Get Out! GAY Magazine – Issue 584

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BY EILEEN SHAPIRO
CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT
INAYA DAY
Three decades after helping define the
pulse of house music, Inaya Day continues
to command dance floors with the same
electrifying soul, passion, and authenticity
that made her a global force in club
culture. From legendary collaborations and
timeless anthems to unforgettable performances
around the world, Inaya’s voice
has become synonymous with liberation,
unity, and pure musical joy.
Photos by Erica Miriam Fabri
INTERVIEW >>>
You’ve become a defining voice in house
music—what still excites you most about
stepping onto a stage like the Ice Palace?
What excites me about stepping onto a stage
like the Ice Palace is the pure, unadulterated
hype and zeal that comes from the crowd.
When I perform there, I know that my musical
offering will be appreciated and met with the
highest level of energy!
The Ice Palace has such a rich legacy in
LGBTQ+ nightlife and culture. What does
performing in a space like this mean to you
personally and artistically?
The legacy of the Ice Palace pushes me to
bring my absolute best. I’m not just playing for
a crowd; I’m playing for a “legacy” audience
that knows the history of the groove. This
year is the 30th anniversary of my first dance
single, KEEP PUSHIN’, but the Ice Palace has
Now, as she prepares to take the stage at
the iconic Ice Palace Nightclub alongside
fellow dance music powerhouses, the celebrated
vocalist reflects on legacy, longevity,
spirituality, and the enduring heartbeat of
house music that continues to keep audiences
moving across generations.
been rockin’ since the ’50s—so I approach this
task with humility and reverence. Artistically, it
means tapping into that raw energy that defines
the Fire Island sound—liberated, euphoric,
and unapologetic. It’s a space that allows for
true creative freedom because the audience
isn’t just listening to the music; they are living
it. Performing at the Ice Palace is my way of
contributing another brick to that rich foundation
to help ensure that the beat goes on for the
next generation.
Your vocals carry both power and soul—
how do you prepare mentally and emotionally
before a live performance?
Before any live performance, I lean back from
dairy products and anything that may dry out
my voice. I’ve been singing for years with
two nodules on my vocal cords, so I have to
be more conscious of what affects them. I do
raspberries to warm up, then I pray.

House music is all about connection. What
kind of energy do you hope to create with the
audience that night?
I’d like to create an atmosphere of love, fun,
and unity—which only makes sense because
we’re all there to feel good individually and as a
collective. My hope is that, at least for the time
we’re on that island, we can all dance, sing, and
celebrate just being alive!
You’ve worked with some of the biggest
names in dance music. How have those
collaborations shaped your sound and confidence
as a performer?
Collaborating with legends—people who have
defined genres like Frankie Knuckles or heavy
hitters at labels like Defected and Ministry of
Sound—confirmed for me
that the “sound of house
music” isn’t a static thing;
it’s an ever-changing
conversation. Sometimes
I layer my soul and gospel
sound over a driving beat
that has a rich, booming
bass, and other times I belt
one out to a nice piano
groove with a pop vibe.
Seeing how different producers
approach a track
helped me understand that
a vocal needs to work just
as well in a dark basement
as it does on a sun-drenched terrace in Ibiza.
So I know that no matter what the sub-genre or
target, my voice has a place.
What can fans expect from this performance—are
you bringing anything new or
unexpected to the stage?
Yes, in fact. I’m bringing a new excitement to the
stage. I’ve hit the 30-year mark in house music,
and for a while I had been toying with the idea of
hanging up my dancing shoes. But new projects,
coupled with new audiences, have lit my fire, and
the Ice Palace is definitely going to get a spark.
Your music often feels uplifting and transformative.
Do you see your role as more than
just a performer—perhaps as a healer or
storyteller?
Yes, indeed. I absolutely see my role as both a
healer and a storyteller. For me, music has never
been just about entertainment; it’s about making
people relate and feel something. As a storyteller,
I use my lyrics and the soul of my voice to
share the human experience—the struggles, the
triumphs, and the resilience of spirit in life, love,
and music. I’m narrating a journey that I hope
resonates with the listener’s own life.
In a world where music trends constantly
shift, how have you remained authentic to
your sound?
I’m a church baby, and gospel is my root. I’ve remained
authentic to my sound by always singing
from my soul—from the inside out.
What has been one of the most unforgettable
moments of your career so far—and do you
think Fire Island could become one of them?
One of the most unforgettable performances of
my career was opening for The Prodigy at Two
Tribes at Rod Laver Arena in Australia. What a
moment that was. I’ve performed on Fire Island
many times over the last 30
years, but never have I done a
show at the Ice Palace together
with my sis, Ultra Naté, and
my brother in the business,
DJ Bill Coleman. So I look
forward to this performance at
the Ice Palace being one for
the books.
For emerging artists watching
you, what advice would
you give about longevity
and staying relevant in the
industry?
I’d tell them to write, or at least
contribute to the writing of, their own music; join
every royalty society available to them; keep
track of their income; never stop learning; and
stay true to themselves and their audience.
How do you balance the legacy of classic
house music with the evolution of modern
dance sounds?
I don’t really think about balancing classics with
modern sounds. I just try to make great music.
Plus, in my eyes, a classic is still current if it’s still
being played and charted.
After this performance, what’s next for
you—new music, tours, or collaborations we
should be watching for?
Yes—all of the above. I have new music coming
with DJ Spen, The Shapeshifters, and DJ Mike
Cruz. I’ll finally be releasing a pet project of mine
that’s truly a labor of love. I also look forward to
expanding my role as Musical Director and Musician
Contractor for “Crystal Waters’ I Am House
Orchestrated” live concerts. I’m looking forward
to a fun, music-filled year.

