New episode of Thotyssey NYC & Red Eye Radio’s exclusive nightlife gossip / news podcast “Thotlight” hosted by Jim Silvestri & Freddie Cosmo out now, available on all major streaming platforms!
A little Oscar talk and some weekly nightlife recounting from Jim and Freddie!
Then it’s time to converse with one of NYC nightlife’s biggest crossover stars: from Drag Race Season 9, Broadway’s Head Over Heels, POSE and more: the amazing Peppermint! We talk about the weird political drag landscape and who should be speaking up at this moment, changing trends in drag and Drag Race, music and touring and her new YouTube show, Janet Jackson love, Los Angeles hate, her legacy, very important advice to new queens and so much more!
In the news: a new venue in Asbury Park came in hard and closed before it opened; The Advocate discusses the nuance of queer consent while name dropping the Eagle; RIP Eugene Edo.
MONSTER: [upstairs] live music (3:30pm); [downstairs] Disco tea dance (4pm); [upstairs] Pianist Dan Daly (5pm); [upstairs] Pianist Kenny Allan Smith (10pm); [downstairs]FiFi DuBois & Brenda Dharling (11pm)
PURGATORY: “Drag Out Loud” feat. Anson Reign with CryBaby, Kathryn Kirk, KiKi Bootz, Lena Horné, Leo Moon, Mascari, Mx. Signals, Peach Fuzz, Sam Bam Thankyoumaam, Sir Dallan G, Stevie Dicks & Taranee Mars (7:30pm)
Want to unwind on Sundays after brunch with drinks and music and drag, not pay a fortune and still be home by Grown Folks Time? Cum to PLAYTHINGZ, an new Sunday daytime dance party (3-7pm) at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, with pop up shows from some of New York drag’s hottest new stars, care of Thotyssey NYC & Phil Chanel! Get all the deets here.
RISE: House of Love Beverages presents “Lip Sync For Your life” hosted by Shuga Cain (7pm); Drag Race / Zeta Jones (8pm); DJ dance party with Lexington Banks (11pm)
Want to unwind on Sundays after brunch with drinks and music and drag, not pay a fortune and still be home by Grown Folks Time? Cum to PLAYTHINGZ, an new Sunday daytime dance party (3-7pm) at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, with pop up shows from some of New York drag’s hottest new stars, care of Thotyssey NYC & Phil Chanel! Get all the deets here.
FEATHERS: Kristy Blaze with Carmella, Laura Martinez, Madison Katar & Sapphire D’Dior (11:30pm)
Want to unwind on Sundays after brunch with drinks and music and drag, not pay a fortune and still be home by Grown Folks Time? Cum to PLAYTHINGZ, an new Sunday daytime dance party (3-7pm) at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, with pop up shows from some of New York drag’s hottest new stars, care of Thotyssey NYC & Phil Chanel! Get all the deets here.
Model, photographer, designer, stylist, promoter and super-scary-sexy (but sweet) club kid Airik Prince has clawed his way to the top of the nightlife food chain… and we’re here for it!
Thotyssey: Hello Airik! How’s your March?
Airik Prince: Hey! My March has been pretty busy but fun so far… I’m actually in a car on my way to style a photoshoot right now, and then tonight I’m having a house party for my birthday (which is actually on Wednesday)!
Happy Birthday! You do it all: you’re a photographer and stylist, you host and produce events, and you’re a model and club kid!You must be constantly having to balance, work, art, fun and life… is that ever tricky?
My schedule is very chaotic, but I like it that way. Creating art has been my passion since I was a child–so even when a lot of work goes into it, it’s extremely rewarding for me. It also helps that most of my close friends are also creatives, or work in nightlife, too (whether they are DJs, drag queens, or hosts). So my art, work, and life are so intertwined at this point that I’m usually always in good company and having fun!
