Get Out! GAY Magazine – Issue 570

Here’s to the ladies who
Drag Brunch
HOSTED BY
Fonda Koxx & Freeda Kulo
ON SATURDAYS ON SUNDAYS
Seatings at
1:00 PM & 3:30 PM
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aerialists play gogos
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PERFORMERs
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Black Widow
Master R
gimps
Marco Star
RaveDevil
PETE
DJs
KRIS T0PH3R
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HOSTs
CelesteXXX
Troy Edwards
Himerosdisco
Reneé Masoomian
Vera Lee Westwood
Marck Salazar
Kobi
next to
9 Bob Note 3 dollar bill
270 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
more info + tix

ISSUE #570
MODEL
ON COVER
CHAKA K.
MODEL
ON COVER
GREG N.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
WILSONMODELS
PUBLISHER MICHAEL TODD
MIKE@GETOUTMAG.COM
DESIGN AND WEBSITE AGOTA CORREA
AGOTA@GETOUTMAG.COM
CELEBRITY INTERVIEWER EILEEN SHAPIRO
@EILEENSHAPIRO3
CONTRIBUTORS WILSONMODELS, JIM
SILVESTRI, & OTHERS TITLED WITHIN.
MJT / Gooth Entertainment, LLC is a free publication designed to promote
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All content - including but not limited to photographs, interviews, articles and
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FRIDAY
SUNDAY
OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 2
405 W. 51ST ST NYC
MON - THU 4PM-2AM • FRI 4PM- 4AM
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A Halloween Latinx Dance Party
& Drag Show Tribute to everything that is…
Performances by
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Lory Lu
soy leche
Music by
Dj Lovelace
Sunday Oct 26th
Doors 9 PM - shows at 10 PM -
Perreo all Nite
3dollarbillbk.com
260 Meserole St, Brooklyn

BY JIM SILVESTRI OF THOTYSSEY.COM
Chaka Khanvict
Is Stealing the Show!
NYC’S COMEDY DIVA DARLING IS COMING OF AGE
AND BUSIER THAN EVER
PHOTOGRAPHER: WILSONMODELS
Q: Chaka, happy birthday and
anniversary! Are you taking this
double milestone joyfully in stride,
or is it pure trauma, lol?
I am full of joy…mostly. All of my
idols hit their stride in their 40’s, so
she feels confident! Madonna, Cher,
Tina, Kylie and now CHAKA!
Although I have been doing drag for
20 years, it feels so new. How is my
old ass still learning new techniques
in the art form? I think a touch of
wonderment for what I get to do
makes it a little magic every time I
slap a wig on!
Q: You look great! You’ve been on
quite a health journey. How and
when did this begin?
I got sober. That first year, I ate all the
pain, anxiety and fear. Fortunately,
I didn’t use! I had actually been
prescribed a glp-1 a year before, but
I just wasn’t ready.