TOP 10
DJ DAVID
MICHAEL
Facebook
/davidmichaelnyc
Instagram
@djdavidmichaelnyc
SoundCloud
/djdavidmichaelnyc
CURRENT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
BRING YOUR LOVE (DJ LIIIAM
EXTENDED EDIT) MADONNA,
SABRINA CARPENTER
CRANK X MY HOUSE
(ADAMUSIC MASHUP)
SLAYYYTER VS. BEYONCÉ
HOUSE TOUR (NICK 90S
HOUSE REMIX)
SABRINA CARPENTER
I FEEL SO FREE (PEGGY GOU
ENERGY MIX) MADONNA
I’M YOUR GIRL RIGHT?
TOVE LO
MIDNIGHT SUN
ZARA LARSSON
NEW RELIGION (JOE REECE
ESSENTIAL MIX)
BEBE REXHA, FAITHLESS
ORIGAMI!
KESHA
PINKY UP
KATSEYE
RUNWAY
LADY GAGA, DOECHII
THROWBACKS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
3 (MANHATTAN CLIQUE REMIX)
BRITNEY SPEARS
ABSOLUTELY NOT (CHANEL
RADIO EDIT)
DEBORAH COX
AIN’T NOBODY (DJIT’S DISCO
DUB) CHAKA KHAN
BAD ROMANCE (DJ DAN
CLUB MIX) LADY GAGA
BLOW (MARTIAL
SIMON REMIX) KESHA
FREE (JESÚS FERNÁNDEZ
REMIX) ULTRA NATÉ
HUNG UP (ALWA GAME
REMIX) MADONNA
NASTY GIRL (RIFFS & RAYS
REMIX) INAYA DAY
TALKING BODY (DJ BEATZILLA &
BOSSA NOVA ‘IMAGINE’ EDIT)
TOVE LO
WHEN I GROW UP X BAD GIRL
(LOUIS CAPALDI & MARK FARGE
MASHUP) THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS
WEEKLY APPEARANCES:
Tuesdays - CURTAINS UP! at The Monster 9pm-11pm
Wednesdays - THE ASSASSINS at Balcon Salon 9pm-2am
Fridays - The Stonewall Inn 10pm-4am
Saturdays - SPUNK at The Monster 9:30pm-4am

PRIDE ETM Group Inc. is proud to announce it’s newest
bar and lounge with a rooftop bar, where guests can
enjoy signature cocktails, live sports, nightlife, and taps &
apps served daily from 11am.
Located the heart of Hell’s Kitchen with over 3 floors.
Opening on 9th Avenue & 50th Street

BY BEN NELSON
ALL HAIL THE QUEENS
Martha Wash and Marsha Warfield
BRING IT’S RAINING QUEENS
TO SONY HALL THIS PRIDE
a powerhouse evening of music, comedy
and storytelling is headed to New York
this summer as legendary vocalist Martha
Wash — best known for her unmistakable
voice on dancefloor anthems like “It’s
Raining Men” and “Gonna Make You
Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” — joins
forces with acclaimed comedian and
actress Marsha Warfield, celebrated for
her Emmy-nominated career and beloved
role on Night Court, for It’s Raining
Queens.
The dynamic dual-headline experience
arrives at Sony Hall on June 28.
Presented by Do-Kwa Productions,
It’s Raining Queens is a bold new live
concept blending iconic music with razor-sharp
comedy. Designed as a 75–90
minute seated, theater-style experience,
the production seamlessly weaves together Wash’s era-defining vocals with Warfield’s
commanding stand-up and cultural commentary, creating a show that feels part concert,
part comedy set, and part intimate conversation.
Photos by Mike Ruiz and Kat Armendariz
INTERVIEW >>>
The title It’s Raining Queens immediately
evokes camp, glamour and joy, but also resilience.
What does the word “queen” personally
mean to each of you in 2026?
Martha Wash: Queen means standing 10 toes
down in what you think and believe, and not
caring what others think.
Marsha Warfield: Queen is a demotion from
Goddess, but I’ll take it to work with Martha,
since she has obviously accepted the term, too.
How does performing in a close-up, theater-style
environment like Sony Hall change
the way you connect with an audience?
Martha Wash: It’s the vibe for me. If we’re all in
tune with each other, then it doesn’t matter if it’s
500 or 5,000.
Marsha Warfield: I love cabaret-style intimacy
with an audience. That being said, I will work a
truckstop restroom if they pay me enough.
What excites you most about this collaboration?
Marsha Warfield: Martha Wash excites me
most. Are you kidding? Have you heard Martha
sing? What else is there?

