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GED MAGAZINE AND DESERT ROSE PLAYHOUSE PRESENT
An evening of music and storytelling by acclaimed entertainer and former Mouseketeer,
LINDSEY ALLEY Friday, June 17th
VIP Pre-Party 7pm Showtime 8pm
Desert Rose Playhouse 611 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Tickets: DesertRosePlayhouse.org
Music Direction by
MICHAEL ORLAND
$45
General Admission
$65 VIP
VIP includes: VIP Pre-Party at 7pm Priority Seating Smirnoff Vodka Hosted Bar Appetizers by New Leaf Catering
CONTENTS
Mark Kanemura – 28
Eliad Cohen – 8
Grag Queen – 40
16 – Ethylina Canne
36 – CA Pride
20 – On Stage
44 – GAYME
24 – Shake it up!
46 – Celebrity Beyond
Advertisers in GED Magazine acknowledge that they do business in the spirit of cooperation, fairness and service, maintaining a high level of integrity and responsibility. Providers of products or services are fully and solely responsible for same as advertised. GED Magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for improper or negligent business practices by advertisers. The appearance of any person, model, business or organization in this publication, by name, advertisement or photograph is not an indication of sexual orientation. Advertisers and their agencies assume all responsibility and legal liability for the content of their advertisements in GED Magazine. Publisher assumes no liability for safe-keeping or return of unsolicited art, manuscripts or other materials. GED Magazine reserves the right to edit all material for clarity, length and content. All contents are copyright Bent Share Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved. Content may be reproduced with written permission. GED Magazine assumes no liability for any claims or representations contained anywhere in this magazine and reserve the right to cancel or refuse advertising at publisher’s discretion.
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800.818.0480 info@gedmag.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Westman CREATIVE DIRECTION Coachella Valley Design DISTRIBUTION Pride In Media MARKETING Christopher Jackson ADVERTISING SALES Eric Davis Southern CA Account Manager eric@gedmag.com Jim Delyea Northern CA Account Manager jim@gedmag.com Terry Porter San Francisco Sales terry@gedmag.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 info@rivendellmedia.com EDITORIAL INQUIRIES info@gedmag.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alexander Rodriguez Ethylina Canne Josh Jaquez Kevin Perry Michael Westman Stan Jenson Steven H. Garcia
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PUBLISHER
From The Editor Happy PRIDE month and happy summer! This issue is all about pride – pride in being who you are and celebrating our LGBTQ+ community. You’ve seen our cover model, Mark Kanemura, either on So You Think You Can Dance, alongside Lady Gaga, or online in all the amazing pride videos he creates. You will also be introduced to Brazilian sensation Grag Queen, who was crowned as the first winner of Paramount+’s Queen of the Universe. And, of course, we have your calendar of pride events throughout California. I am also pleased to announce that GED Magazine is celebrating 10 years of publishing this month! To celebrate we are giving away a prize every day in the month of June! If you have not already signed up for our monthly e-newsletter, sign up on GEDmag.com and be automatically entered into the 30 days of give-aways! On June 17th we are presenting an extra special show, continuing our cabaret series, at the Desert Rose Playhouse – Glitter and Be Gay! an evening with acclaimed entertainer and former mousketeer, Lindsey Alley, with Musical Director Michael Orland. A VIP pre-party is planned with hosted bar, appetizers, and priority seating, so book now at desertroseplayhouse.org. This will be a night to remember.
Please visit us on the web at GEDmag.com to read the current digital issue and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @GEDmagazine. Gay Entertainment Directory… here for your entertainment!
Cover Model: Mark Kanemura Photographer: Matt Monath Photo Assistant: Matthew James Ortiz Rainbow wig and hair jacket: Unicorn Manes by Mykey GEDMAG.com | 7
Eliad Cohen Pride for a New Age By Alexander Rodriguez
Photo by Felipe Borras
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Photo courtesy Eliad Cohen
Photo by Elkin Yazno
Not only is Pride making its in-person return around the globe, but it is also hitting the tech market in the form of NFTs. Who better to help lead the pack than influencer and entrepreneur Eliad Cohen? Eliad and his co-founder, influencer marketing agency founder Regev Gur, have created PrideIcons – the largest LGBTQ+ NFT collection in the world.
mances by some of the most sought-after artists.