Scrolling your Insta, I’m of course living for a good romper laundromat moment… but I must also give props to those wolverine claws with the leather looks! Hot! Where did you get those, and do you have to be constantly mindful that you’re wearing them?
The claws are actually from a Freddy Krueger Halloween costume; I bought them one year when I dressed up as Edward Scissorhands and customized them a bit. That was one of my favorite looks I ever did, so I’ll still bust them out now and then with my leather looks. Except now I only wear one on my bad hand, so I can still use my phone. I don’t mean any harm!
Tell us a bit, if you will, about where you’re from, and what sort of arts you were originally pursuing while growing up!
I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, and then in middle school I moved to a town called Flemington about an hour away… but it was very different there. The good thing was there were a lot of strong art music programs, so I became involved in almost all of them. I was never a studious kid, but I was in all the accelerated art and music programs that you had to audition for. I played alto saxophone and xylophone as well.
And then it wasn’t until high school that I like started taking sewing classes, and stuff like that. I didn’t really know that I wanted to get into fashion design until senior year in high school—before that, I’d just draw girls in crazy outfits—but I didn’t know that was what I was going to be doing as a career.
How did you become involved in nightlife?
I was 18; I was at FIT living in the dorms, and I went out a lot with my friends. But we’d go out with party promoters to mostly straight clubs and venues: 1 Oak, Avenue, Dream. The promoters were gay as well, and I thought that was cool at the time: being in the straight club, the one table with gay privilege, serving looks. But now I host mostly at gay parties, which I prefer, of course.
I actually took a little hiatus before I really got into hosting all the gay parties, because like I said: I was working at a lot of these straight clubs. And even though they knew I was a gay promoter, [they would tell me] “you can bring your guys up in here, but you still have to have X amount of girls for every boy that comes in.” That got annoying.
So I took a little break, and then a few years later a friend was hosting a party. They needed help, and didn’t have a lot of people. He asked, “can you do this for me, and invite your friends?” And then I realize like, I literally bought your whole table–why am I not getting paid for this? So I slid into the producers’ DMs, and now I’m hosting everything. It seemed like once my name was on that one gay party flyer, everyone started reaching out to me to host everything. It went from one weekly party to four or five weekly.
I saw a recent shot you took of your fellow club hostess Linux for Paper Magazine. You styled her, too. Gorg!
Thank you so much. Linux is a star, I love working with her. Something a lot of people don’t know is she’s actually my oldest friend in NYC! We met in an online video chatroom when I was in high school, and she was a middle schooler in Wisconsin. We were constantly sharing our crazy visions with each other, so it’s super special working together now, and seeing a lot of those things coming to life.
So a formerly local party producer Mother Monica (once known as Monica Blewinsky) is headed back to NYC from her newer hometown Miami for some big parties this weekend which you’ll be partaking in! We’ve got Thursday’s “Zonaroza: Perreo del Futuro” at 3 Dollar Bill, and Saturday’s “Wet Dream“ at the Dream Hotel’s Fishbowl!
Those parties are definitely gonna be a lot of fun. Monica and I got really cool with each other when I was living in Miami for a year; she has this really awesome warehouse space, and is always finding the coolest venues for parties and stuff. So yeah, I’m really excited about these things. They’re bringing all of the Miami party hosts and queens, and it’s gonna be this really fun collab between Miami in New York. And one thing about Miami is: they know how to party out there.
What else is coming up for you?
I’m hosting Hush’s “Friction Fridays.” And I don’t know, Sunday maybe I’ll go to “Battle Hymn” if I’m still standing by then; I love a Ladyfag party.
Outside of nightlife, come April I’m actually thinking about maybe getting out of here for a month or two. I’ve been talking to my boyfriend about it; if I can convince him to get away. I know I love to travel; I feel like I can work anywhere I go. So hopefully, we can go to Europe for two months; that would be really nice.
And finally, as a fashionista who is getting ready for summer wears… what do you not want to see the kids wearing this season, lol?