Martha Wash: The excitement for me is
working with Marsha. I have always been a fan
of hers.
Martha, your music has been the soundtrack
to liberation and joy for generations, while
Marsha, your comedy has often challenged
audiences to confront uncomfortable truths.
How do you balance celebration and social
commentary in a Pride show taking place at
such a politically charged moment?
Martha Wash: I choose to celebrate, but I’m
also keenly aware of the social commentary
that’s out there. If something pops into my head,
I just might say it and let the chips fall where
they may!
Marsha Warfield: I think most audiences want
to hear somebody say what they don’t know
they think. Our info sources are not designed to
pull back the curtain on the naked emperors or
snake oil selling “wizards,” but it’s what I love to
do most.
What do you hope audiences take home
from the show?
Marsha Warfield: They’re gonna dance out of
this show younger, lighter and grinning more
than they did when they walked in. They will
have heard Martha Wash sing and hopefully
they’ll recall that the opening act was pretty
good, too.
Martha Wash: My hope is that they had a great
time with two legends who are still at it.
Martha Wash and Marsha Warfield perform
It’s Raining Queens at Sony Hall on June 28.
For tickets, visit marthawash.com/#tour

BY STEVEN ARASA
Photographer @jonas.fashionfiles
CROWNED
JEWELS OF NYC
Freeda Kulo
Miss Hell’s Kitchen 2025
IG: @freedakulo Photocredit: @jonas.visions
Drag in this city is constantly evolving. It’s
bold, resilient, emotional, glamorous, political,
messy, inspiring and deeply human all
at once. Beyond the wigs, lights and late
nights are artists who pour their hearts into
every performance and continue pushing
our community and culture forward.
For this Pride issue, I wanted to spotlight
a few entertainers who have truly been
standing out in their respective spaces.
From pageant legends and nightlife staples
to rising stars creating their own lanes,
each of these artists represents a different
piece of what makes our drag community
so powerful.
Please be sure to follow and support
these incredible individuals–not
just during Pride season, but all
year long.
As my reign as Miss Hell’s Kitchen
begins to approach its final chapter,
I’m also excited to announce that I
will be crowning the next Miss Hell’s
Kitchen 2026 on October 11 at the
Ailey Citigroup Theater.
Applications officially open June 1,
and I cannot wait to see the next
generation of entertainers step into
this legacy and show us who they
are.
We attempted to gather everyone to
make this shoot possible, but thankfully
a lot of us have the not-bad problem of
being booked and blessed. Besides, the
only person who can successfully get so
many iconic drag artists in one room is the
incredible Miss Leidy Rodriguez, a creative
director and producer.
( IG: @missleidyrodriguez)
Their stories, perspectives and artistry
deserve to be seen, celebrated and
remembered.

Alicia Love
Miss Stonewall 2025
IG: @alicialove0 Photocredit: @jonas.visions
By the time this issue is released,
Alicia will have stepped down and
crowned the next Miss Stonewall 2026.
Nevertheless, she made history as the
first-ever trans winner of this pageant.
What does visibility and representation
mean to you right now?
“Being visible means life or death for
me. That isn’t abstract. For many trans
people, visibility can bring danger,
but invisibility can erase you just as
painfully. Choosing to be seen anyway
— especially through the tears — is an
act of courage and protection for others
who may not yet feel safe enough to
stand in the light themselves.
Representation matters because people
often learn what is possible from
who they see reflected back at them.
Positive, human, nuanced representation.
How do you stay true to yourself as
an artist?
I put all my trauma and past hurt into
my stage performances. For many
artists, performance becomes a way to
reclaim experiences that once caused
suffering. Instead of hiding those
wounds, I channel them into something
expressive and powerful. That’s part
of why audiences often remember performers
like me; they’re not just watching
entertainment, they’re witnessing
someone reveal something real.
What do you hope for the future
generation of drag?
“Drag conversations in mainstream culture
have often centered queens, while
drag kings, trans performers, bio queen
and other artists receive less visibility.
I advocate for broader representation
within drag itself, making sure
more performers get recognition.
Less gatekeeping, less infighting and
more celebration of each performer’s
individuality. Drag is strongest when it
makes room for many voices and styles
instead of rewarding only one image of
what drag should be.
Beyond the parties, what does Pride
mean to you?
“For many LGBTQ+ people, especially
trans people, Pride can mean continuing
to love yourself even in moments
of struggle, doubt, discrimination or exhaustion.
Pride has become too much
about partying and not enough about
educating and uplifting. Pride is not
just entertainment, but remembrance,
resistance, healing and collective
responsibility.

