Arts & Entertainment
Paredyse paradox
Wrestler coy on private life but sees himself as gay inspiration
‘The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity’
Through Sept. 30
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
641 D Street, NW (7th & D)
$35-$67.50
202-393-3939
James Long in costume as Paredyse, his wrestling alter ego in the ring now at Woolly Mammoth’s ‘Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity’ production. (Photo courtesy Long)
In the high drama world of professional wrestling, James Long is better known as Paredyse. With peacock-colored eye makeup, skimpy trunks and painted nails, this self-described “fabulous, flamboyant, femmeboy phenom” isn’t your everyday wrestler.
He prances and flirts, occasionally stroking a vexed opponent’s rippling abs before executing a devastating missile drop kick; but unlike the gender-bending villains of wrestling past, Paredyse is the baby-faced fan favorite.
For Long, who graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor of fine arts degree before sashaying into the wrestling ring, Paredyse is partly an exercise in creative expression.
“When you start in the business your character is vanilla, you’re just a cog in the wheel used to build up more veteran wrestlers,” says Long, who is rumored to be straight but opts not to reveal his orientation during his interview with the Blade. “But as time passes, an evolution takes place and you’re able to develop your own character by trying out new things, and eventually people come to know and hopefully like him.”
Receptive to new challenges, Long is currently making his theatrical debut in Woolly Mammoth’s season opener “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” as both actor and wrestling trainer to the cast. Set against the pro wrestling scene, Brooklyn-based playwright Kristoffer Diaz’s critically acclaimed comedy tackles racism and the trappings of stardom. Woolly’s production, staged by top local director John Vreeke (who is gay), features company member Michael Russotto (also gay), Jose Joaquin Perez, Shawn T. Andrew and Adi Hanash.
Long plays three wrestlers: A generic villain; Billy Heartland, an all-American boy; and Old Glory, a sort of grizzled older guy wrapped in the flag. Making the jump from the wrestling ring to rehearsal room was relatively smooth, says Long, 30. “Wrestling may look disorganized and chaotic, but in fact it requires a lot of discipline, so it wasn’t hard for me to settle in and get to work. This is my first play ever. I tried out for ‘Fahrenheit 451’ in high school and didn’t make it so I figured theater wasn’t for me. I was wrong. The director and cast have been great about involving me in the process and allowing me to work on my characters. It’s been awesome.
“As far as wrestling on stage goes, we’re determined to make Woolly’s production a hard-hitting, unforgettable spectacle. It will feel real and not like staged combat. Audiences will see something new and amazing every night.”
Director John Vreeke says, “The performance parallels between the worlds of theater and wrestling are greater than most people think. [Long] is a natural performer … he does it every time he comes into a wrestling arena/ring. And it’s not just his athletic ability. It has more to do with his ability to improvise, play the audience and create character. He does all of that all the time. It’s a great fit for our work in theater.
“In addition,” adds Vreeke, “[Long] is our technical advisor on all levels of production: acting, lights, video and sound. He lets me know when we get it right.”
Long grew up in Woodbridge, Va. During his college years in Richmond he started wrestling in a hip, highly attended, late night underground league.
After graduation, he and a couple of buddies moved to St. Louis and began training in earnest. Soon Long began wrestling for Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), an independent professional wrestling promotion best known as a proving ground for its up-and-coming wrestlers. OVW serves as the official developmental territory for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
Today, Paredyse boasts a big and growing following. Among his many female and male fans (better known as “Paresytes”) more than a few carry heavy torches for the brawny and heavily made-up wrestler. And many find Paredyse sexy and funny, his sissy shtick may not be for everyone. Asked how he’d respond to those who might find his creation an offensive stereotype, Long responds, “I’d mention the 18-year-old fan who told me that Paredyse inspired him to come out of the closet. Then I’d tell them about the mid-western and southern audiences who boo the homophobic wrestlers who are intolerant of Paredyse in the ring.
“Ultimately, I know it’s just wrestling, but when he’s not punching his opponents in the face, I hope Paredyse can help people to understand it’s cool to be you and not be ashamed of who you are.”
Celebrity News
Perez Hilton’s live breakdown reveals social media mental health crisis
Blogger hospitalized after harming himself online
Fans were shocked to witness former celebrity blogger Mario Lavandeira, aka Perez Hilton’s, epic crashout on social media. While on TikTok Live, he was harming himself with what appears to be a metal chef-grade spreader. There was blood, gore, and a cry for help that broke the internet.