Designed by artist Max Bahman, Pride Icons is a limited-edition collection of 10,000 pop art NFTs. Not only meant to add our community’s voice to the emerging NFT market, its mission is to also honor LGBTQ+ icons and trailblazers that have brought us thus far. Split up into three groups, the collection reflects the uniqueness we contribute to our community. The project has already gained media attention in Forbes and, with its launch this Pride, hopes to become a thriving leader in this new form of art and tech. Sales from the NFTs will also benefit LGBTQ-minded non-profits.
Eliad stopped by to chat about the NFT culture, coming out, and Pride.
As a model and entrepreneur, Eliad has a special relationship with both the business and LGBTQ market. Making a splash over a decade ago when he appeared on the cover Spartacus International Gay Guide, he has become a trailblazer in the event community. After fulfilling his Israeli military duties, he worked as a model and later became a spokesperson for Tel Aviv Gay Pride and the promotion of gay-friendly Israeli tourism. While continuing his modeling career and the design of his clothing line, he founded PAPA PARTY, a top-level gay party experience that has taken the world by storm. The PAPA PARTY has become an international brand, touring over 30 countries, and featuring the top names from the DJ world with perfor-
As an activist, he became an ambassador for VOTE PROUD, joining the ranks of Elton John, Sharon Stone, Dua Lipa, Billy Porter, Andy Cohen, and Laverne Cox, just to name a few, to encourage the LGBTQ+ community to vote and diminish voter apathy.
In normal words, what exactly is an NFT? An NFT is a digital asset that represents real-world objects like art, music, in-game items, and videos. They are bought and sold online, frequently with cryptocurrency, and they are encoded with the same underlying software used for crypto technologies. Are NFTs here to stay? They have become trendy, with many brands and companies launching their own digital assets. What’s next and how will they evolve? We will have to wait and see. What is your team’s creative process when creating an NFT? Max Bahman, our designer, is an incredible artist. We give him direction and he runs with it. For our icons, we made a list of 100 LGBTQIA+ icons and activists that have helped our community and are transforming them into colorful digital art in celebration.
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Photo courtesy Eliad Cohen
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How did your team come together/meet? I met them through a mutual friend. We have a lot of similarities— we all care deeply about the LGBTQIA+ community—and decided to make this project together to support the community. We will donate at least $1M to non-profit organizations focused on LGBTQIA+ equity and equality. Who are some of the LGBTQ icons that have shaped your view of pop culture? Elton John and Madonna. What do you think the LGBTQ community’s role is in pop culture? Our community is iconic and crucial to pop culture. They are trend drivers and provide the ultimate personas. From Gaga’s Little Monsters to RuPaul’s Drag Race - these icons have inspired our community and advocated for us in so many ways. What do you think the LGBTQ community’s role is in the business world? There has been a lack of opportunity and equity for the LGBTQIA+ community in the business world, especially in crypto and NFTs. That is why we launched Pride Icons, to provide our community a “piece of the pie.” What is your coming-out story? I was in my early twenties in my last year in the Israeli army when I finally told my mom. Coming out was by far the best decision of my life. I want to show people that being gay is not a weakness, it is a strength—I now accept myself. After coming out, I had some “close friends” that did not accept me being gay, which made it hard for me. In the end, they came back and said they just needed time to accept it. How have you changed the most since your coming out? I feel like my best self. Proud of who I am and free to express myself. What do you love most about your Israeli culture? All people of Israel feel a powerful sense of responsibility for each other. Israelis shine in hours of crisis. They are unparalleled in lending a helping hand to friends, the community, and strangers in need. The Israeli culture has made advances in the acceptance of the LGBTQ community. Today, Tel Aviv is one of the most open-minded cities in the world. How do you balance this type of work with your role as a nightlife influencer? It is actually the perfect combo. Pride Icons is more than NFTs, it is also a social club. I am producing exclusive events for our Pride Icons community. Do you find it hard for people to understand your business side over the modeling side? No, because I started my journey as an entrepreneur over 12 years ago. Before Pride Icons I launched Gay Ville and PAPA World Tour, along with my clothing collection. GEDMAG.com | 11
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How has your relationship with social media changed over the years? It has evolved with the platforms and algorithms. I am always on top of posting daily, following social media trends, and staying up to date on the best ways to engage with my online audience. What are the biggest misconceptions people have about you? People think I am always serious. When they finally meet me and get to know me, they realize I have a good sense of humor and constantly make funny jokes. Thank you for your running man tutorial on Instagram! What is your go-to dance on the dance floor? [Laughs] I’m glad you liked it! To be honest, I don’t have one specific go-to. I close my eyes and let the music take control. What does this year’s Pride mean the most to you? It is so important for us to continue to fight for our rights. We have come a long way, but there are still places that harm and even murder our people because they identify as LGBTQIA+. We must support our brothers and sisters, and make sure they know they are not alone. What is your Pride message to the community? Be unapologetically proud and loud about who you are and who you love. For more information on Pride Icons, check out https://prideicons.io/.