So, for the last two years, I’ve been
working hard at it. I slip up all the
time with food and exercise. I gave
myself some grace. That was the
most important thing to learn. Once
I stopped judging myself and just
celebrated the little wins, the weight
melted off! To date, I have lost 115lbs.
That’s a whole ass twink!
Q: Can you tell us a bit of your
origin story: where are you from,
and how did drag start for you?
I did drag for charity at my hometown
college, Towson University in
Baltimore, Maryland. Yes, I went to
college…rude! The sound went out at
the show and while they were fixing
it, I screamed jokes from the stage. I
never felt more like my true self than
that moment! She was born.
I had no background in theatre, no
aspirations of the stage until that day.
Now I can’t imagine living any other
way.
U can say I’m woo woo, but
something divine happened when
that speaker blew…I was born.
Q: You have tons of lip sync
numbers in your repertoire, but
I think most folks know you as a
comedic host. Are comedy and
crowd work your favorite types of
performing?
My crowd work isn’t “Where are u
from?”
I have fallen in love with connecting
to my audience through making fun
of the struggles we all face. Ya, I’m a
man in a wig, which is a very different
occupation than most, but I still ride
the subway just like everyone else and
see the shenanigans we all put up
with to live in NYC. When we can all
laugh together, life feels lighter…or
at least bearable! My biggest laughs
come from connection and a sense of
belonging. And I love a good poop
joke/story…we can all relate!
Q: What have been your best,
worst and strangest drag
moments?
The wildest moment in drag ever is
when I fell off stage, fractured my
wrist and continued performing “And
I Am Telling You”, then went to the
ER!
Your readers will have to come to a
show to hear the more titillating tales,
of which she has many!
Q: You appeared in the indie film
“Mister Sister” back in 2021, and
have had a few acting credits since.
What’s been your favorite screen
acting experience so far? Anything
else coming up?
Mister Sister changed my life. I had no
idea that acting was in my repertoire
until I did it. Then, just like drag, I fell
in love. The director, Mars Roberge,
saw something in me I didn’t know
was there!
I have a cameo in the movie Rufus
alongside Michael Musto showing all
over the country at festivals this year!
I’m always toying with the idea of
starting a Justforfans…what do u
think?!
Q: These days, people can find
you hosting bingo late afternoons
at Pieces, then at The Duplex
every Sunday night for your show
“Confessions of a Khanvict “ and on
Thursdays, hosting karaoke! You’re
also frequently part of the weekend
Lucky Cheng’s brunch shows at
Yotel’s Green Fig. What should folks
know about what they’re in for at
all of these shows, as far as the
Chaka Experience goes?
I am also at Lips every Wednesday.
Believe it or not, I pride myself on
having wildly different personas at
each show. My cabaret is sultry and
moody. Bingo and karaoke. I’m a fun,
messy Aunt u know u shouldn’t invite
to Thanksgiving, but she brings the
crazy!

Ensemble shows are much more
planned and choreographed…dare
I say, even professional! I keep the
children in line! So, even though I am
always Chaka Khanvict, at every venue
I provide
VIBERSITY
(trademark
pending)
Q: What else
is coming up
for you?
Let’s go to the
universe for
that one:
I wanna do
neon paint
parties in HK,
let’s get weird!
I wanna do an Atlantis Cruise with my
two new shows. “How to Find a Sugar
Daddy!” and “How to Keep A Sugar
Baby!”
I wanna host live movie screenings of
‘90s cult films, I wanna continue on
this path of performing every day for
people that just need a moment of
escape. I do too!
Q: Finally:
what’s the best
advice you can
give a new
queen on the
scene?
Ask yourself
why. Why am
I doing this?
No matter the
answer, just
knowing why
will help you
present your
truth to the world! And also, I love you,
keep going! There’s room for all of us
in this business, especially now that I’m
down a few pounds.
MODELS: JASON LUNA AND JAIMAR BROWN

GREG
NALBONE
EAGLE BARTENDER

PHOTOGRAPHER:
WILSONMODELS
PHOTOS TAKEN
AT THE EAGLE
MAKEUP ARTIST
CHAKA KHANVICT

THE RETURN OF AN ICON:
g Lounge
REIMAGINED FOR A NEW ERA
Nearly a decade after its
doors closed in 2016, one
of Chelsea’s most beloved
queer landmarks has
come roaring back to life.
g Lounge, once the sleek,
red-lit haven that defined
a golden era of New York
nightlife, has reopened
with both reverence for its
history and a bold vision
for the future. Under the
leadership of original
founder Michael McGrail and
his team, the space is more
than a bar — it’s a cultural
home, a safe haven and a
vibrant hub where legacy
and innovation collide. In
this candid conversation,
the minds behind g Lounge
reflect on what inspired its
revival, how it has evolved
and why its role in shaping
queer nightlife still resonates
today.
BY EILEEN SHAPIRO
CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT
What inspired you to bring back g Lounge
after nearly a decade since its closing in
2016?
When we looked back over the years, there was
always this sense that something was missing in
Chelsea — not just a bar, but a gathering place
with history, dignity and soul. g Lounge wasn’t
just bricks and a bar; it was a home, especially
during its original run from 1996 until its close in
2016.
The inspiration came from wanting to restore
that sense of belonging. So much has changed
— neighborhoods shift, culture shifts — but
what people hunger for doesn’t: authenticity,
community, safety, joy. Bringing g Lounge back
felt like an act of restoration, both for us and for
all the folks who carried its memory. We also
saw a gap: younger generations might not have
experienced the original, but they deserve to
know what dance, connection, expression feel
like in the kind of space our founders envisioned.
So reviving g Lounge was about reviving legacy,
yes — but also about renewing purpose for
today and tomorrow.