I do not want to see those godforsaken red Mischief boots. Oh my gosh, I’m sorry for anyone who likes them… but I can’t. My style is not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, so if you really like them… then go off!
A New York Gay Men’s Chorus tenor by night and a delightful drag diva by… other nights, Gigi St. Croix wants to know your sign!
Thotyssey: Hello Gigi! How’s March treating you so far?
Gigi St. Croix: March is good! It’s a busy month for me since I’m part of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and we have our concert next weekend… so, busy with that. And I’m putting together my monthly drag show, on top of all of my other grown up duties. But I like keeping myself busy. I’ve learned that I’m not good at sitting down.
Lots to talk about… but first off, any thoughts on the last episode of Drag Race if you saw it? The comedy from the duo challenges was mostly cringy across the board… but that last lip sync was exciting, right?
In a twist of fate, I ended up at Albatross to watch the episode because my internet went out. I’m so glad that happened though, because you want to be in a bar for a lip sync like that. People lost their minds! It was an honest battle right up there with Brooke Lynn/Yvie, Tatianna/Alyssa, and Sasha/Anetra. Marcia put up a fight, but Anetra won. But, yeah, the comedy challenge wasn’t what I’d deem a roaring success.
Totes! Have you tried to throw your wig into auditions for the show yet?
Yes, but not seriously, lol! I have an entrance and elimination line prepared.
If you will, tell us a bit about where you’re from. And have you always been a performer of some sort?
Of course. I’m originally from Colorado, and have lived in NYC for 14 years now. I’ve been performing my whole life. I’ve got that Musical Theatre BFA–like half this town, lol! But performing for an audience is just one of the greatest thrills to me. There’s nothing like making a room full of people laugh. Its addictive.
How did you discover the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus?
I’m not sure, to be honest! I definitely remember the classic Will & Graceepisode, but I feel like I had known about gay choruses in general. Denver has one as well, and I think I just thought every city had one (and most do). I joined back in 2015, and I’m glad I did. It’s a remarkable group.
The chorus is a truly massive group of singers! It must be a challenge to conduct you all, and for all of you to get to know each other.
Not gonna lie–my first rehearsal was quite intimidating. The reality is, everyone wants to make a friend; a connection. [That would make] striking up conversations easier; people want to get to know each other. I’ve been in leadership there (I’ve directed shows for them and was the Chorus Queen during Covid), and it’s certainly an opinionated and passionate group of folks. But that’s the beautiful thing about the Chorus: we come from many different backgrounds, identities, etc., and we’re able to come together to make something beautiful… and there’s poetry in that. We have a new Artistic Director, Johnny Atorino, and he’s doing a very tough job very well.
Do you have a certain voice type / range, and do you get to do solos in the Chorus?
I’m a Tenor. I have had a couple solos in my time, most notably in our Stonewall 50th anniversary concert at Carnegie Hall in 2019. I got to sing an original song by Ann Hampton Callaway for a sold out audience at Carnegie. Lorna Luft talked to me after. It was a pinch me moment! I don’t have any solos in this [upcoming] concert, but our soloists are exceptional. There is an immense amount of talent in that group!
Traditionally, veteran Chorus member Lily Putian has been responsible for “creating” drag queens in the chorus! Is that how Gigi got born?
Wow, you certainly know your chorus lore! That is not actually my story, however. The idea of me doing drag [came on] Halloween, back in college. I wanted to be a Cagelle from La Cage, so I ran to Hot Topic, got a corset and a wig, used my stage makeup kit… and a queen was born. I was a hit, and did it one other time later in college–but ended up getting rid of it all, and didn’t think I’d ever pick it back up.
Cut to a few years ago, my friend Sutton Lee Seymour (we go way back–she was there when Gigi was born) was doing a “drag virgin” show [at Albatross] and was like, “Why don’t you bring Gigi back out?” At first I was hesitant, so I used it as an opportunity to fundraise for the Chorus by basically making a bet that if I could reach a certain threshold, I’d do it. I hit the goal in 24 hours! I had a lot of fun, and decided to try to keep it going.