Athena
Ultimate Diva Cycle 8
IG: @itstheathena
Photocredit: @jonas.visions
By the time this issue is released,
Janelle will have already
crowned the Cycle 8 winner, but
we wanted a chance to chat with
this native New Yorker.
What makes someone an
“Ultimate Diva” to you?
An artist who is comfortable in
their art! Someone who truly
believes in themself and has the
confidence to be that Ultimate
Diva, whether they win a crown
or not.
What keeps you motivated as
a performer?
Living to work and not working
to live. It is an honor to say
drag is my job and something I
decided to make into a career.
I love this art form more than
anything. From being on stage
myself to seeing shows in dive
bars and on main stages, it
all keeps me motivated and
wanting to do more.
What’s something drag has
taught you about yourself?
Drag has taught me so much
about myself, but the biggest
thing it’s taught me is professionalism.
With so many spaces
and so many performers, it truly
takes the most professional of all
to keep getting bookings!
What’s your favorite part of
NYC drag culture?
It’s how these bitches aren’t
afraid to spread drag all over
this city! You can find drag in the
most random bars and restaurants,
with divas just trying to
entertain.

Lolita Starr
Drag Wars All Stars 9
IG: @thelolitastarr
Photocredit: @jonas.visions
By the time this issue is released, the
iconic Shequida Hall will have announced
a winner for All Stars 10, but that won’t
stop Lolita Starr from shining brighter than
ever before.
What’s Pride in NYC feeling like for
you this year?
Pride for me is always an exciting time because
it reminds me of the joy it brings to
me and so many others in the community.
For some of us, we only have
each other, and Pride is that time
to celebrate our individuality and
show the tenacity of our queerness.
So to me, this year feels
like love and community.
How would you describe your
drag style in three words?
Hyperfeminine, edgy, and sexy.
What’s been one of your favorite
nightlife memories lately?
One of my favorite nightlife
memories has been working with
Shequida Hall for her Balcon
Rouge show. I had a five-month
run, and it was one of the best
experiences I’ve ever had. It
gave me a real taste of nightlife
and what it means to be a
working girl. I learned so much
from Shequida about professionalism,
and I applied everything
I learned to my drag. It really
helped me navigate my way
through nightlife.
What keeps you inspired to
keep performing in New York?
What keeps me inspired is the
passion I have for drag. For
me, it’s about wanting to grow
as an entertainer and artist and
pushing my limits to become the
best version of myself. I’ve found
amazing friends in nightlife and
have been given amazing opportunities
like this one. I don’t think
I would be where I am if I hadn’t
put fear aside and stepped onto
NYC nightlife stages.

Mariyea
Miss Bushwig 2025
IG: @mariyeaaaa
Photocredit: @alexisshootss
Edited by @itslolowrld
You balance both acting
and drag. How do these two
creative worlds inspire each
other for you?
I would describe my drag
performance style as an actor
who moves well. I approach
each performance with the
goal of embodying the mood
or emotion of the song. Telling
the story if you will. In turn, my
performances as a drag artist
have contributed to my growth
as an actor. I find myself more
intentional, bold and confident
in the choices I make on stage
or in film. Both of these art
forms have a big influence on
each other when it comes to
my work.
What’s been the most rewarding
part of building a career
both inside and outside of
nightlife?
The most rewarding part of
building my career has definitely
been the opportunities I’ve been
blessed to experience. My work
in nightlife has allowed me to
accomplish many of my dreams.
From movie to television appearances
and opening for pop stars,
I’ve accomplished things I
thought would take years, and
I’m just getting started. The relationships
and connections I have
been able to foster through my
work are among my biggest joys.
Bushwig celebrates artists
who push boundaries. How
do you think you reflect that
energy?
As the reigning Miss Bushwig, I
find it a huge honor to know that
my work pushes boundaries. For
me, I think that exists through
the multiple intersections in
which I present any of my work.
I am a black trans woman, who
is also an actress, entertainer
and educator. In addition, I am
beautiful, fly, hot and sexy. My
work is about combining every
aspect of my identity and personhood
into one well constructed
performance. I don’t push the
boundary, I shatter it every time I
touch a stage.
What’s next for Mariyea - in
drag, acting or beyond?
The next thing for Mariyea is
continuing my work on a greater
scale. Larger audiences, bigger
stages, grander opportunities
and a lot more fun and joy
through it all!