How does the new g Lounge differ from its
original version in the late ’90s and early
2000s?
We want people who remember the original g
Lounge to recognize its heartbeat — the feel,
the warmth, the style — but we’ve also made
deliberate updates so it works for 2025. Some
of the differences:
Space & Layout: We reconfigured the
floorplan. The DJ booth is no longer tucked
away; it’s now front-and-center. We added a
designated dance floor.
Comfort & Aesthetic: Gone are the hard wood
benches; in are stylish, comfortable furniture
pieces. Upgrade in lighting, upgraded sound
system — all to make sure people can stay
longer, feel more present.
Programming: While the original focused
heavily on late-night cocktails, dancing and
drag, we’re expanding things: daytime events,
sober nights, workshops, political panels,
creative sessions. We want g Lounge not just
for party nights but for connection, growth and
reflection, as well as fun.
Inclusivity & Safe Space: One big difference
that was always there in spirit, but is more
explicit now: creating dedicated nights for
trans and non-binary folks. Making sure
the environment is welcoming, respectful of
diversity in race, expression, age.
What role do you think g Lounge played in
shaping queer nightlife during Chelsea’s
golden era?
g Lounge was symbolic of what queer nightlife
could be: stylish and unapologetically queer,
with dignity, creativity and visibility. In an era
when many gay bars were hidden, dim or
limited in ambition, g Lounge opened windows
— literally and figuratively — and offered a
space where people could be themselves, build
community, be seen.
It was a stage for drag queens, for art,
for romance, for protest in its own way. It
attracted locals, tourists, creatives, performers,
celebrities—even those who didn’t frequent
gay bars—because its reputation was of
being more than just a drinking spot. It shaped
expectations: that queer nightlife could be safe,
elegant, inclusive, empowering. So its influence
extended beyond its walls. It helped define
Chelsea’s identity as a center of queer culture
and helped usher in a nightlife that valued both
visibility and artistry.
Can you share a favorite memory from the
original g Lounge that still resonates with
you?
There are so many. One that often comes up: A
summer night, mid-2000s, when we opened the
big archway/windows to let in air from West 19th
Street. The light spilled in; people lounged near
the windows, cocktails in hand; drag performers
rehearsed in corners; friends met each other
unexpectedly.
That mix of light and darkness — natural
daylight giving way to sunset, city sounds
mixing with the DJs, conversations across
tables — that moment of transition always felt
magical.
Another is the time of a themed event (I recall
it being Memorial Day weekend) when we
transformed part of the lounge into a kind of
pop-up beach: inflatable pools, a large chair for
a “buff lifeguard,” free Cosmos flowing, people
dancing in Speedos. It was playful, silly, over the
top — and yet full of heart and liberation.
That sense that everyone belonged: the
regulars, the first timers, the artists, the day
workers, the drag queens, the tourists. That is
something we try to resurrect.
What updates or renovations were most
important to you in reimagining the space
for 2025?
There were a few non-negotiables, because we
believe that for g Lounge to serve both legacy
and future, the space must carry both memory
and modernity.
Acoustics & sound/lighting: We installed a
more advanced sound system and lighting
rig so that when the beat drops, the room
responds. Lighting that flatters, that highlights
performance, that doesn’t strain people’s
eyes; sound that’s immersive without being
overwhelming.
Floorplan & Flow: Making sure people can move
— from the bar to dancefloor to lounge seating
— comfortably. Ensuring the DJ is visible and
central, not marginalized in a corner. Comfort
of seating: replacing benches with furniture that
encourages lingering, conversation, rest.

