Arts & Entertainment
RuPaul thinks bachelorette parties should stay out of gay bars
the ‘Drag Race’ host says straight people see gay people as accessories
RuPaul had some advice for women wanting to bring their bachelorette parties to the gay bar.
As one of the guests on the “The Dinner Party Download” podcast, RuPaul was asked how he felt about bachelorette parties at gay bars, NewNowNext reports.
āCheck yourself before you wreck yourself,ā RuPaul begins. āYou know, this is an important thing: People who live in the mainstream and the status quo think that everyone else is there to serve them.ā
RuPaul went on that straight people have tried to get him to use his drag makeup skills for them but the “Drag Race” host hasn’t felt charitable.
āSo Iām a brown-skinned gay man,ā RuPaul continued. āYou know, I do drag. Early on, I learned that I could do it well and make money. So people automatically ask me about beauty tips. And I get kids who write me and say, āI wish you could do my makeup for my prom?ā Or, āI wish you could do my makeup for my wedding?ā Iām like, āBitch, Iām not a makeup artist. Iām an entertainerĀ OK?”
āPeople donāt know how to place me in their consciousness,ā RuPaul says. āThey think, āOh, you must be here to make me look good. Thatās what gay guys are, right? Youāre an accessory for my straight life.ā Just because your limited view is that everyoneās there to serve you and that youāre the only person in the world. It doesnāt work that way.ā
Catch Ru on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on Fridays at 8 p.m. on VH1.
Digital Media
āOur Queer Lifeā chronicles diversity of the LGBTQ experience
Series fosters understanding and empathy among viewers
WEST HOLLYWOOD ā In the bustling lanes of digital storytelling, where narratives burst and fade with rapid clicks, Matt Cullenās documentary series āOur Queer Lifeā emerges as a poignant chronicle of the LGBTQ+ communityās diverse experiences.
With 200,000 subscribers on YouTube, Cullenās series stands out not just for its breadth of voicesāfrom celebrities to street hustlersābut for the depth with which it explores the moving lived realities of queer individuals.
Cullen took time out of his busy schedule to give The Blade an exclusive interview about his fledgling hit series.
Born and raised in Northern California, Cullenās early life in a supportive, albeit traditional, family environment shaped his sensitive approach towards storytelling. A curious and open child who loved musical theatre, Cullen always had a passion for interesting stories and how they are told.
Cullen worried about coming out to his family, but said that he is eternally grateful that the nerve-wracking experience involving a letter left on the kitchen table for his parents to find, fortunately ended in acceptance and love, with his parents ultimately embracing his truth warmly.
āIt was a scary big step,ā Cullen reflected. āComing out to my family or my really close friends was scary because I was worried if they didnāt accept me, I would not know how to handle thatā¦ It was more about accepting myself and embracing who I was and saying, this is my life now. ā
Cullen said that he knows that the familial support he received as a newly out high school senior contrasted sharply with the narratives of many he would later spotlight in his series, providing him with a profound appreciation for his own comparatively smoother journey.
āThe stories that I tell are very heavy,ā Cullen said. āBut I still feel so inspired and motivated by the determination of these people to keep living and to keep going in spite of everything. Their drive and their willingness to live for themselves and nobody else leaves me invigorated and inspired.ā
Cullen, who initially pursued acting after college in New York, found himself dissatisfied with the roles and scripts that came his way. āI felt like I was just regurgitating somebody elseās words,ā he shared, highlighting his discomfort with being constantly typecast as over-the-top gay characters.
The turning point for Cullen came during the COVID-19 pandemic.. Trapped in his apartment, feeling isolated and longing for interaction, he envisioned a new creative outlet. āI felt like I needed to talk to new people,ā Cullen said. āI was craving a deep connection with strangers, and I wanted to hear new stories. That deep desire was what the impetus for the series.ā
The combination of Cullenās artistic empathy mixed with his own feelings of entrapment led him to think about how difficult life must be for other queer individuals stuck in societal ecosystems that inherently reject their queerness.
āI thought about a lot of fundamentalist religious groups and how difficult it is for people to be gay there,ā Cullen remarked, pinpointing the acute need for representation from these underrepresented groups.
Cullenās first interview was with Rob, a man Cullen had found through a Facebook group and who had left the Jehovahās Witness community to live authentically.
āI am still so grateful that Rob felt comfortable to be the first to share his story with me,ā Cullen said.
Robās story provided a raw, unfiltered look at the challenges of adapting to the outside world after leaving a controlled religious environment. He discussed not only the doctrinal and social shackles he escaped but also the practical challenges of integrating into society, like finding employment without real-world skills.
This encounter didnāt just enrich Cullenās series; it set a precedent for the type of stories he wanted to featureāstories of struggle, resilience, and the search for identity. Each episode aims to foster understanding and empathy among viewers, broadening their perspectives on the complexities of queer life in various contexts.
āOur Queer Lifeā thrives on its intimate portrayal of its subjects. Each episode delves into the hurdles and triumphs of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, aiming to destigmatize topics like sex work and address the misrepresentation of trans people. Through his conversations, Cullen not only exposes the challenges faced by his subjects but also celebrates their resilience and humanity.