How has life changed since
becoming Miss Paradise?
Becoming Miss Paradise has widened
my connections to so many
performers and venues! Working
with new performers every week
has been an amazing adventure.
I’ve definitely become a busy bee,
but I’m so grateful for it!
What does that title mean to you
personally?
I fought for the title of Miss Paradise
three years in a row, and the third
time was the charm. The title
ultimately meant joining a staff
and former titleholders who have
become family over the years.
Vanity
LaVain
Miss Paradise 2025
IG: @thevanitylavain
Photocredit: @jonas.visions
In just a short amount of time, this
powerhouse entertainer has made a
name for herself all over the tri-state
area and is now continuing the legacy
of an iconic crown.
What’s your favorite part about
performing in queer nightlife?
My favorite part is watching and
feeling the power of a drag performer
and how it affects an audience
in a bar, club or anywhere else.
A drag performer creates a place
and a moment to escape from the
outside world. It’s my job to bring
people joy.
What’s one thing you want
people to feel when they see you
perform?
When people see me perform, I
want them to feel love and attention.
When I grab a dollar, I make
sure to share a small moment with
each person because everyone
deserves a little
glimmer of love and attention.

Show-
Ponii
Final Diva Cycle 1
IG: @showponii
Photocredit: @seekaxiom
What’s your approach when putting
together your package for the competition?
I wanted to showcase and elevate who I
am as a performer. Every time I do any
competition, I go in with the mind set to
sell myself to the audience. I always want
to showcase why I’m good, why kings are
good and should not be overlooked and
that we are also fierce competitors. I took
references from my favorite horror icons
that have influenced my drag and me as a
person, along with my number being very
centered around my experience as a trans
person and the difficulty I
faced navigating the scene as a gay trans
man.
What’s been one of your favorite moments
in drag so far?
Some of my favorite moments in drag are
definitely winning Best King and winning
Final Diva and seeing all my friends and
family there to support me.
What does “First Final
Diva” mean to you?
First Final Diva to me as a
king is very special as no
kings have won Diva, let
alone made it to the top. I
wanted to prove to myself
and showcase that kings
are fierce competitors and
deserve the limelight and I
adore all my drag brothers
that killed it before me and
I definitely could not have
gotten to the top if not for
them and all their help.
Truly anything where I get
to be surrounded by my
drag family is always a
cherished memory for me,
whether it’s doing shows
together or supporting
each other’s endeavors.
Who would you like to
see compete in the next
Final Diva?
I would love to see more
kings and things in the
next Final Diva, like Xana
Whoria, but two queens
I would love are my drag
sister, Venus Babes,
and of course, C’etait
BonTemps. They would
absolutely kill a horror
themed competition.

What does being Miss Fire
Island mean to you?
It’s a big step for me and a milestone
for my Latino community.
I’m really happy and excited to
reign and show everyone all
sides of myself.
How would you describe your
drag aesthetic?
Classic, Latina, pageant queen,
competitive and always ready to
help everyone
Aside from Miss Fire Island,
you’re also the current titleholder
of another crown. Tell
me more about it — and how
many crowns do you have in
total?
In total, I have 14 crowns. I
recently traveled and represented
the USA for Miss Turismo
Universo XL and brought the
crown home. Less than two
weeks later — and super
scared — I joined the Miss Fire
Island pageant and became
the 59th queen of the world’s
longest-running drag pageant,
according to the Guinness
World Records.I’m also Miss
Dominican Republic Universo
Latina USA Plus, and the final
night of that national competition
will be in Washington, D.C.,
this October.
Sophya
Medina
Miss Fire Island 2025
IG: @sophyamedina
Photocredit: @jonas.visions
With Fire Island’s peak season
among us, this reigning queen
is excited to give it her all before
stepping down in August.
What’s queer joy to you right
now?
Queer joy, to me, is the feeling
of being fully seen without
needing to shrink, translate or
apologize. It’s not only happiness
— it’s relief, freedom, play,
intimacy, resilience and self-expression
all tangled together.

Myster E
Mel Kiki
Mr Bushwig 2024
IG: @myster_e_mel Photocredit: @koo.rah
Do you feel like drag kings are finally getting
the visibility they deserve in
nightlife and media?
Ever since I started doing drag in 2018, I’ve
seen a huge shift in how visible drag kings have
become in nightlife and media by 2026. In 2022, I
won Best Drag King at the Glam Awards after the
category had been gone for over 20 years, which
felt pretty surreal.
Then, in 2024, Bushwig named me the very first
Mr. Bushwig. And thanks to Dragula, more people
finally got to see just how creative and impactful
drag kings are within the art form. Landon Cider’s
big season win was such a major moment, and
Tenderoni winning DQOTY really showed the
range and talent that exists in the drag king
community.
Last year also brought the first-ever drag king reality
competition series on Revry TV, which was a
huge milestone for the community. Watching King
Molasses take the crown was honestly incredible.
Even though drag kings are getting a lot more
visibility now, I still think there’s a long way to
go. A lot of performers are still fighting for equal
billing, fair pay and more recognition in different
spaces. There are so many amazing drag kings,
trans masculine performers and gender-expansive
artists who deserve the same mainstream
opportunities that other types of drag have had
for years. The progress so far has been exciting
and meaningful, but there’s still plenty of work to
do before visibility turns into real equity.
What do you hope the future of drag kings
looks like in the next few years?
I truly hope for continued success for all drag
kings. In the next few years, I hope to see much
more representation across the board, both in
mainstream media and within local communities.
I’d love for drag kings to have more
consistent opportunities to perform
and be celebrated, with weekly drag
king shows becoming the norm
instead of just monthly events.
What does it mean to you to be
seen as a role model for queer and
trans performers who don’t always
see themselves represented on
stage?
It means a lot, because representation
can change what someone believes
is possible for themselves. For queer
and trans performers, especially those
who grew up rarely seeing people like
them centered on stage, visibility isn’t
just symbolic — it can be affirming,
empowering and sometimes even lifesaving.
I don’t see being a role model
as being perfect. I see it as being
honest, showing up fully as yourself,
and making space for other people
to do the same. If someone watches
a performance and feels a little more
confident in their identity, a little less
alone, or more willing to pursue their
art without shrinking themselves, that’s
incredibly meaningful to me.