Design & Aesthetic: Paying homage to
signature features: the oval bar (or “g-shaped”
bar) is part of the identity. But updating
surfaces, materials, color palettes so that they
feel fresh, inviting, inspire pride. Also updating
restrooms, accessibility, climate control etc.
Programming Infrastructure: Spaces or back
rooms that can host art, workshops, daytime
events. Technical capacity for lighting and
staging for drag and performance nights, for
DJs. And ensuring safety, inclusivity features:
good ventilation, good sightlines, good
hospitality training.
How will g Lounge balance its legacy with
attracting a new generation of LGBTQ+
nightlife-goers?
This is central to our mission. Legacy gives us
roots; new generations give us growth. Some
ways we see balancing:
Honoring legacy in vibe, décor, stories:
Keeping signature design elements, regulars’
stories, still welcoming the nostalgic moments:
signature drinks, classic nights, remembering
past events. Letting people who came in the
’90s and early 2000s feel at home, seen —
like raising a glass to the past.
Listening to the new generation: asking what
they want, what spaces they feel safe in, what
styles of nights excite them —
from sober hours to themed
nights, DJs, drag, queer art,
multimedia. We’re intentionally
programming nights targeted to
trans, non-binary folks, younger
queer people, those exploring
identity, etc.
Mix of old and new events:
Keeping the weekly drag
shows that longtime patrons
loved, but also adding creative
workshops, entertainment
formats that younger people
gravitate to (social mediafriendly
nights, immersive art,
etc.).
Inclusive pricing, accessibility, comfort:
Younger folks often struggle with cost; offering
happy hours, mocktails, inclusive pricing
helps. Ensuring accessibility—physical,
economic, social—is part of making g Lounge
relevant and welcoming to new people.
Marketing & community-outreach: Using social
media and digital platforms to engage younger
audiences, but also community partners
(LGBTQ+ orgs, schools, art collectives)
so that g Lounge is known as more than a
nightclub; it’s a place of culture, support and
activism, as much as fun.
What does it mean to you personally to
reopen in the original location with your
creative team?
It’s deeply meaningful. For Michael McGrail,
being the original founder, to return to the
same address — 225 West 19th Street —
is like coming home. It carries memories,
both joyous and bittersweet. There’s a
responsibility in that: to not betray what people
loved, but to elevate it. Being with a creative
team who also understand the history, who
respect it, and who bring fresh energy — it’s
a rare gift.
There is something visceral — walking
through those doors again, smelling the wood,
seeing the light, hearing footsteps, echoes of
laughter from years past — that fuels purpose.
It anchors us: to serve the community in a
place that already holds so much history, so
many stories. It means we’re not starting from
scratch; we’re building upon layers. And that
heritage guides us in every decision: the bar,
the music, the safety, the welcome.