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PRIDE Month is HERE! By Ethylina Canne
June is the month that the LGBTQ+ community gets to celebrate WHO THEY ARE! Now, if you ask me, I hope that everyone celebrates who they are every day of the year, and not just for 30 days. I am reminded, during this time of the year, why it is so important to celebrate PRIDE!! I was born in Morro Bay, California where I grew up on a 20-acre ranch, 3.5 miles out of town. Neighbors were far and few between in that “country life” and I am so grateful for the upbringing of love and acceptance that was shown to me from my family. I was born this way, and gay from birth. I always like to say that I came out of the womb with a love of showtunes and anything sparkly, which is the ABSOLUTE truth. I lived in a little bubble growing up until I was 6 years old. My Grandmother, bless her heart, taught me many things at an early age that were not the norm for most little boys growing up. Fishing, playing sports, and the rest of the “masculine” things that our society has taught us to encourage the male species to do, were not on the list. Bullying started on the very first day of kindergarten. I remember being in absolute shock when my lunch box was stolen and smashed, and the comments started from my peers that were so unkind. I had no idea that something was wrong with me or that I was different, until the other kids started making fun of me. Here was this little boy who was living his life enjoying all the things that brought him JOY. This set a course of incessant ridicule for 12 years and drilled in me the negative core beliefs that I still carry around with me to this day. Back in those days, there were no Gay Alliance Groups or any kind of support for chil-
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dren who were “different.” I remember a few teachers that had my back during my time in the public school system, but there was a genuine lack of support or protection from my peers, who made my daily life a living hell. I fled to San Francisco the minute I graduated high school in the early ‘90s, because I knew there were other gay people there. My life suddenly blossomed because I was FINALLY around people who were like me! I was like a deer in headlights seeing all those creative fabulous queer folk. It was nirvana for me. Although it wasn’t all glitter and unicorns because drugs and partying came along with some of those people, and I dove right into that because, guess what, I wanted so badly to belong. I started doing drag professionally in San Francisco. To be honest, I had been dressing up in my mom’s clothes and heels behind closed doors from an early age. Drag gave me the ability to be free from ridicule and create a fearless persona that enabled me to navigate the world. It allowed me to be someone else, as I couldn’t be comfortable in my own skin. Fast forward to 2022. Here I am, a queer sober man, a drag queen, and a fluid individual that is in touch with his masculine side as well as his feminine side. Years of therapy and work on myself has gotten me to this stage in life. I would like to tell all the readers that I’m 100% confident being me all the time, but that is not the case. Some days, I get up and nothing can stop me! But other days, I still have those feelings of being less than or not good enough, which were told to me at age six. The drag has changed too! I no longer hide behind my drag
persona. It is now a venue for me to spread JOY to others and use it as a vehicle to bring laughter and fun to the world, because we truly need more of that these days. I am hopeful that things are easier these days for anyone who is trying to be their authentic self and that kids have support in school now. I see the younger generation, and I have so much hope for the future. The lines are finally blurred between what the societal norms of what is considered masculine and feminine. When I tune into the news, which I try not to, I see the rights of my trans brothers and sisters being ripped away, and don’t even get me started about the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida. Things may be better in some areas of acceptance, but there is still work to be done. By celebrating Pride Month, we are all saying that we belong here and that the sun does shine for us all. We simply will not be erased or told that we do not belong. If I were able go back and tell my six-year-old self anything, it would be: YOU MATTER, YOU DESERVE TO BE LOVED, and YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE! I say this to you too, because we all need to be lifted up and believe in ourselves. I hope that you celebrate yourself for the next 30 days and keep doing so well after June 30th!! Be kind to yourself, be kind to others, and LIVE YOUR LIFE AUTHENTICALLY without any apologies!! Love and Pride ALWAYS, ETHYL
SUNDAY, JUNE 12TH HOSTED BY ETHYLINA CANNE Doors open at 12pm BINGO starts at 1pm $20 (4 cards p/game x 5 games) 50% of all proceeds go directly to
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ON STAGE with STAN JENSON
sical evenings, shows where the orchestra accompanies popular movies such as Back to the Future, an annual mariachi festival, jazz festival, etc. Try to schedule a performance which includes fireworks. Their pyrotechnic displays are accompanied by a symphony orchestra playing patriotic melodies and I have rarely seen anything as magnificent. As always, when booking tickets make doubly sure that you are booking directly with the bowl. The re-sellers work hard to look like they are the official box office.
