Grizzly Kiki | Pop Culture & Interviews With Queer Artists

Gay blogger, Barrett Pall, published an entry where he calls for the end of the use of popular gay slang, such as Gurl, KiKi, Werk, and others. In “GURL PLEASE: Are We Fighting A Stereotype Or Perpetuating One?,” Pall says that the use of these terms undermines the advances the gay community has made and encourages homophobia and social divide. Is he really concerned about the negative impact of these words or lusting after heteronormativity? GURL, BYE!   Indonesian Mayor, Arief R Wismansyah, believes that the cure to homosexuality is breast milk. In a seminar aimed at educating new and soon-to-be parents, he said the key to raising children correctly is providing them with adequate nutrition by limited canned and instant food. Most importantly of all, however, is that babies be breastfed during the first 1,000 days of life. If not, they’ll end up developmentally stunted and probably gay. Yes, the canned foods and formula that busy working parents rely on will lead to homosexuality. In his words, “So, no wonder that recently there are more LGBT.”   San Francisco non-profit, Radar Productions, is bringing drag and literacy to the children of the Bay Area. In an effort to expand the voices of queer writers and artists, the organization has joined the San Francsico Public Library to host the “Drag Queen Story Hour” program. The program brings Drag Queens and children together for an hour of stories, face painting, and fantasy. The program began in December 2015 and has garnered much praise. The next “Drag Queen Story Hour” will be hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5 contestant, Honey Mahogany, and be held at Eureka Valley Harvey Milk Memorial Library on March 12, 12:00-2:00pm.

Get ready to delve into the ever-changing world of Ms. Lola Michele-Kiki! A native of the Dominican Republic, Lola immigrated to the U.S. when she was 14 and never looked back. Her story is one that many can identify with. Having been bullied in her home country, she found that bullies stateside were the same, if not worse. After being bullied for being the "gay kid," she empowered herself by becoming one of the "mean girls," but soon grew out of that role. As a young adult, she took part in a youth program that helps teenagers channel their experiences through art and performance in order to overcome their traumas. Today, she works for that very same organization. As a drag queen, Lola's aesthetic and style are still malleable and evolving. She began exploring drag through gender-bending looks, which have since evolved into a more traditional female aesthetic, which incorporates elements of her gender-fuck roots. While navigating the choppy waters of NYC nightlife, Lola relied on the support of other queens in the community. However, Lola was dead set on having a drag mother - her biological mother plays the role of cheerleader and seamstress. This lucky lady would be the most motherly of New York queens, Ari Kiki. While this crooked-mouth comedy queen swore she should never have children, Lola practically mounted a political campaign to be the first daughter of The House of Kiki! After finally wearing Ari down, Lola became a full-fledged Kiki and has been hard at work becoming New York's next lovable mess. Keep your eyes on this queen! She's tenacious, talented and fearless!

Get ready to delve into the ever-changing world of Ms. Lola Michele-Kiki!   A native of the Dominican Republic, Lola immigrated to the U.S. when she was 14 and never looked back. Her story is one that many can identify with. Having been bullied in her home country, she found that bullies stateside were the same, if not worse. After being bullied for being the "gay kid," she empowered herself by becoming one of the "mean girls," but soon grew out of that role. As a young adult, she took part in a youth program that helps teenagers channel their experiences through art and performance in order to overcome their traumas. Today, she works for that very same organization.   As a drag queen, Lola's aesthetic and style are still malleable and evolving. She began exploring drag through gender-bending looks, which have since evolved into a more traditional female aesthetic, which incorporates elements of her gender-fuck roots.    While navigating the choppy waters of NYC nightlife, Lola relied on the support of other queens in the community. However, Lola was dead set on having a drag mother - her biological mother plays the role of cheerleader and seamstress. This lucky lady would be the most motherly of New York queens, Ari Kiki. While this crooked-mouth comedy queen swore she should never have children, Lola practically mounted a political campaign to be the first daughter of The House of Kiki! After finally wearing Ari down, Lola became a full-fledged Kiki and has been hard at work becoming New York's next lovable mess.   Keep your eyes on this queen! She's tenacious, talented and fearless!  

Marti Gould Cummings is a parody-writing comedy Queen whose distinctive style has become a veritable brand. Not only does he not wear wigs (GASP!) and perform his own material, he adheres to the two cardinal rules of comedy: nothing is off the table and never apologize. In addition to consistently honing his comedic skills - and occasionally donning a wig - Marti treats his drag as if it were a Fortune 500 company. He is the CEO, CFO, and head of HR. He can be found out and about at his eight weekly shows and is frequently booked for gigs in other cities. Tenacity and shrewd business acumen are the keys to this Queen's success!