The Chorus, as you know, has a strong drag history within it–and I continued to grow and evolve there. In 2020, I was elected the Chorus Queen (essentially the social chair, finding opportunities for members to connect) and stayed in the role until 2022 because of Covid. When I handed over my crown, I wanted to find a way to keep Gigi alive. Not too long thereafter, I came up with the idea for my monthly show, “ZODIAQ.”
Tell us about ZODIAQ! That’s a monthly Tuesday affair you host at Albatross, which returns this week.
Yes! I just had this thought about a monthly drag show based on the Zodiac. I’ve always been fascinated with Astrology which is very queer and spiritual. I pitched the idea to Albatross and they loved it, so we’ve been going since Virgo back in September.
I also partner with my friend Paul Flanagan, who is an incredible astrologer and tarot reader. He also happens to be a performer as well, so we both do some numbers and have a guest drag artist each month who represents that sign. This month, for Pisces, we have Lena Horné… who I’m super excited about.
I pull inspiration based on who is of that sign (like doing Beyoncé for Virgo, of course) or something that represents the season. I also love to bake, so I make cupcakes each month–because it’s also a birthday celebration, right?
It’s just a evening of joy, celebration–and sometimes the astrological stuff gets deep. The whole room ends up with a deep spiritual connection by the end of the night. People tell me they feel a little healed when they go. It’s absolutely surpassed my expectations of what it could be.
My next show is this Tuesday, March 14. I’m also donating all of my tips to the ACLU, to help combat all of the anti-LGBTQ legislation happening across America. It’s honestly terrifying, and I want to do anything I can to help.
An amazing show for a wonderful cause! And the Chorus returns to NYU’s Skirball Center on March 17-19 for their new showcase: “Gay Cruise!” What can we expect this time around?
Well, “Cruise” is, of course, a double entendre. It’s all about the joys and trials of sailing, cruising, sex and dating in the gay world. We’re singing music from Lizzo, Beyoncé, Macy Gray, Robbie Williams, and even Rodgers and Hammerstein. It’s sexy. It’s funny. And it hits close to home in some beautiful ways. I can’t wait to share it with our audiences.
Anything else on the horizon?
Right now just focused on Chorus and ZODIAQ! I am cooking up something for later on in May, which I’ll be able to announce soon.
Can’t wait! Okay, to close: what’s your favorite thing about drag… and what’s your least favorite?
Oh gosh. Great question. I’d say my favorite thing about drag is that everyone gets to make it what they want it to be. Drag allows us to express a fantasy of ourselves, and as an audience we’re seeing the performer reveal that. Least favorite: the corsets and all the underpinnings!! Sometimes I’d rather just wear a smock and call it a day. But pain is beauty!
Ain’t that the truth! Thank you, Gigi!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Gigi St. Croix’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
New episode of Thotyssey NYC & Red Eye Radio’s exclusive nightlife gossip / news podcast “Thotlight” hosted by Jim Silvestri & Freddie Cosmo out now, available on all major streaming platforms!
Then it’s time for our Glam winning guest DJ P_A_T in the Thot Seat! We discuss his how things have changed for DJs since Covid, the state of music today, his sis Kim Petras, his Jersey and DJ origins, where the “Fake Nudes” hosts the Sterling sisters went, Q drama, fashion and more!
In the news: the two high profile fentanyl deaths in recent NYC gay bars have officially been rules as murders; NYC nightlife legend Kevin Aviance has been signed to Voss Management; is the modern high end cocktail movement ignoring queer spaces?; new TV spots for Viki Villainess & Robert Garcia; RIP Fie Island’s Bruce Michael.