HOLLYWOOD BOWL: June means we are well and truly into summer and for me, that means entertainment under the stars. My #1 favorite is the Hollywood Bowl, a monstrous venue that seats around 18,000 people and has been in existence for nearly 110 years. Admittedly it takes a bit of effort to visit the Bowl. Most of the parking is remote, but the shuttles before and after concerts are surprisingly efficient. The front third of the seating is individual boxes for two or four guests. Dinner is encouraged and the staff installs tables and guests can dine facing each other. You can order a dinner there, or bring your own, including wine.
Their first Shakespeare production will be The Taming of the Shrew, his comedy about the battle of the sexes, playing June 5 through July 10. That will be followed by A Midsummer Night’s Dream which features magic, humor, music, spectacle, and merriment.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic is the resident orchestra, and they often accompany pop acts such as Gwen Stefani on the official opening night, June 3. I’m looking forward to Backstreet Boys, Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, Loggins and Messina, and Ricky Martin. The Bowl also produces a Broadway musical each summer with concert staging – ie, the orchestra is on the stage and the musical, featuring name stars, is done in front of them using small set pieces and full costumes. This year’s offering is Kinky Boots, Cyndi Lauper’s salute to hard-working drag queens. It plays July 8 – 10.
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The Old Globe operate three separate theatres next to each other. In addition to the outdoor Festival Theatre, they have medium and small indoor theatres which present outstanding fare. Take a look at their schedule or buy tickets at www.theoldglobe.org.
THE OLD GLOBE THEATRE: Another longtime favorite is San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre. Each year they stage two Shakespeare plays in their outdoor Festival Theatre. Before you turn up your nose at the mention of the Bard, these productions are delightful, easily understood, and trimmed down to around two hours – very approachable. The actors are still speaking Elizabethan English, but they are so comfortable with it that it seems the most natural thing in the world.
When it’s showtime, the tables are removed, and all seats are faced toward the stage. These boxes are priced at a premium, but worth aiming for. The remainder of the seats are wooden benches with backs. Cushions can be rented, or you can bring your own. Large video screens give you close-ups of the performance.
Take a look at the calendar at www.hollywoodbowl.com . There are several light clas-
pared to walk a bit from the car park. Again, the park is so beautiful that you might consider picking up some takeout food and enjoying it in the park before your show. There are also numerous museums and gardens near the theatre.
The Old Globe is in San Diego’s Balboa Park. Parking is tricky so arrive early and be pre-
AFTERGLOW: An exciting production opens this month at The Hudson Theatre at 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Afterglow, an international hit sensation, is a raw, oneact play exploring the emotional, intellectual, and physical connections between three men and the broader implications within their relationships. When Josh and Alex, a married couple in an open relationship, invite Darius to share their bed one night, a new intimate connection begins to form and all three men must come to terms with their individual definitions of love, loyalty, and trust as futures are questioned, relationships are shaken, and commitments are challenged. The producers, Midnight Theatricals, haven’t announced a closing date, but I would suggest booking a ticket right now. The material is relevant, the theatre intimate and, well, the men are hunky. For tickets and more information, please visit www.afterglowla.com.
