Xtravagant Orange is the New Black actor, No Parking alum and February Bar Babe Marcos “Jungi” Palma! [Cover photo: Dillon B Wright]
Bar that I work at: Industry Bar (355 w 52nd)
How long I’ve worked there: Started 2017 -2018, came back after COVID Summer 2021
What are my shifts: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10pm
What makes this bar great: I love that this bar has been going strong for the past 13 years. It has become, along with its sister bar Barracuda ( 275 w 22nd), a staple in the gay community. Everyone seems to know about our bar–from around the world, even. I’ve talked to people from many countries who say it’s their first time in NY, and their friends told them to come here first. I even went to Tokyo in 2018, and met people out there that had either heard of or have been to Industry Bar. I thought that was really cool! Plus, the bar’s dedication and support of drag queens and the community by providing a fun, safe space is awesome. But, the best part is working with people who are also your friends. I love that I work and party hard with these guys. I get to work side by side with my bestfriend Jeffrey, and we all even do trips to Atlantic City together. That’s pretty damn cool.
Best drink I make: A Black Raspberry Margarita w/ Chambord and a splash of soda.
I love it when customers: Say goodbye to me when they leave, even better when they remember my name. Makes me feel like I’ve created a positive experience for them. And maybe they’ll want to come back for that experience. A lot of my regulars have actually become friends and people I hang out with.
I hate it when customers: Ask for a “strong” Long Island Iced Tea – like, really gurlll?LOL!
Craziest thing I’ve seen here: Drag queen swinging from the ceiling also known as Holly Dae
Other places I’ve worked: A lot. From No Parking to the Pines, even a French bar where I learned a lot about wines.
My hometown: Bronx New York Babyyyy!
Stuff I do when I’m not bartending: I’ve been a member of the House of Xtravganza for 15+ years; they have been my chosen family. I’m also a huge video gamer. I can spend hours home just playing my PS5, lol. Favorite game: Last of Us. Current game: God of War: Ragnarok.
Single or Taken: I’m in between relationships
Who/what turns me on: Honesty–people that have the courage to be honest. Someone I can spend quality time with. And if you can cook, lol!
Favorite music: listen to “Discotraxx” by Ladytron to get an idea. Also, anything by Peaches or Robyn.
Favorite movie or TV show: Soapdish / Golden Girls
Favorite drag queen: Monet X Change, Kizha Carr, Inita D, Holly Dae, Pixie Aventura, and the beautiful Pattaya Hart
My drag name would be: Gina VanGyna
Favorite gogo boy: Corey Evans
Favorite DJ: Nesto, Honey Dijon, Tom Stephan, Phil Pagan
Other stuff you need to know about me: I’m a trained actor; that’s my passion. I’ve thankfully been fortunate enough to have booked some great roles on award winning shows including Law & Order, NCIS New Orleans and one of my favorite roles to date on Orange is the New Black, playing Miguel Rosado ( Season 5, episode 10 )
Follow me on: Instagram, Facebook and IMDb
Tip me at: Industry Bar, LOL
Thotyssey 