Mousie, who had lived through unimaginable challenges, from serving multiple prison terms to surviving on the streets of North Hollywood, became one of the earliest and most influential subjects of Cullenās series. Her willingness to open up about her life provided āOur Queer Lifeā with a narrative that encapsulated the struggles and resilience of a marginalized individual fighting for survival and dignity.
During their first meeting, Mousie shared her journey with Cullen, detailing her life in a $67/month apartment and her experiences as an intravenous drug user and sex worker. This episode alone drew over 300,000 viewers, resonating deeply with audiences and humanizing a community often relegated to the shadows of society. Cullen revisited Mousie a year later, further exploring her day-to-day experiences and struggles, adding layers to her story that emphasized her humanity over her hardships.
Mousieās influence extended beyond the screen; her relationship with Cullen grew into a deep, familial bond. In her final days, confined to a hospital bed, she expressed her heartfelt connection to Cullen, telling him, āI was her brother and that we had great things to do together.ā Her passing was a profound loss for Cullen, who felt her spirit continued to guide his work, inspiring him to pursue stories with even greater dedication.
Reflecting on Mousieās role in shaping āOur Queer Life,ā Cullen credits her with helping him gain the credibility and trust necessary to navigate the complex landscapes of street life and sex work. āMousie was the one who broke this for me,ā Cullen remarked, acknowledging how a TikTok video of her story garnered 30,000 views and messages from viewers expressing how deeply they related to her experiences. This response marked a turning point for the series, illustrating the power of storytelling in building connections and fostering understanding.
āI feel like she is still with me in everything that I do,ā Cullen said. āShe told me before she died that I was her brotherā¦I can literally feel her.ā
As āOur Queer Lifeā continues to grow, so does its creator. Cullen remains hands-on, involved in every aspect of production from filming to editing, driven by a personal touch that resonates deeply with his audience. While he contemplates the future of the series, possibly on larger platforms like Max, his priority remains the authentic representation of his subjectsā lives.
āI will always refuse to do anything exploitative where we donāt ask about (the subjectās) lives and their desires,ā Cullen said, underscoring his commitment to creating real and nonexploitative narratives. āI want every person who clicks on a video to leave that episode feeling a connection and relating to them.ā
The series is quickly becoming a vital part of the cultural conversation, reaching people across the globe and fostering understanding and empathy among its viewers. For many, it provides the first intimate look at lives they might otherwise never encounter, bridging gaps and building connections.
In a world where divisions run deep, Matt Cullenās āOur Queer Lifeā offers a beacon of unity, celebrating the shared human experiences of love, struggle, and resilience. Through his lens, viewers are reminded that despite our vast differences, the desires for acceptance, health, and happiness are universal.
Out & About
Film festival to highlight Polish trans womanās story
‘Kobieta Z’ screening at Landmark E Street Cinema
The Washington Polish Film Festival will screen āKobieta Zā (English translation: āWoman Ofā) on Saturday, May 11 at 8:45 p.m. at Landmark E Street Cinema, Theatre 6.
Having premiered at the Venice Film Festival, this Polish film breaks new ground. Starring Malgorzata Krzysztofik-Hajewska and Joanna Kulig, the movie is a sensitive and intelligent story of gender identity in a cruel world that cannot accept it and the personal love that ultimately does.
Tickets to the festival start at $20 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.Ā
Friday, May 10
Center Aging Friday Tea Time will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults! Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, email [email protected].Ā
Go Gay DC will host āLGBTQ+ Social in the Cityā at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Women in their Twenties and Thirties will be at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, join WiTTās closed Facebook group.
Saturday, May 11
Go Gay DC will host āLGBTQ+ Brunchā at 11 a.m. at Freddieās Beach Bar & Restaurant. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
SMYAL will host āPride Prom DMVā at 6 p.m. at a location thatās shared after attendees purchase a ticket. With a vibrant atmosphere, diverse music, and a supportive communityā Pride Prom DMV is not just a celebration; it’s a declaration of identity and resilience. Through laughter, dance, and shared experiences, attendees create lasting memories and forge bonds that extend beyond the dance floor. Tickets are free and can be accessed on Eventbrite.Ā
Sunday, May 12
Go Gay DC will host āLGBTQ+ Happy Hourā at 6 p.m. at Clare and Donās Beach Shack. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
AfroCode DC will be at 4 p.m. at Decades DC. This event will be an experience of non-stop music, dancing, and good vibes and a crossover of genres and a fusion of cultures. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.Ā
Monday, May 13
Center Aging: Monday Coffee & Conversation will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of their choice. For more details, email [email protected].Ā
āTRANSEND: Transgender & Nonbinary Support Groupā will be at 4 p.m. at the Pride Center of Maryland. This event will be a safe space to discuss hot topics, education and incentives while enjoying food. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.Ā
Tuesday, May 14
Pride on the Patio Events will host āLGBTQ Social Mixerā at 5:30 p.m. at Showroom. Dress is casual, fancy, or comfortable. Guests are encouraged to bring their most authentic self to chat, laugh, and get a little crazy. Admission is free and more details are on Eventbrite.
Trans Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].Ā
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-facilitated discussion group and a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the groupās Facebook page.Ā
Wednesday, May 15
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking ā allowing participants to move away from being merely āapplicantsā toward being ācandidates.ā For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, May 16
Virtual Yoga with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Communityās website.
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