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SHAKE IT UP!
with RACQUET CLUB SPIRITS
Racquet Club Spirits is an LGBTQ+ owned company which launched Racquet Club Vodka and Racquet Club Straight Bourbon Whiskey as a tribute to the style and swagger of Palm Spring’s infamous racquet club - a desert oasis that became Hollywood’s legendary playground. Racquet Club Spirits’ Vodka and Straight Bourbon Whiskey are hand crafted in small batches to ensure that every classic cocktail lives up to their namesake. Enjoy these hand-crafted recipes this Pride season and put some swager into your cocktail. RACQUET CLUB LEMON TWIST INGREDIENTS 2 oz. Racquet Club Vodka 1 oz. fresh lemon juice 1⁄2 oz. sugar syrup 3 dashes Angostura bitters TECHNIQUE Shake ingredients with ice and strain into ice-filled glass. Garnish with mint sprig and a lemon wedge.
RACQUET CLUB MANHATTAN INGREDIENTS 2 oz. Racquet Club Straight Bourbon Whiskey 1⁄2 oz. sweet vermouth 1⁄2 oz PART dry vermouth DASH of Aromatic Bitters Maraschino cherry TECHNIQUE Combine the Racquet Club Whiskey, vermouth and bitters in a mixing glass. Swirl with ice to chill. Pour into an UP glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
RACQUET CLUB REBOUND INGREDIENTS 2 oz. Racquet Club Vodka 1⁄2 oz. Cinzano® Dry Vermouth 1⁄2 oz. Grapefruit Juice TECHNIQUE Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a wedge of pink grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary.
RACQUET CLUB KICKER INGREDIENTS 2 oz. Racquet Club Straight Bourbon Whiskey 1⁄2 oz. simple syrup 1⁄2 teaspoon Absinthe 2-3 DASHES bitters Lemon twist TECHNIQUE Fill a rocks glass with ice and let it sit to chill. In a separate mixing glass, combine the simple syrup and bitters. Add the whiskey and ice to the bitters mixture and stir. Discard the ice in the chilled glass and rinse it with absinthe by pouring a small amount into the glass, swirling it around and discarding the liquid. Strain the whiskey mixture from the mixing glass into the old-fashioned glass. Squeeze lemon twist and drop in.
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Mark Kanemura
So You Think You Can Pride? By Alexander Rodriguez
Photographer: Matt Monath Photo Assistant: Matthew James Ortiz Rainbow wig & hair jacket: Unicorn Manes by Mykey
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Dancer and influencer Mark Kanemura danced onto television and into our hearts in Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance. He couldn’t have imagined how this appearance would affect his whole life. From dancing along with music videos on MTV with his sisters in his living room to becoming a powerhouse in the dance and social media world, it all started with that one audition. I flew up from Hawaii the night before and got in line around 4am. I remember sitting in the audience and watching all the other incredibly talented dancers, thinking to myself, “Oh. My. God. What did I get myself into?” I felt like a fish out of water. I felt like I wasn’tt at the same level as many others. And in some ways, I wasn’t. I have never been the strongest technically, but I think I have a lot to offer with my uniqueness and performance abilities. I remember taking it step by step, day by day. Doing my best to get through each phase of the audition process. I knew that there were a lot of strong dancers so rather than focusing on trying to be like them or on what I was lacking, I focused on what I could share and bring to the table… me! His passion started early. He knew from a young age that he wanted to dance, he wanted to tour with artists, and he wanted to make a difference. The world of dance was the only place where he saw a glimpse of himself on the screen. The diva who had a huge hand in his getting into the industry? The one, the only, Janet Jackson. Janet has such incredible music and videos - filled with amazing dancers and choreography AND her dancers are always diverse which was a big deal for me! Seeing the diverse representation made me aware that all of this was a possibility and allowed me to dream and hope that one day I’d be able to be a dancer on tour and in music videos. His early training growing up in Hawaii would teach him the fundamentals of not only dance but also how to live life authentically. After learning his first dance moves from his sister, he started taking classical dance classes and moved into the world of musical theatre. By the age of 14 he was teaching dance classes in exchange for his own classes. He covered everything – ballet, modern, jazz, funk, hip-hop, and contemporary. What he didn’t learn in the classroom, he learned from his early gigs. My first big music video gig was for the Pussycat Dolls. I was hired as an extra or background, but it was my first time being on a big music video set and I remember being very excited. It also filled me with that drive to work harder. I remember watching the dancers from the side thinking, I want to do that! I can do that!!
