acid in your blood
(lactic acidosis), which is a serious
but rare medical emergency that can
lead to death. Tell your healthcare
provider right away if you get these
symptoms: weakness or being more
tired than usual, unusual muscle
pain, being short of breath or fast
breathing, stomach pain with nausea
and vomiting, cold or blue hands and
feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a
fast or abnormal heartbeat.
Severe liver problems, which in rare
cases can lead to death. Tell your
healthcare provider right away
if you get these symptoms: skin or
the white part of your eyes turns
yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine,
light-colored stools, loss of appetite
for several days or longer, nausea, or
stomach-area pain.
The most common side effects of
BIKTARVY in clinical studies were
diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and
headache (5%).
These are not all the possible side effects
of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare
provider right away if you have any new
symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.
You are encouraged to report negative
side effects of prescription drugs to the
FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or
call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Your healthcare provider will need to
do tests to monitor your health before
and during treatment with BIKTARVY.
Continued on next page.
Please see Important Facts, including important warnings, continued on the
next page and at BIKTARVY.com.

People featured take BIKTARVY
and are compensated by Gilead.
REAL STORIES
REAL VOICES
ELIAS CHAD D’EVA
HUGO
NIKKI
THERON
DIMITRI
ZACH
PHIL
Meet a few of the extraordinary people who take BIKTARVY.
Watch their stories at BIKTARVY.com
IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® (cont’d)
BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
Have or have had any kidney or liver
problems, including hepatitis infection.
Have any other health problems.
Are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider
if you become pregnant while taking
BIKTARVY.
Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan
to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare
provider about the risks of breastfeeding
during treatment with BIKTARVY.
Tell your healthcare provider about all
the medicines you take:
Keep a list that includes all prescription
and over-the-counter medicines,
antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal
supplements, and show it to your
healthcare provider and pharmacist.
BIKTARVY and other medicines
may affect each other. Ask your
healthcare provider and pharmacist
about medicines that interact with
BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to
take BIKTARVY with all your
other medicines.
HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY
Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or
without food.
GET MORE INFORMATION
This is only a brief summary of important
information about BIKTARVY. Talk to
your healthcare provider or pharmacist
to learn more.
Go to BIKTARVY.com or call
1-800-GILEAD-5.
If you need help paying for your
medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for
program information.
Please see Important Facts, including important warnings, above and at BIKTARVY.com.
BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and KEEP
BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.
© 2024 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0503 07/24

Watch Out For The BigGirlZ,
They’re On The Rise !
Catching up with
Olympia , Frida Cox,
Lanye Armon &
Vampy Von Thickums
on the rise to their
success
PHOTO CREDITS : DANNY BRISTOL PHOTOGRAPHY | EDITS BY LANYE ARMON & LEYDA LUZ

INTERVIEW BY LORI LU >>>
What inspired you to form the Big GirlZ
Drag Girl Group, and how did you all come
together?
Lanye Armon was the visionary who brought
us all together and founded the Big GirlZ.
She recognized that representation for larger
performers in the city was limited and often
unfairly labeled as “lazy” or unmarketable by
others in the industry. Lanye united us to prove
that people of all sizes can do it all—and do it
with style, energy, and undeniable talent!
How do you define the group’s unique style
and aesthetic, and how does each member
contribute to it?
Our unique style and aesthetic can be summed
up as “sugar, spice, and everything nice—extra
large!” Each of us brings something different
to the table, and that diversity drives us to
challenge ourselves, experiment, and step
outside our comfort zones. It’s this blend that
makes our numbers so fun, entertaining, and
mesmerizing.
Frida Cox, from Brooklyn, has a theater and
musical background that adds a captivating,
emotionally moving and spiritually invigorating
element to our performances. Her experience
helps us create characters and stories that
resonate deeply with our audience.
Lanye Armon, hailing from the Bronx, infuses
our group with her love of fashion, hip-hop
dance, and Afro-Caribbean culture. Known
as the “Ghetto Glamorous Diva of NYC,” she
brings a bold mix of pop culture and style,
helping us tackle challenging topics while
staying true to our roots as an all P.O.C. group.
A special thank you to Playhouse Bar for giving
us our first platform!
Olympia, from Astoria, Queens, is the grace
and beauty of the group, coordinating
our outfits, themes and choreography.
She constantly pushes us to elevate our
movements, creating the dynamic works you
see today.
And then there’s Vampy Von Thickums
Galore, our spooky enchantress from
Brooklyn, who brings a wealth of creativity
and social engagement. Thanks to her, our
social media thrives, keeping us connected
with our community and ensuring we stay
true to our values of diversity, inclusivity, and
representation.
Together, we prove that big girls can do it all—
and more!
What challenges have you faced as a plussize
drag group in the NYC drag scene, and
how have you overcome them?
As a plus-size drag girl group in NYC, we
often face challenges finding venues and
designers that can accommodate us. Due to
our size, when we are asked to perform in
some venues, our performances usually have
to be minimized or adapted to fit. One of us is
often as big as two skinny drag queens, so all
four of us can’t always fit on a stage together.
To overcome this, we have weekly rehearsals
where we discuss important matters and adjust
our numbers for smaller venues. Most of our
choreography and performances have different
versions, allowing them to be performed in
multiple spaces.
What message do you hope to convey
through your performances and presence in
the drag community?
We hope to show non-plus-size performers,
bar patrons, venue organizers and more that
plus-size performers are not limited by their
bodies. All four of the Big GirlZ consistently
showcase more than just lip-syncing abilities.
We are a group full of trained dancers, actors
and singers. By existing in the drag community
and other spaces, the Big GirlZ demonstrate
to both plus-size and non-plus-size people
that beauty isn’t just for the skinny girls. Every
Big Girl is gorgeous and dresses in ways that
celebrate and accentuate their curves. People
do not always see a plus-size performer in
sexy and revealing outfits, but the Big GirlZ
prove that we can wear and do anything just as
well as any thin performer.
Can you share a memorable performance
experience that has shaped the group or
strengthened your bond?
We certainly have three performances that
have transformed us as a group and have
held a special place in our hearts since their
creation:
1. Our Opening Night/Debut
Our opening night at Playhouse (which is about
to hit its one-year mark) was the undeniable
beginning of something bigger. We were able
to give a grand showcase/introduction to the
Big GirlZ. We spent two months creating two
group numbers that allowed us to show who
we were, what we love and what we represent.