I also think it’s important to recognize
that queer and trans artists have always
existed and shaped culture, even
when they weren’t acknowledged or
protected. So part of being visible now
is honoring that history while helping
create a future where the next generation
doesn’t have to fight quite so hard
just to be seen.
What’s something people still misunderstand
about drag kings and
the artistry behind it?
A big misunderstanding is that drag
kings are somehow the ‘less interesting’
side of drag, when in reality the
artistry is incredibly layered. People
often reduce it to ‘women dressing
as men,’ but great king performance
is about character work, storytelling,
physicality, musicality, fashion, comedy
and social commentary all at once.
Kings also play with masculinity in
ways audiences aren’t always used to
analyzing. We’re taught to scrutinize
femininity constantly, but masculinity
often goes unquestioned. Drag kings
expose how constructed masculinity
is — the swagger,
posture, ego, vulnerability, bravado —
and that can be funny, unsettling, sexy
or deeply emotional.
Another misconception is that drag
kings are automatically more ‘low effort’
because the makeup can look different
from high-glam drag. But creating believable
facial hair, reshaping the body
silhouette, building a stage persona
and performing masculinity convincingly
takes a huge amount of skill and
intentionality. And honestly, some people
still expect drag to center only one
kind of queer performance. Kings, trans
masc performers, nonbinary artists and
gender-expansive performers have
always been part of drag history. The
scene gets richer when audiences stop
treating them like a niche side category
and start recognizing them as essential
artists in the culture.

BY EILEEN SHAPIRO
CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT
Photo Credit: C.S. Muncy
CARLOS ACOSTA
INSTAGRAM: @carlosacosta_official
Carlos Acosta is a self-described “storyteller”
with a knack for moving, emotional melodies
and lyrical content revolving around societal as
well as personal strife. He has been performing
his originals alongside favorite covers (including
a moody “Wicked Game” and searing,
angst driven “Mad World”) throughout the NYC
(and outer North Jersey/NYC) nightlife circuit
for over a decade. His first single, “Indescribable”,
was brought forth by the Brooklyn-based
indie feature film Glitterbaited (directed by
Cameron Cole), which jumpstarted this official
musical journey. His next single, “Wake Up”,
will be released on June 3rd , with a video
premiere event at the legendary Stonewall Inn
on June 10th, to kick off NYC Pride! Part of the
“Wake Up” video was also filmed at Stonewall
and co-directed by Dylan Mars Greenberg.
Under the neon
glow of history and
rebellion, Carlos
Acosta is preparing
to make a powerful
statement with the
release of his new
single and music
video “Wake Up,”
premiering June
10 at the legendary
Stonewall Inn. More
than a song, “Wake
Up” is a deeply
personal love letter
to the LGBTQ+ community,
the stories
that shaped it and
the humanity that
continues to unite it.

year. How does “Wake Up” reflect your growth or
evolution since that debut?
“Indescribable” was a more introverted song.
It was focused on my internal emotions overcoming
heartbreak. I wanted it to be intimate,
as if I was singing to you with my guitar and
baring my emotions. With “Wake Up”, there’s
a more central focus, a sense of movement
and a clear direction that I’m taking you on a
journey…and that I have something to say.
INTERVIEW >>>
Your new single, “Wake Up”, is tied closely to
Pride and your upcoming video premiere event at
Stonewall. What message are you hoping people
take away from both the song and the setting?
I want people to remember the history. I
want our community to cherish the stories
that came before us and to search for them
through art. Art and music are a constant
reminder of our humanity. Stonewall is that
and that’s what the song represents. This isn’t
about politics, but rather about humanity.
Balancing your work at Stonewall with your
music career is unique. How do those two worlds
intersect and inspire each other in your creative
process?
The lyrics of “Wake Up” are about all the stories
I’ve heard from all the queer people that
I’ve come across.
There really is no balance. The imbalance is
what inspires it all. It comes raw and ugly and
complicated…nonstop work and balancing
your personal life with your passions…I just
want to convey stories that connect with people
and help others the way art/music always
has and continues to inspire, guide and enrich
me.
Part of the video was filmed at Stonewall, which
carries deep cultural and historical significance.
How did that influence the tone and storytelling of
the video?
Filming at Stonewall was significantly
important. It’s my love letter to the Stonewall
establishment, the staff and ownership, and
to the rich history that exists because of it. My
own liberation is directly tied to the Stonewall,
and the countless stories of the people I’ve
met working there make it a part of my life’s
work (to spread a sense of community) and
what I will take with me in my life.
This marks a major moment with your June
release and premiere. How has your journey as
an artist led you to this point?
I’ve had to learn patience and not comparing
my journey with anyone else’s. Seeing
how much content people release can be so
intimidating. I want to take my time and tell my
stories through art and music, and I’ve had to
learn how not to rush through it but enjoy the
ride. That’s usually where the heart of the art
lies…in the nuance. It’s easy to forget how to
stop and take the small moments in.
You released your first song and video earlier this

