Thotyssey’s Jim Silvestri and co-host Freddie Cosmo present a weekly podcast taped live at Red NY discussing NYC queer nightlife news and gossip, featuring a new interview with a dynamic insider each week.
Freddie’s been DJ’ing (ho-ing) all over town, while Jim saw Once Upon a One More Time and a Drag Race viewing party in Brooklyn.
In the Thot Seat: drag star, TV personality and political activist Marti Cummings! They talk about recent experiences with GLAAD and the Drag Isn’t Dangerous telethon; the hazardous political climate and “anti-drag” movement; Tucker Carlson’s personal attacks on Marti and subsequent downfall; starting a political party in NYC that ultimately did the impossible; growing up in a rural town and their unique drag origins; going viral with a kid’s song and conservative backlash from that; the drag reality show they created & starred in; how the pain of losing an election led to an amazing TV opportunity; new gigs and a new podcast; dealing with anxiety; and their most personal show yet coming up this week at Joe’s Pub.
In the news: a TX lesbian bar is denied insurance after they hosted drag shows; Drag Race All-Stars8 premiered; Idina Menzel drops into a BK queer bar; results of the GLAAD Awards and Eurovision; DJ Magazine Awards nominees; social media is highlighting a local ballroom star’s performances on Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour.
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 (11pm)
THE BUSH: DJs Mellow Domingo & HoodBabyBlue (10pm)
BROOKLYN MUSIC KITCHEN: “Sultry Soiree” feat. Mizzaddy, Two In Love, Geneva Rust Orta, Madame Brassiere, Dominant Jeane, Goddess J. & Rita N. Wink (10pm)
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.
GEORGIE’S: Nikky Sky Blake with Lydia Famouz, Jemma Jackson Imperious & Angelique Imperious (10pm)
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.
A stunning performance pedigree and a recent “BitchFest” win make this dark demon of dance one to watch in Brooklyn and beyond: Vampy Von Thickums Galore![Cover photo: Evangeline]
Thotyssey: Hey Vampy, how are you enjoying May?
Vampy Von Thickums Galore: I’m feeling amazing; this month is such a whirlwind of amazing things. Today is so beautiful as well. How are you?
Great! Excited about new opportunities this season. You’ve been pretty “all over the place” lately, which is wonderful!
OMG yes! I feel so blessed and truly honored by everything that has been coming in, and the experiences I’m gaining… the lessons I’m learning. It’s everything I wished and strived for, with so much more to come.
I have been doing drag for eight months now; May 16th made eight months. I started on September, 16th, 2022.
So you’re basically a post-pandemic girl.
Yes I am! It was actually before the pandemic I tried to do drag (only lasting three days). I went by the name Thickums Galore; I was trying things out. At the time, I did not feel so sure of myself.
It wasn’t until after I broke up with my partner (back in July 2022) when I came to the realization of my capabilities, and the passion and fire that I have for drag. Come September, I went full throttle: I bought a wig, outfit, and heels, and I went on to enter “Open Call” at the Ritz hosted by Holly Dae and Stasi. I lip synced my favorite song “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay” (Thunderpuss Remix) by Whitney Houston and won.
So where are you from originally, and did you always have a performance or artistic background?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, specifically in Williamsburg (well before gentrification). And yes, I do have a performance background. I studied dance basically all my life: ballroom, ballet, modern, postmodern, contemporary, African, jazz (Fosse the Haus Down), tap. I feel lucky I was able to study at Ailey School / Paul Taylor; I went to LIU Brooklyn to Study for my BFA in Dance, with a minor in Music Studies and Pre-Physical Therapy. I was also lucky enough to study theater and movement therapy in high school and college.
How might you describe what your drag in general is like today, as far as looks and numbers go?
Very classic drag mixed with new age ideas and aesthetics. My looks range from dancer to glamour, from creative drag things to horror. After competing in La Zavaleta’s “BitchFest” for the month of January (and winning), I can confidently say I’m very versatile (in this instance). My numbers are driven by my passion and care for music. I listen to music every day. I’m always on Spotify, going through music of every genre and seeing what I like, what I feel, how can I present this artwork of music and create a physical / visual number that my audience can live in with me. What I love most with my numbers is the ability to create and say “thank you” to my audience for sharing this moment with me.