MONSTER: [upstairs] live music (3:30pm); [downstairs] Disco tea dance (4pm); [upstairs] Pianist Dan Daly (5pm); [upstairs] Pianist Kenny Allan Smith (10pm); [downstairs]FiFi DuBois & Brenda Dharling (11pm)
Want to unwind on Sundays after brunch with drinks and music and drag, not pay a fortune and still be home by Grown Folks Time? Cum to PLAYTHINGZ, an new Sunday daytime dance party (3-7pm) at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, with pop up shows from some of New York drag’s hottest new stars, care of Thotyssey NYC & Phil Chanel! Get all the deets here.
Want to unwind on Sundays after brunch with drinks and music and drag, not pay a fortune and still be home by Grown Folks Time? Cum to PLAYTHINGZ, an new Sunday daytime dance party (3-7pm) at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, with pop up shows from some of New York drag’s hottest new stars, care of Thotyssey NYC & Phil Chanel! Get all the deets here.
Want to unwind on Sundays after brunch with drinks and music and drag, not pay a fortune and still be home by Grown Folks Time? Cum to PLAYTHINGZ, an new Sunday daytime dance party (3-7pm) at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, with pop up shows from some of New York drag’s hottest new stars, care of Thotyssey NYC & Phil Chanel! Get all the deets here.
The recent winner of a grounds breaking long-form drag competition, Xaddy Addy’s unique take on the artform is much in demand… even as the art form of drag itself is under attack.
Thotyssey: Hey Xaddy, how is March treating you so far?
Xaddy Addy: Hi there! This first week of March has already been a whirlwind as far as performing, but I’m feeling great… and so ready for the warmer weather.
You were just in an interesting looking production at The Tank last night called “Drag Me Into Longform.” What was that about?
It was an epic show. “Drag Me Into Longform” was an incredible month-long collaboration between various drag artists. The mission of the show was to allow us to have a ten minute chunk within a theatrical setting to explore our drag, but also get feedback and support from our fellow artists. My piece for the night was… scary, to say the least! But it was an experience that really allowed me to show how versatile I am as a performer.
Do you generally go for “Scary / Spooky” with your drag looks and numbers?
For a long time, I didn’t! It wasn’t until I got booked for a lot of spooky shows several months back that I had an interest in expanding my looks and my work. I wouldn’t say I go for scary looks or numbers regularly, but I definitely have a lot of ideas going onward that I’d be thrilled to do.
Tell us a bit of your origin story if you will! Where are you from, and were art and performing always a thing for you?
I’m from NYC, and have lived here for almost my whole life, mainly in Harlem! Growing up, I was a shy and bullied kid… so I didn’t really aspire to be a performer or be seen. My initial aspirations were to be a lawyer, of all things. I always loved art, fashion, music and dance, but it wasn’t until high school that I started to get out of my shell and immerse myself in the performing arts.
How did Xaddy get born?
Xaddy emerged in the midst of the pandemic lockdown. I had started going to drag shows shortly before and became very interested in the drag king and thing scene. But then I got Covid, things shut down, and I got sick to the point where I could have died.
Luckily, after a long recovery I started to evaluate the life I had lived before Covid. I was very much in a shell, and I resigned to the need of living my life to the fullest once and for all. It just so happened that during the lockdown, so many folks put on virtual shows. So I would attend, and while watching I’d start doing my makeup… then started creating looks and concepts. And eventually Xaddy Addy became born out of my desire to become my best and most authentic self.
Oh wow, what an amazing relief that you recovered from Covid! And, you are also the recent winner of the “Takes the Cake” drag king / thing competition hosted by The Cake Boys, belated congrats!
Thank you! “Takes The Cake” was amazing! I don’t want to brag, but it’s probably the best competition anyone could ever enter. I originally was being pressed to compete in 2021, but I still didn’t feel ready to go out on a big stage. So when the application came this time around, I felt I was ready to showcase who I was a drag performer. And it was an experience I’ll never forget! It was a lot of hard work, but the support I felt from my fellow competitors and the audience was immeasurable. I’m so grateful to have met The Cake Boys, and be a part of the broader legacy that they have created for drag things and kings. I had a blast, and was very much in disbelief when I won! I’m still pinching myself now.