photos / GET OUT! MAGAZINE >> GETOUTMAG.COM
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BY MIKE TODD
DJ Chauncey
Dandridge is
known for bringing excitement,
personality and nonstop energy
to the nightlife scene. With an
incredible ear for music and a
talent for reading the crowd, he
creates memorable nights filled
with dance classics, feel-good
anthems and high-energy entertainment
that keeps audiences
coming back for more.
Don’t miss Madonna Worship Night: Safety In Numbers
Edition on June 13th @ Red Eye NY.
Follow @madonnaworship for more info.
INTERVIEW >>>
What inspired you to start
hosting Madonna Worship
nights?
It all started back in 2009.
I was hosting a monthly
party called Beetlejuice
at Nowhere Bar featuring
music strictly from the late
‘80s and early ‘90s. When
August came around, I decided
to dedicate the entire
night to Madonna and it
became an annual tradition
to celebrate her during her
birthday month. That was
the first, and I don’t know if I
came up with the “Madonna
Worship” title yet, but it definitely
christened this part of
my legacy. This year will be
the 18th Annual Madonna
Worship Night at 3 Dollar
Bill on Saturday, August 1st!
I’ve also brought the party to
Lisbon during her Madame
X Tour and Denver, Fort
Lauderdale, Austin, Houston
and Fire Island during her
Celebration Tour. I’ve also
got a Confessions II/Pride
party coming up at RedEye
on June 13th. It’s grown in
size and spirit and I’m not
a one-man show anymore.
My cohort, Michele Ruiz,
helps produce the events
we do in NYC and keeps
me sane as stage mother
the night of the party and
being the promo bitch while
I’m DJing. I always force
her up on stage at some
point of the night to get her
flowers from the crowd.
Why do you think Madonna’s
music continues to
connect with LGBTQ+
audiences across generations?
Her music has always been
about freedom, unapologetic
expression, defying
convention and celebrating
the things that are taboo in
society. Her songs have
soundtracked much of the
struggles of the LGBTQ+
community as well as victories.
It just makes sense.
What’s the one Madonna
track that always fills the
dance floor instantly?
Good question! Depends
on the party and venue, but
“Into The Groove”, “Vogue”,
“Hung Up” and now “Bring
Your Love” definitely get the
crowd motivated to dance.
How would you describe
the vibe of your Madonna
nights to someone who’s
never attended?
The room is filled with longtime
fans, as well as new
fans. It really is a mixture
of several generations, all
there for the same reason:
to worship the Queen of
Pop.