Yes, actually. Picture it: it’s the finale of BitchFest. It’s the top two, me and my dear friend MAUVE. We finish lip syncing to “Dream On” by Aerosmith. The winner is announced; I’m the winner of January. What made it so special was not the win, but that my fellow competitors Bertha Vanayshun, MAUVE, Xana Whoria, and Hot Messiah came to hug me and congratulate me as I lost myself on stage with so much emotion… and who is there but Sasha Velour! She’s someone who inspired my drag in the most Brooklyn creative fashion. I remember seeing her on Season 9 of Drag Race and being just in awe, and wanting to do that in my own way. Yet here we are, working it!
Lots of great stuff coming up for you, too! I see that Friday night you’ll be at Purgatory.
Yes! Martyr, another fabulous drag artist, is having their show called “Revelations,” a beautiful night of goth in all forms. I’ll be joining along with a stunning cast of open set ghouls to perform. I’m really happy that Martyr open their show up for an open set cast. It gives others that chance to showcase themselves and their art.
And later this weekend, you’ll be a brunch queen!
I’m excited! I’ll be performing in Freeda Kulo’s brunch on May 21st at Kween in Astoria.
And you’ll have a Sunday evening show as well.
That same day I’ll be at Good Judy for the first time with Brooklyn icon, legend, and someone who I love like a sister: Mocha, for her “Queen of the Month” club residency there.
And then, I see you’re premiering a recurring show of your very own next Sunday!
I have my own monthly debuting at Cantina in Bushwick called ” Haus Of Thickness.” It’s a show where (of course) everyone is welcome, a place where you can watch some fabulous drag performers, eat, and drink. For this opening I have Kekoa (my beautiful trans drag sis), Toxic Waste ( A steller AFAB performer), Manhatten Whiskey Brown (who is the resident of Cantina and a fab drag performer) and Piper (who I love near and dear, our permanent DJ and performer for Haus Of Thickness).
Haus Of Thickness will have its Thick Opening on May 28th from 8pm to 11pm, and will happen every fourth Sunday of the month. Again, everyone is welcome no matter their gender, size, color or age. At my show, hate has no place but out the door. And who knows… if you come in drag I might let you do a number, ’cause why not?
All excellent! Okay, here’s the last question: what’s your favorite thing about drag, and your least favorite?
Oooh, fabulous question! My favorite thing about drag that I love is the creativity–the willingness and passion it takes to become what you want in drag. It’s such a huge challenge that I love. I also love the family you make because of drag, and the way you find yourself through drag. Drag most certainly brings people together in so many ways. It’s incredible. In every way, drag saves lives. I can testify to that anytime.
The only thing I don’t appreciate with drag is the negative judgements that sometimes comes with it, due to people’s personal perception. My advice: do you, continue to grow, and carry on with love. I also have two sayings I would love to end with, and hope can enlighten someone: 1) “Not your circus, Not your monkey,” and 2) say this 20 times a day: “Every way, in every day, my life gets better and better.” Because it does.
FEATHERS: Jeannie Sol, Mya Carrera, Nickie Love & Gia Martinez D’Witshes (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.
Thotyssey presents a column by LeNair Xavier, a writer/poet who has worked in many levels of the sex industry, and has a lot to say about the social politics of sex, porn and sexual etiquette.
I learned I was HIV+ in the fall of 2007. And I honestly forget what year I became undetectable. Due to how I was given my confirmation that I tell in my Medium article “Was My HIV Confirmed In A Color of Care,” one thing I do definitely know is that whoever I had sex with since before becoming undetectable, I was totally into using condoms and honest with sex partners about my HIV status. However, once I became undetectable, I made my condom use be up to my sex partner. And the conversations about HIV status, I totally stopped initiating them like I did before.
What brought this change about?