2. “Eat Up NYC” at Julie J’s “STAND UP NYC @ 3
Dollar Bill”
We all agree that this number was a concert-style
production, brought to one of Brooklyn’s biggest
stages for one of its most important events. Between
our debut and this performance (which were only four
or five months apart), we grew so much—our bond
strengthened and our works became even fiercer.
Stand Up NYC was incredibly important to us; it
was for charity and our community. We weren’t just
performing for ourselves, but for our entire community.
3. Bushwig at the Knockdown Center
Bushwig was a significant milestone for us.
Performing on one of the biggest stages in drag
history, amongst our community, was a dream
come true. We created the concept of “plus-size
superheroes” saving the world from “skinny girl drag,”
showing that Big GirlZ can do that too. Of course, we
had to include a nod to the Powerpuff Girls—more
like the “Powerpuff Big GirlZ!” This number proved to
be challenging but so much fun to create, with moves
and tricks that no big girl, boy or they/them had ever
done or thought of—unless it was as a joke. It was a
huge accomplishment that we hold dear to our hearts.
How do you see the role
of body diversity in drag
evolving, and what impact
do you hope Big GirlZ will
have on that movement?
We see body diversity
in drag evolving towards
greater acceptance and,
ultimately, the celebration
of all body types. Big GirlZ
aims to break stereotypes,
challenge norms, and inspire
confidence, proving that
talent and charisma come
in every size. We hope
our presence serves as
representation that inspires
others and as a living,
breathing example of what
is truly possible! No one else
is doing it quite like us, and
we hope to change that by
opening more doors.

The key advice for plus-size performers is to own
and love the skin you’re in. Present your body in
a way that makes you feel comfortable, but don’t
make your size a novelty—this could inadvertently
give others permission to exploit or exclude you
for it. Be the representation you wanted to see but
didn’t have. Your size is just one of the many things
that make you unique!
What’s next for the Big GirlZ Drag Girl
Group? Are there any upcoming projects or
collaborations we should look out for?
We are a collective of four powerhouse
entertainers with big goals and even bigger
dreams. We’ve achieved so much in just under
a year of being together! We hope to continue
delivering consistent, entertaining and fresh shows
all over NYC. In the near future, we have our sights
set on traveling across the U.S. and bringing bigger
productions to larger stages and venues here at
home. We’re also aiming to win a few trophies at
this year’s Glam Awards in NYC as a group. We
hope our nightlife family will consider us for Best
Group and Breakthrough Artist(s). All we can say
is, WATCH OUT FOR THE BIG GIRLZ!
What advice would you give
to aspiring plus-size queens
looking to break into the drag
scene?
Our advice to any plus-size
performers trying to break into the
drag scene is to jump in headfirst
and dedicate time and resources to
your art. It’s unfortunately no secret
that plus-size performers, along
with some other demographics,
face more challenges in getting
booked. Have a clear point of view:
Who are you? What are you trying
to achieve? What do you have
to offer? Who’s your audience?
The good news is you don’t have
to have it all figured out on day
one—it will evolve over time and
through experiences. Remember,
nightlife is fun, but it’s also a job; be
professional and proud of how you
carry yourself.

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