How do you envision g Lounge serving the
LGBTQ+ community beyond being just a
nightclub?
We see g Lounge as a hub, not simply a place
for evenings. Some of our intentions:
Daytime & early evening programming:
workshops, creative-arts meet-ups, panels
on activism, mental health events, political
discussions. Spaces where people can gather
outside late hours.
Safe space for marginalized sub-communities:
nights devoted to trans and non-binary folks,
people of color, those exploring identity.
Offering sober nights or options for people
who don’t drink or who want lower-stimulation
events.
Cultural visibility & art: showcasing LGBTQ+
artists, photographers, drag, performance
art; rotating art installations; supporting queer
creators.
Community support & partnerships: working
with local LGBTQ+ nonprofits, youth
organizations, health agencies; perhaps
hosting fundraisers, awareness events. Being
a place where activism, mutual aid, education
and celebration intersect.
Mentorship & legacy: preserving the oral
histories, celebrating past performers,
supporting up-and-coming queer talent (DJs,
drag artists, fashion, etc.).
Inclusivity in every decision: ensuring staff
training in inclusivity, ensuring the physical
space is accessible, ensuring that everyone
feels safe, respected, seen.
Many celebrities frequented the original
G Lounge—can we expect similar cultural
moments with this relaunch?
We hope so. Celebrity presence was always
a part of what made g Lounge feel connected
to larger cultural currents — Broadway stars,
drag icons, media personalities — but that was
never the point.
The point was culture,
expression, spark. If
celebrities show up,
great — but what’s
more important is that
people show up as
themselves and create
moments that matter.
We’re building an
environment that
invites moments:
big performances,
impromptu art, drag
reveals, creative
collaborations. Those
are the seeds of culture.
We believe by centering
design, performance,
hospitality, community, we’ll attract folks who
make culture happen — celebrities, sure,
but also those whose names aren’t famous
yet. We want iconic nights, viral moments,
storytelling moments. So yes, we expect
cultural moments, but defined broadly — as
nights people remember, friendships formed,
visibility asserted.
What do you hope people feel when they
walk through the doors of the new g Lounge
for the first time?
I hope they feel: welcome, immediately. That
sense of recognition — that they’ve arrived
somewhere familiar, safe; somewhere with
dignity. I want them to feel nostalgia for what
was — but also excitement for what is possible
now. A warmth, a buzz in the air: music,
laughter, light, possibility.
I hope they feel curiosity — to explore the
space, to meet new people, to experience new
art, to discover parts of themselves. Pride.
Connection. And most of all, to feel that they
belong — whether they’ve walked those doors
before in the ’90s, or it’s their first time ever
stepping into g Lounge.

Give us a runthrough of your
weekly programming.
Our goal was to make the
calendar reflect the full
spectrum of our community —
from high-energy nightlife to
quieter creative gatherings.
Mondays & Tuesdays: We lean
into community connection
— things like Draw & Drink,
a chance for folks to sketch,
sip and socialize, or our Jazz
Night, which is intentionally
alcohol-optional, offering
crafted mocktails for those who
want a sober space.
Wednesdays & Thursdays:
That’s when we spotlight drag
and performance. Our resident
competitions, like Polish the
Queen and Unleashed, give
rising performers a stage, while
rotating DJs keep the energy
alive.
Fridays & Saturdays: We
go big — dance nights with
themed parties, guest DJs,
and collaborations with global
queer brands, like Brazil’s #1
LGBTQ+ event Treta Festa.
Sundays: We close the week
with a mix of chill and fun —
community socials, industry
nights and programming that
shifts depending on season or
cultural moment.
What ties it all together is
variety — so you can come
for drag, come for dancing, or
come for a low-key night where
you actually hear your friends.
We want g Lounge to be where
the week feels complete, no
matter what kind of night you’re
looking for.
When are the happy hours?
Are you still serving up the
frozen Cosmos?
Happy hour is definitely alive
and well. We’ve structured it
so everyone gets a chance to
enjoy: Sunday through Tuesday
until 2AM, and Wednesday
through Saturday until 9PM.
That means there’s always a
night — or a time of night —
where you can unwind without
breaking the bank.
As for the frozen Cosmos —
let’s just say we heard you
loud and clear. While we’ve
introduced a full cocktail
program with signatures like
the gPaloma and the gTini,
plus mocktails made with Ritual
Zero Proof, we know the frozen
Cosmo is part of g Lounge
history. We’ve brought it back
with a little twist, honoring that
classic ’90s nostalgia while
making sure it tastes just as
good in 2025.

CELEBRATING
25 YEARS OF CRUISING.
Visit www.squirt.org to join the action.

week in pictures >> BY WILSONMODELS / wilsonmodels.blogspot.com
MR EAGLE CONTEST AT THE EAGLE

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