Because with the advent of PrEP and the advances in HIV medications, I noticed that the conversations about status before an encounter had greatly lessened from my prospective playmates. And I mirrored that. Noticing that many of those who do initiate the conversation today are those who use the term “clean” as an attempt to feel sexually superior as I addressed in my article “Still Saying ‘Clean’ In 2017”. However overall, many don’t ask the question anymore. Of the many sex parties and backrooms I have been in attendance of, it is rare to see a condom used or requested.
SIDE NOTE: Of the few times condoms are used, it would be nice if many of those patrons would be more respectful of the venue and staff by putting the condom in the trash afterwards. Not being self-entitled jerks by throwing the condom on the floor to be cleaned up by venue’s staff afterwards. But I digress.
My becoming forgetful of my status to a point goes back to my history before I became HIV+.
As a single, very sexual man, I had (and still do have) many partners. When I was HIV-, I was always using condoms. I became HIV+ from 1 of the 2 rare encounters between my last negative reading and becoming positive in which I did not use a condom. One in which I topped where I followed my protocol of immediately washing off after a bareback encounter; while the other in which I bottomed. And I’m quite sure I became positive from the latter. Because of this, when I first learned that I had become HIV+, that status weighed on my mind. It weighed on my mind enough that if I was not asked, I at times brought up the topic myself. Or if a conversation about HIV and STIs in general just happened to come up, I would disclose my status.
Once I started treatment and learned that becoming undetectable meant that one could no longer transmit HIV through sex, I was motivated to follow the protocol to get myself undetectable. And until I got word that I had become undetectable, I never realized how much my HIV+ status was weighing on my mind.
My HIV+ status was a constant concern with hookups and dating. Becoming undetectable and being drug-free otherwise, gave me a freedom to not let my status weigh so much in my head. More and more, it got to where I am now. It is a thought in my mornings when my Alexa reminds me to take my Biktarvy, Once I take that pill, it is now no longer a thought. It has become so little a thought now that when I am in a conversation in which the topic of HIV has come up somehow, I completely forget to inform who I’m conversing with that I know of what I speak because I am HIV+ undetectable.
I will admit that to some extent, this might be to compensate for something I did before becoming positive.
Back in 2002, my 1st year of being out and sexually active, Manhunt was the primary cyber means for gays to hook up. Through it, I chatted with a guy whose HIV status on his profile said, “Ask me”.
In one of the chats in which I knew it was leading to a meet-up, I said, “Your HIV status says, ‘Ask me’. So here I am asking.”
The words “I’m positive” popped up on the screen.
I really enjoyed our chats. So I did want to meet him and have sex with him. I just knew I was going to take the precautions of using a condom. But looking back on that always bothers me.
For with hindsight being 20/20, if I was going to use a condom as I had with guys even without discussing HIV status back then, why did I make it such a big deal to ask?
It was because I was following the stigmatizing protocol. A protocol that I see now was meant to make him more self-conscious of his situation & actions. When in actuality, all parties should be equally self-conscious of those things. Be the person HIV-, HIV+, recently STI-tested, and not recently STI-tested.
I feel a great deal of guilt over that. But if any good comes from it, it is that it makes me hope that guy is at a point where despite my unnecessary question back then, that he is now at ease with his status for it to not weigh so much on him. As for why I tell of me allowing my status to slip my mind, it is to inspire others. Others who are HIV+, and those who are HIV- and want to further understand our day-to-day. Inspiring them to live with an understanding that one’s HIV status can get to a point where it being any kind of burden can become mere minutes, maybe even seconds of one’s day.
LeNair Xavier can be found frequently at the Cock, and at various other exhibitionist-friendly venues. He can be followed on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter and Instagram. He guest blogs occasionally for Kiroo.com.
This Texan drag star has made NYC her town to slay… and now podcast stardom is underway as well. Fonda Koxx rocks our world!
Thotyssey: Hello Fonda! How is the month treating you so far?
Fonda Koxx: So far it’s been amazing; I’m really enjoying the weather change.
What is the perfect drag weather?
A brisk 60, with no rain!