Marti Gould Cummings is a parody-writing comedy Queen whose distinctive style has become a veritable brand. Not only does he not wear wigs (GASP!) and perform his own material, he adheres to the two cardinal rules of comedy: nothing is off the table and never apologize. In addition to consistently honing his comedic skills - and occasionally donning a wig - Marti treats his drag as if it were a Fortune 500 company. He is the CEO, CFO, and head of HR. He can be found out and about at his eight weekly shows and is frequently booked for gigs in other cities. Tenacity and shrewd business acumen are the keys to this Queen's success!

Jonny McGovern's career has spanned nearly two decades. From starring in LogoTV's The Big Gay Sketch Show to his podcast, The Gayest of All Time, Jonny has consistently created high quality queer-centric entertainment in an industry that desperately needs it. Jonny's larger than life side-kick on Hey Qween, Lady Red Couture, is a force of nature. She is a fierce Drag Queen, singer, and perfect compliment to Johnny's . Her job is to keep the children in line, as well as making sure Johnny isn't caught out wearing beat up tennis shoes. This Grande Diva extraordinaire is full of heart, beauty, and opulence. Lady Red & Jonny are currently set to premiere the fourth season of their hugely popular show, Hey Qween. The show features interviews and segments with legendary queens & newly minted drag superstars. They have a been a huge inspiration to us and are the benchmark for what drag podcasts and web series should aspire to. The fourth season of Hey Qween premieres on Feb. 15.

Jonny McGovern's career has spanned nearly two decades. From starring in LogoTV's The Big Gay Sketch Show to his podcast, The Gayest of All Time, Jonny has consistently created high quality queer-centric entertainment in an industry that desperately needs it.   Jonny's larger than life side-kick on Hey Qween, Lady Red Couture, is a force of nature. She is a fierce Drag Queen, singer, and perfect compliment to Johnny's . Her job is to keep the children in line, as well as making sure Johnny isn't caught out wearing beat up tennis shoes. This Grande Diva extraordinaire is full of heart, beauty, and opulence.    Lady Red & Jonny are currently set to premiere the fourth season of their hugely popular show, Hey Qween. The show features interviews and segments with legendary queens & newly minted drag superstars. They have a been a huge inspiration to us and are the benchmark for what drag podcasts and web series should aspire to.   The fourth season of Hey Qween premieres on Feb. 15.  

Our thirst has been quenched and the highly anticipated cast of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 has been "RuVealed." This year's crop of girls represents the finest of all types of drag, as well as a range of personalities and backgrounds. With these queens now released upon the world, the Drag Race family has grown to exactly one hundred girls! On this episode, we discuss our thoughts about each queen, as well as the retro beauty parlor theme and our Season 8 predictions. Join in the conversation by heading over to our FaceBook, Twitter, & Instagram and letting us know what you think of the new queens!

Our thirst has been quenched and the highly anticipated cast of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 has been "RuVealed." This year's crop of girls  represents the finest of all types of drag, as well as a range of personalities and backgrounds. With these queens now released upon the world, the Drag Race family has grown to exactly one hundred girls!   On this episode, we discuss our thoughts about each queen, as well as the retro beauty parlor theme and our Season 8 predictions.   Join in the conversation by heading over to our FaceBook, Twitter, & Instagram and letting us know what you think of the new queens!  

"Svetlana Stoli is a demure delicate flower who has infused New York nightlife with all of the grace and opulence of the Russian Czars" said no one ever. Yes, she appears demure and is from Russia, but that's where such a statement would cease to be true. Instead, Svetlana uses her appearance to create a false sense of security. Her performances are well thought out interpretations of music and popular culture, seen through the skewed lens of her empty shot glass. It is a skill she has honed after years of studying the dramatic arts in her home country of Russia and as a Fulbright Scholar at Tulane University. She is a queen with Russian roots with a dash of Steel Magnolias, for that added Kick! After Svetlana moved to the states from Russia, she found herself studying musical theatre at Tulane and moved to New York shortly after graduation. Finding herself mesmerized by nightlife icons such as Peppermint and Sherry Vine, Svetlana soon picked up drag - an art she had dabbled in while at school in Russia - and began performing wherever she could. After her epic, and second ever, performance as Paula Deen at Our Lady of Saliva, she set the tone for what would be her drag persona. The woman she has created wears vintage pieces, veils, and little hats with feathers, but perverts the music she draws inspiration from to a level that far exceeds what bar patrons expect from a happy hour drag show. If you don't believe us, check out her self-written parody and video of Taylor Swift's "Welcome to New York," where Svetlana sings about what she is most familiar with in "Welcome to My Hole"