You can definitely expect all
the hits in their original or
remixed incarnation, but I
definitely love to inject some
rarities and B-sides that you
probably won’t hear at most
other Madonna-themed
soirees. I curate performances
featuring local NYC talent
and we always try to mix it
up with crowd pleasers and
button pushing performances
of songs you wouldn’t expect.
There’s live singing, drag
queens and kings and things,
and burlesque too!
Do fans come dressed in
Madonna-inspired looks
from different eras?
Most people tend to show
off their favorite Madonna
T-shirts, but there’s definitely
a high percentage of people
getting really creative recreating
iconic looks from her vast
career. It’s so fantastic what
people come up with and I’m
looking forward to what they
serve this year with a new era
unfolding.
Which Madonna tour or
era has influenced your DJ
style the most?
I started DJing professionally
in 2002, so the American Life
and Confessions on a Dance
Floor albums were fresh then
and I loved playing all those
remixes, but when I was
younger and CD maxi singles
were the norm, I would listen
to her remixes over and over
for songs like “Who’s That
Girl?”, “Express Yourself”,
“Vogue”, “Rescue Me”, “Secret”,
“Human Nature”, “Bedtime
Story” and “Die Another
Day”. She always tapped into
the club underground sound
and hired some of the most
prolific remixers out there.
The nonstop flow of the first
Confessions album and the
gorgeous tour that accompanied
it definitely inspired me
and still does.
What’s your personal favorite
deep-cut Madonna song
to play live?
I don’t know if it’s considered
a deep cut because it was on
The Immaculate Collection
but “Rescue Me” will always
be my favorite Madonna track
to play live.
How do you balance classic
hits with remixes and
newer sounds during the
night?
You can go down an
extravagant rabbit hole on
the Internet searching for fanmade
remixes of classic hits.
I definitely love playing album
versions of her classics, but
sometimes a fresh remix
invigorates the dance floor.
It’s always nice to surprise
the crowd with a newer song
blending into a rare deep
cut. I’ve been a fan since the
beginning, so I know her catalog
really well. It’s so much
fun to dive into over 40 years
of music to play. There’s no
need to ever repeat a song
during a party because she
has so many to choose from.
Have you ever had a
memorable celebrity or
unexpected guest at one of
your events?
At my first Madonna Worship
Night at Stonewall in 2014,
Kevin Stea (one of her dancers
on the Blond Ambition
Tour) performed “Cherish”
with a violinist. The night and
his performance were featured
in the “Strike A Pose”
documentary about all of her
dancers from that tour.
Plus, the amazing Amanda
Lepore performed at one of
our Madonna Worship-adjacent
Madame X release
parties in 2019.
What’s the wildest crowd
reaction you’ve seen during
a Madonna set?
That’s a tough one. There
have been many. An
unexpected transition or a
deep cut favorite thrown in
has definitely revved up the
crowd, but I think just watching
everyone do the choreography
to one of her songs
is always wild to witness. A
whole dance floor doing the
disco moves to “Hung Up” is
a moment!
What role do themed nightlife
events like this play
in keeping queer nightlife
culture alive in NYC?
I think people love a theme.
It creates a purpose and it
has such a campiness that
queer nightlife thrives on.
There’s something really
powerful to be said about a
room full of people that all
have a love for Madonna in
common.

It’s electric and warms my
heart to see the older fans
that might not go out as
much feel that joy dancing
alongside some younger
fan that just discovered her
a few years ago.
Which Madonna song
best represents New
York City nightlife
energy?
I think that song will
always be “Vogue”. It just
encapsulates the uniqueness
of New York City and
pushed a legendary queer
art form and attitude into
the faces of America. New
Yorkers are strong, smart
and sassy and the song
is in your face, fierce and
iconic…just like NYC.
If Madonna herself
walked into one of your
parties, what song would
you play first?
I had the greatest privilege
of DJing New Year’s Eve
2019 at the Stonewall
Inn. That night, she made
a ‘surprise’ appearance
to welcome in the 50th
Anniversary of the Stonewall
riots. When I knew
she was in the building,
I did play the legendary
Shep Pettibone remix of
“Into The Groove”. If she
walked into one of my own
parties, I think I would play
“Rescue Me” to convince
her to dust it off for her
next tour. It is one of
the songs she has never
performed live completely
and it’s long overdue for its
day in the spotlight!
Are there any special
visuals, dancers, or performances
incorporated
into the experience?
I create most of the visuals
from performances and
her music videos and tour
backdrops. We always
have a mixture of live singers,
drag and burlesque
performances to spice up
the night.
How has the nightlife
scene changed since
you first started DJing?
When I started, I used to
play CDs. iPods were
not that popular yet and
streaming music did not
exist yet. People had
to wait for an album to
come out physically and
could only really play it at
home. People had to be
patient. Nowadays, any
song anyone wants to
hear is pretty much at their
fingertips on their mobile
device. It’s made people
a little selfish in what they
want to hear and I’ve noticed
people would rather
hear the original version
opposed to a remix. I love
finding unusual remixes
of old school songs and
mix them in with all the
new music that comes
out today. It keeps me
entertained and keeps the
audience guessing.
What advice would you
give young LGBTQ+
DJs trying to break into
nightlife?
My advice would be to
stick to your guns.
You definitely have to compromise
a little to get your gigs, of course,
but figure out your style and the
types of songs and sound you
want to deliver and dive in. Learn
your music history and listen to
disco, new wave, classic house,
techno and R&B. You’ll start to
notice where a lot of the current
releases have borrowed from and
it will eventually make your sets
more dynamic and special.
Finally — in one sentence —
what does Madonna mean to
you personally?
Madonna means fighting for what
you believe in, taking the road
less traveled, always being hungry
for things to inspire you, all while
being a little bit of a bitch to get
what you want.
If you made a top 10 Madonna
list, what would it be?
I’ll do my best to give you my
favorite 10 dance tracks because
ballads and mid-tempo songs need
their own list, haha.
MADONNA
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
RESCUE ME
GET TOGETHER
I’M ADDICTED
BEDTIME STORY
VOGUE
EXPRESS YOURSELF
WHY’S IT SO HARD
THINK OF ME
SPOTLIGHT
EVERYBODY