That does sound perfect. By the way, did you happen to catch the premiere two episodes of All Stars? If so, what are your overall thoughts about the winners and “losers,” and the twist that home viewers can now basically vote for a fan favorite?
I always love the twists! I only saw the first episode. My thoughts are, I’m sad for Monica; I love her! I also love that they kept the lip sync assassins.
So, tell us a bit if you will about where you’re originally from, and if performing, fashion, music, etc. were always in your life.
I’m originally from Texas, and have always loved a performance. Music has always been a part of my life. I started drag before Instagram and Drag Race, so my idols have always been the local queens. I watched and learned and thought to myself for many years, “I want to do this.” And one day, I finally got the nerve… and I have yet to stop.
How might you describe the Texas drag scene, for those unfamiliar?
Texas drag is very camp meets showgirl. It’s all about, looks, dance, stunts, and comedy.
What made you want to come to New York and do drag here?
I’ve always dreamed of living in NYC. I figured after the pandemic, it was now or never. If you can make it in NY you can make it anywhere, as the song goes!
Do the New York girls turn it a lot differently than the Texas girls?
They are both so different! NY girls are entertainers and are much more theatrical, and you are more likely to get live singing in NYC. I love both so much.
How might you describe the Fonda live experience, as far as looks and numbers go, today?Do you sing?
I’m much more of a dancer and lip sync queen. I love camp, so you’ll probably see my drop a split with a silly look on my face. I love to serve a look, and then give you the unexpected comedy and acrobatics.
You co-host a Latinx drag revue called “Reinas” at HUSH in Hell’s Kitchen, with Pietra Parker and Natalie Carrera. What’s that like?
It’s honestly been my favorite show I’ve done. We are all so different, and so in sync. We each bring something different, and get to represent our cultures.
And I understand that you’ve recently started a podcast with two unlikely co-hosts, Marti Cummings and Richard JMV, and that you actually all have a few key things in common!
Yes, “Them 3 Judies” is the podcast and it’s been a fun adventure. We mostly wanted to express the idea that being sober and working on your mental health shouldn’t be stigmatized or keep you from loving and living your life. As you know, nightlife is centered around drinking and celebrating. Being sober is just a unique perspective.
I can imagine! What else is going on or coming up for you?
I am excited for the one year anniversary of “Reinas” happening July 21! We have an amazing event planned, and can’t wait to share it with everyone.
Very exciting! Okay lastly: what’s your favorite thing about drag… and what’s your least favorite?
My favorite thing about drag is the community it builds, the sisterhood! My least favorite thing is that for so many of us, we face ignorance and novelty. People forget we are real people.
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!
Thotyssey’s Jim Silvestri and co-host Freddie Cosmo present a weekly podcast taped live at Red NY discussing NYC queer nightlife news and gossip, featuring a new interview with a dynamic insider each week.
Freddie & Jim return to Red Eye Studios chatting about VERS’ “Get Schooled” finale, the writers’ strike and… Bros?
Then the delightful queen on the scene Chicky Gorgina is in the Thot Seat! She talks about her rising success in NYC drag; her life as a prospective child performer in Venezuela and the joys and problems of that upbringing; getting “cancelled” from standup comedy in Ecuador; her resurgence as a drag star after the pandemic derailed her early gains; being part of a nightlife supercouple with husband DJ Senobyte; the hijinks of being the door queen at a “consenting adults” party; her gigs including new ones at Fire Island and Red Eye; and more!
In the news: a mogul of NYC’s superclub era gets a surprising apology for getting run out of town by Giuliani; Chicago queer bars boycott Bud Light after the Dylan Mulvaney collab “scandal” takes a turn; Drag Race / We’re Here star Shangela is accused of sexual assault; the Drag Isn’t Dangerous telethon raised tons for charity; some new rumors about Madonna’s shelved (?) biopic; RIP Gerry Visco, a particularly unique actress and academic who became a clubkid in her 60s.