Werk! Gender diversity is definitely becoming more prevalent in drag today, yet much still needs to be done to spread that expressive variance in venues. And yet while all that progress is being made, regressive steps are being taken in parts of the country to minimize all drag. It’s a pretty wild time to be a drag performer, isn’t it?
It is a wild time, and I know it’s a scary time for many as well. When it comes to progress venues can make for being more inclusive to drag artists such as myself, it’s definitely a given. And I think things like “Takes The Cake” and being an ambassador to a larger cause of inclusivity in the scene can help make that happen.
However, the introduction of anti-trans and anti-drag laws all throughout the country is something that’s gonna take so much more action to eradicate. This is a time where community, solidarity, and real time action are needed more than ever. The infringement on our right to live is more and more of a reality each day; it is my lifelong mission to always be an advocate for these issues, and make sure that my drag and queer community are as safe and supported as possible.
In the meantime, representation and supporting local drag goes a long way! One show where we can come and support you is Whoopsie “Wendesdays,” a bi-weekly experience at Purgatory that you co-host with [Unintelligible Screaming]! What’s that showcase like?
Whoopsie “Wendesdays” gives me so much queer trans joy, and we spread that energy and vibe all throughout the space. Our open stage is incredible, and I feel that Unintelligible and I are hosting some of the best queer and trans talent that Brooklyn has to offer! Whoopsie is such a great show because it doesn’t involve the judgement or worries of other open stages; everyone feels welcomed and encouraged when they come to our show, and the family that has been built around this show truly warms my heart. Unintelligible and I call ourselves “Mom and Xad,” and the crowd lives for the dynamic!
“Bussy Bingo” is another Brooklyn event you co-host; this one is every Thursday at Pink Metal, with Miss Bussy. That must be fun! And those bingo addicts do not fuck around, lol!
Oh, it’s so fun. My drag sister Miss Bussy and I have the time of our lives every Thursday night. And we definitely see a competitive edge when it comes to our attendees, because everyone wants to win! But it’s also fun because our game is not the usual bingo! It’s almost like chatting with your two NYC born-and-raised besties while possibly winning a free drink within the game! And, we also host an open stage after the game! So people get a 3-in-1 with our show: lots of Bussy bingo, drag shows from us, and an incredibly inclusive and welcoming open stage.
And this Friday night you’re back in Purgatory as a guest star for “Sylvester” starring Paris Alexander and Julie J, with many others on stage!
I know! I’m so excited to be back at Sylvester! When I first did Sylvester last year, I was soooo nervous. I’ll never forget getting to the venue and coming up to Julie J to say hi. She was just so warm to me, and made me feel validated in being in a show with legends like herself. It feels very full circle to be returning.
We’ll also be seeing you serving “Sex Change” at Purgatory on March 31st, where Brooklyn kings become queens and queens become kings for a special one night only experience!
I’m so excited about this show because I can finally make fun of the forced feminization I felt indoctrinated to as a child. But also it’s such a fun opportunity for all of us in the cast to explore a new persona and serve cunt. My “switch” persona is named Mommy Mistress, and trust me… she bites just as hard as Xaddy!
And this just in: on March 21st, you’ll be part of the tremendous drag cast of 3 Dollar Bill’s “Stand Up NYC,” which will serve all proceeds to the Tennessee ACLU in the wake of their ridiculous “drag ban.”
Have great shows! Lastly: What is your own favorite, go-to drag cosmetic product?
My go to cosmetic for drag is actually two products, because I couldn’t be Xaddy without them: Ben Nye’s Clown White, and the company’s colorless setting powder!
Thotyssey 