A star of the ballroom and kiki scenes and the subject of an important documentary, Gia Love continues to shine positive light onto the lives of her trans sisters and all people. And she just dropped a killer new summer track as well! [Cover photo: James Smith]
Thotyssey: Hi, Gia! How’s the month treating you?
Gia Love: May has moved so quick. The summer is calling my name; I am so excited for summer 2025.
It’s going to be epic. We already have an anthem for the season: “The Agenda!” That’s a super fun, very ballroom ready dance track you dropped a few months ago. How long have you been putting our music, and have you always been musical at heart?
Ayeeeee! I started putting music out last year. I felt the need to contribute something new to the world. I wasn’t feeling my best, and I wanted to practice letting go in a new way.
I always had a lil’ beat in me. My mother brought me a karaoke machine for Christmas one year. I enjoyed performing and being center stage as a kid. Music has been a great way for me to showcase my power, and to tell my story.
You are a native New Yorker who is well known in the ballroom / Kiki community, and a frequent winner of the Realness category. How did you discover that world, and what about it appealed to you?
I met my first gay mom in debate camp. She brought me out! I started out by going to the village and HMI with all the girls. But it wasn’t until I met my sister Jonovia that I decided to walk and compete. It was nice to have support; I was attracted to seeing people like me share space in a dignified way. The girls were fab, just like me. I knew I found a home in community.
You mothered a House of your own for a time: Juicy! What was that experience like? I imagine it was a lot of work. But having a debate background must’ve helped you defend and advocate for your fam… and keep the kids in line, lol!
Absolutely–I definitely brought a different energy to house. I didn’t play about my kids. When your house has set the standard for the competition, it comes with great responsibility when you’re a leader. I believed in pushing the standards that we created through competition excellence.
In 2016 (the first year of Trumpiness), you appeared in a doc called Kiki which detailed queer POC youth finding joy and community within the kiki scene–a more youth oriented, less competition-driven faction of ballroom. Was it very intense to have your formative years documented like that, and did it totally change your life?
Sometimes it’s a ki to look back at the film, but its also fab to be able to have the film as a reference. You have to remember where you came from. Since Kiki I’ve been in a lot of public-facing projects. Kiki is foundational in my work as an artist and community organizer.
I was wondering if you were still active with ballroom at all, as far as showcases and competitions?
Im a rebel; I do my own thing. I am Gia Love Juicy Allure. I hope that answers the question, lol.
Absolutely!
The Celebration of Black Trans Women Cookout (CBTWC) is an important event that you created, and you are currently crowdfunding for this year’s edition (anticipated for this July). What can you tell us about the origins and purpose of CBTWC?
During the pandemic, the conversations about black trans women were focused on death and violence. I wanted to respond to that to uplift community; I started the cookout to make space for joy, celebration, and liberation. It was supposed to be a one and done event. However, after the first event I saw how necessary it was for black trans women and the larger community to have spaces like this. This is years cookout is in collaboration with the Angleito Collective. People should expect a carry. We are going to have a good time.
On May 31st, you’ll be appearing at an event at H0L0 called “What’s Your Sound” with DJs Byrell The Great, Broodoo Ramses, Pressure Point, Mecca Nyc, Daniro and Blaize! What can you tell us about this?
Its a family affair. I love a black queer ponderosa. You are going to experience storytelling through music. All of the DJs on the lineup tear it. I’m looking foward to this night, but I’m trying to figure out what ima wear. We shall see!
And this is really cool… you and Jazell Barbie Royale will be hosting the Fem Queen Honors at the Apollo Theater on June 19, celebrating some fantastic honorees who represent “the legacy of Fem Queens and their contributions to Ballroom Culture!”
My sister Jonovia and Big Mama Shamari have done an exceptional job organizing this event. Im excited to share the stage with the barbie Jazell Royale. That’s a fab lady.
Looking ahead to August 23rd at the Brooklyn Paramount: Mutha! It looks like you will be emceeing a showcase of incredible acts including Ludmilla, Cupcakke, Junglepussy, Mykki Blanco and Cakes Da Killa! How amazing will that be?
The lineup is insane, and I am hosting. I cant wait to see everyone bring it.
Anything else coming up for you that you want to plug, or anything at all you wanna mention?
Every Wednesday, Black Trans Liberation Kitchen hosts community fellowship. Support the movement!
And finally: who or what musical artist or song are you listening to non-stop these days?
Beyonce, Fantasia, Gia Love.
Thanks, Gia!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Gia Love’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and YouTube. Download and stream her music on multiple platforms.
Thotyssey 