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 (11pm)
ROCKBAR: Beer blast (4pm); Standup comedy hosted by Lucie Screws & Dr. Anthony Drew (8pm)
3 DOLLAR BILL / 9BN / THE WELL: “We Together: Eurovision” (2pm); “Geeks Out: Hellfyre Gayla” feat. Avant Garbage, Lacy Stoner & more with DJ Cameron Cole (9pm); “Preciosa Pride NYC” feat. DJs Lady Soul & Undocubougie with The Cake Boys, Johnny The Gentleman & more (10pm)
GOOD ROOM: The Carry Nation with DJs Shaun J. Wright, Amanda Mussi & Ady Toledano (10pm)
PARAGON: “Dance Planet / Mercury in Reggaetón” feat. Damn Steven & Lucas Skywalker with DJs Chippy, Nonstop, Lucia Lu, Lunatica, Roman Sensation & Sin Kitty (10pm)
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 cycle winner of Hell’s Kitchen’s hottest new drag competition, Daniella Darling is a true star on the rise.
Thotyssey: Hello Daniella, thanks for chatting with us today! How is Spring cheating you so far?
Daniella Darling: So lovely! I’m a Taurus, so spring is definitely my season!
Love that! May has already been a good month for you: congrats on winning this recent season of “Get Schooled,” the competition that Yasmeen Kennedy hosts at VERS! I had the privilege of being in the judge’s panel for that… you certainly had a lot of fans in the room!
Thank you, darling! It was such a lovely competition, and I could definitely feel the love in the room.
Overall, how did you enjoy the process of that particular competition, or the NYC drag competition shows in general?
I think NYC is truly some of the best drag the world has to offer, and the competitions are proof of that. I love this particular competition because it’s based off of lip syncing and pure talent–which is what I really pride myself on, which is giving a good performance. If you can’t afford big shiny costumes or can’t bring a thousand people, you can still win off of pure talent and passion alone.
So can you tell us a bit of your origin story?
Of course! I was originally adopted from Bogotá, Colombia but I grew up in a small town in Indiana. I moved to Brooklyn last September to pursue a cosmetology license and to be a showgirl!
Were you always into performance, fashion, music, etc.?
I’ve been singing and dancing my whole life, and my first time ever performing in drag was at 14! Yes, I’ve always loved fashion and performance! I’ve been singing since I was very young, and I sang live and went through many choirs all throughout middle and high school. But I didn’t really start drag until I got to New York.
What was Daniella’s first night out like?
Well I had my “drag mom” at the time paint me, and my grandma came to watch me perform in a hole-in-the-wall art installation in downtown Indianapolis. I did “Aura” by Lady Gaga and popped my tuck within seconds. It was very much a baby queen performance… the babiest of queens.
Aw, baby’s first tuck pop! Well you’ve certainly come a long way in a short time. What would you say Daniella is like as a queen today, as far as looks and performances go?
Three words: Intergalactic Latina Showgirl. Daniella darling is definitely glampy and high energy, and my drag always comes with a message or a meaning–whether that’s a political message or just representing Translatina excellence! There’s definitely a spookier, darker side to my drag that has yet to come.
It was incredible! It was packed, and everyone was celebrating queerness and Latinidad! One of the most fun and most fulfilling shows I’ve done yet.
Another even bigger tribute is coming to Brooklyn that you’ll be a part of, this time in the form of Nicky O’s massive “Night of 1000 Missys” at 3 Dollar Bill on Friday!
Yes! I am so excited and grateful to be in a Night of 1000 production! Missy Elliot is a titan, and anyone who has seen me perform knows I love a fast-paced femme icon track!
What else is coming up for you?
As of late May / early June, I’ll be graduating cosmetology school and obtaining my license… so I’ll be able to focus full time on being a showgirl and making art! As well, I’ll be performing all over Manhattan and Brooklyn, and making my way over to my first ever show in Queens!
All things to look forward to! Let’s conclude with, of course: Drag Race All Stars, which premieres this weekend! Who’s team are you on for the win?
FEATHERS: Darylin La Fontaine with Tiffany LeClerk & Goddess (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.
Thotyssey 