Police from Miami-Dade County were called to the scene; he has been hospitalized. The fact that this traumatic incident was broadcast on TikTok brought up the topic of moderation. Hilton’s account has since been banned from TikTok, but by now the cat is out of the bag, and the clip is circulating online.
It’s hard not to reflect on how Hilton both represents a major turning point in Internet culture, and this incident may be a warning of its potential end. A statement on his blog from his representatives confirms that his family was on the scene minutes before the incident but quickly fled to protect his children and niece from any future trauma.
Hilton’s agent, Dante Rusciolelli, told Us Weekly in a statement. “Our focus remains on Perez’s health, recovery, and the privacy of both him and his family during this incredibly difficult time … We respectfully ask that everyone continue to honor his privacy while he receives the care he needs.”
A recurring theme on social media is that Hilton, at the height of his fame and media reach, would not respect the privacy of any celebrity. After all, he was one of the regular outlets covering Britney Spears’s famous shaved-head meltdown and part of the “Leave Britney Alone” mythos.
A bit of background
Before Hilton, there were celebrities famous for being famous like Angelyne and Paris Hilton. However, some may say he was the first to monetize it. From his laptop at a coffee shop, he galvanized the Internet by skewering celebrities.
Nothing was off limits. He outed celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris, Clay Aiken, and Lance Bass. He spoiled the finale of season 3 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and he posted celebrity nudes, including up-skirt photos of teen starlets like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and Lindsay Lohan, the same young women he also cyber-bullied.
Times have changed, and despite his many attempts to rehab his image, including having children, publicly apologizing, and even finding God, nothing brought him back to the public eye. He was recently hospitalized for sepsis and claims to have reflected on his behavior in the past.
This incident really shines a light on the intersection of mental health and fame in this country. In a post-Kardashian world, being a celebrity is not about talent or professional accolades. It has become about how you can increase your follower count. Whether it is stretching out Marilyn Monroe’s dress, becoming a Black Nazi like Kanye West, or even becoming President, it’s about how you can shock, awe, and find your base.
Los Angeles is a city that lives and dies by television and movies, but social media has shifted how this business works. People are cast from large social media followings. People who do manage to build a following face some of the darker aspects of fame. Whether it’s Chappell Roan’s beef with paparazzi and fans, or Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie having to ask for privacy and respect for their humanity, even if you reach the level of fame, it’s not all roses.
Add to this the fact that this is all tied to social media. Your fame is quantified by the number of followers, likes, and page views, while people are found in a negative feedback loop of dopamine addiction, clout chasing, and pushing themselves further to find more followers.
On Aug. 1, Floridian influencer Whitney Lynn was thrown off a flight claiming spiritual warfare when she was disrupting the flight by proselytizing. Was she doing this for social media follows? The Internet is now rampant with people causing scenes in planes, staging pranks and scenarios, and violating people’s privacy all in the pursuit of attention.
Hopefully Hilton finds the help he needs. This entire incident has called into question the entirety of internet culture. Who is responsible for the trauma that people inflict on other people? At what point do we intercede in Internet use before people have no other recourse but to harm themselves on live? And at what point does the toxic energy we put onto the net bounce back to us?
Similar to Hilton, Wendy Williams faced her own crisis, and maybe she put it best: “I would ask you to respect our privacy, but please, I don’t respect people’s privacy; that’s why I do the Hot Topics. So turnabout is fair game.”
If you know anyone struggling with self-harm, text CONNECT to 741741 for free confidential support or dial 988 for the suicide and crisis helpline.
Mr. Henry’s Victorian Pub will host a gala celebrating its 60th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.
There will be signature cocktails, beer and wine; plentiful throwback hors d’oeuvres, three live bands and a cocktail attire red carpet.
Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at mrhenrysdc.com.
Friday, August 7
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Balston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, August 8
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “RA Xtra: Manhood” at 1:30 p.m. “MANHOOD” follows Dallas entrepreneur Bill Moore as he attempts to make penis enlargement as commonplace as Botox. Along the way, an OnlyFans star and a father of five put their bodies—and their insecurities—on the line. Blending dark humor with unexpected empathy, MANHOOD examines shame, addiction, and the fragile myths of American masculinity. More details are available on the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Sunday, August 9
“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen at this unforgettable Drag Brunch. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, August 10
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” 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 choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, August 11
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an 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].
Wednesday, August 12
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. 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 — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, August 13
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
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