"Svetlana Stoli is a demure delicate flower who has infused New York nightlife with all of the grace and opulence of the Russian Czars" said no one ever.  Yes, she appears demure and is from Russia, but that's where such a statement would cease to be true. Instead, Svetlana uses her appearance to create a false sense of security. Her performances are well thought out interpretations of music and popular culture, seen through the skewed lens of her empty shot glass. It is a skill she has honed after years of studying the dramatic arts in her home country of Russia and as a Fulbright Scholar at Tulane University. She is a queen with Russian roots with a dash of Steel Magnolias, for that added Kick!   After Svetlana moved to the states from Russia, she found herself studying musical theatre at Tulane and moved to New York shortly after graduation. Finding herself mesmerized by nightlife icons such as Peppermint and Sherry Vine, Svetlana soon picked up drag - an art she had dabbled in while  at school in Russia - and began performing wherever she could. After her epic, and second ever, performance as Paula Deen at Our Lady of Saliva, she set the tone for what would be her drag persona. The woman she has created wears vintage pieces, veils, and little hats with feathers, but perverts the music she draws inspiration from to a level that far exceeds what bar patrons expect from a happy hour drag show.   If you don't believe us, check out her self-written parody and video of Taylor Swift's "Welcome to New York," where Svetlana sings about what she is most familiar with in "Welcome to My Hole"

Jiggly Caliente is a drag queen and reality tv star. Since appearing on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4, Jiggly has traveled the world, developed a strong fan base, and even released original music. She is no longer a local New York performer, but a talented diva who has brought her art to the world. The hardest part of being a public figure has been the constant demand for personal information, especially regarding her gender identity. For years, Jiggly has been bullied on every social media platform to go on record about her gender, as if she is a commodity that fans and critics can own. With the dawn of a new year and her career growing by leaps and bounds, Jiggly has decided to tell her story on her own terms. Jiggly is a drag queen and reality tv star, but most importantly, she is a proud transwoman. In this interview, she shares her journey with us and the road she has traveled to become the woman she truly is, Bianca.

Jiggly Caliente is a drag queen and reality tv star. Since appearing on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4, Jiggly has traveled the world, developed a strong fan base, and even released original music. She is no longer a local New York performer, but a talented diva who has brought her art to the world.    The hardest part of being a public figure has been the constant demand for personal information, especially regarding her gender identity. For years, Jiggly has been bullied on every social media platform to go on record about her gender, as if she is a commodity that fans and critics can own.   With the dawn of a new year and her career growing by leaps and bounds, Jiggly has decided to tell her story on her own terms. Jiggly is a drag queen and reality tv star, but most importantly, she is a proud transwoman. In this interview, she shares her journey with us and the road she has traveled to become the woman she truly is, Bianca.

Tammy Spénks is best known as the Queen of the Flying Cooter Slam. As if being a live singer, dancer, licensed massage therapist, and full-time drag queen weren't enough, Tammy has also mastered the art of the flying split. If you are lucky to witness such an event, she appears as if by magic, flying through the sky in a grand arch before gently alighting on the ground, legs splayed. Actually, it's more like a bullet whizzing past your head and landing with a resounding thud on the floor of a bar. It truly is a sight to behold! However, Tammy is more than just her flying splits. She is an Ohio native who followed her passion for musical theater to the high seas, where she performed the role of Edna Turnblad aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships for many years before settling in New York. After hitting dry land, Tammy teamed up with her college buddy - and former Grizzly KiKi guest - Dusty Ray Bottoms, reluctantly emerging as Ms. Spénks to host at a local bar in Queens. More than two years later, Tammy has staked her claim and can be found performing, bartending, and flying at least five times a week.

Tammy Spénks is best known as the Queen of the Flying Cooter Slam. As if being a live singer, dancer, licensed massage therapist, and full-time drag queen weren't enough, Tammy has also mastered the art of the flying split. If you are lucky to witness such an event, she appears as if by magic, flying through the sky in a grand arch before gently alighting on the ground, legs splayed. Actually, it's more like a bullet whizzing past your head and landing with a resounding thud on the floor of a bar. It truly is a sight to behold! However, Tammy is more than just her flying splits. She is an Ohio native who followed her passion for musical theater to the high seas, where she performed the role of Edna Turnblad aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships for many years before settling in New York. After hitting dry land, Tammy teamed up with her college buddy - and former Grizzly KiKi guest - Dusty Ray Bottoms, reluctantly emerging as Ms. Spénks to host at a local bar in Queens. More than two years later, Tammy has staked her claim and can be found performing, bartending, and flying at least five times a week.