Mark’s style and personality would give him that edge that set up him apart from other contestants on SYTYCD. He would return to the show as an All-Star and as a choreographer for Seasons 7 and 10, clearly a fan favorite. But it was that first step onto the stage that would be a defining moment. I was beyond excited and very emotional. I remember turning the corner to make my entrance onto the stage, I immediately saw my mom in the audience and had to look away. I was overcome with emotion and would have bawled my eyes out had I continued looking at her. When I was on the show, it was quite different. I believe at the time, there was only Facebook, and I wasn’t checking my Facebook while I was on the show, so I wasn’t really aware of the scope of the show while I was on it. It felt like I was in a bubble. It was very surreal seeing myself on TV competing on a show I had watched regularly with my mom. As a mentor, what advice would he have given to himself? Breathe. Trust in your gift. Be present. Have fun. And SOAK IT UP! With each performance met with thundering applause, he made it as a finalist for his debut season and the rest would become an evolving history. The media took notice, as did major players in the entertainment world. His first big gig after the show was in the music video “Truly in Love” by Lil Mama. He performed on the MTV Music Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards, appeared in videos for Carly Rae Jepsen, worked with Katy Perry, popped up on GLEE, and, with life coming full circle, appeared in Janet Jackson’s “Make Me” video. Perhaps his most well-known collaborations have come from his work with Lady Gaga. He joined her Monster Ball Tour and was seen in the music videos for “Telephone,” “Alejandro,” “Born This Way,” and “Judas.” What was it like meeting Gaga for the first time? EMOTIONAL. EXCITING. SURREAL. It was for the 2009 MTV VMA’s where she performed Paparazzi! I could not believe my dreams were coming true, specifically with Gaga. When she first came out, I knew immediately I wanted to work with her. She had a background in theater and was a weirdo just like me. There was something so magnetic and fascinating about her and I just knew in my bones I had to work with her! She came into the room to meet us and see what we had been learning. There was a MAJOR inner conversation happening. I was like “BREATHE! STAY CALM! DON’T FUCK THIS UP!” Imagine going from an early performance in a production of Grease in Hawaii to touring with Gaga. Did he get stay grounded? GEDMAG.com | 29
Photographer: Matt Monath Photo Assistant: Matthew James Ortiz
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I got up to shenanigans in my free time. I felt incredibly lucky to be able to see the world! On days off, I would sometimes just leave the hotel and get lost in cities. But when it came to working, I was there to WORK! I like to keep things professional when I am working. I’m there to do a job and I want to make sure I’m doing my best to show up and do what needs to be done.
choreographers, other dancers, the crew, etc. People want to collaborate with people that they enjoy working with, people that they can count on.
With his extensive resume, television success, and Rolodex of pop stars, his greatest moments come from the world of Gaga.
It’s become a lot freer. It started out with a specific path. I knew I wanted to be in music videos and tour with artists and there was a path for me to get there. I knew I had to train hard, so I took a lot of classes and went to auditions with choreographers and teachers I knew I wanted to work with. Now, it feels like I am creating my own path. A lot of what I have been doing recently has been getting back in touch with that creative and vibrant inner child and letting him feel safe to explore and create and feel freedom. A lot of what you see in my work in recent years are things I used to do as a kid, lip-syncing, dressing up, dancing performing. My dad will sometimes see what I do online and laugh lovingly saying, “This reminds me of the things you used to do as a kid!”
Dancing for Gaga’s fans is truly a special experience. You see all these wonderful people that are SO excited. They go all out with their outfits and looks. But more importantly, it is a safe space. It is a space where these kids, teenagers, and adults can come and be themselves. They can find other people like them, and it feels like a family, a community. You cannot help but feel the excitement, the joy, and the freedom in the space that Gaga creates and cultivates. That safe space is an environment that Kanemura was familiar with. During high school, he came out to his mother in a flurry of tears in the middle of the night. Surprise, she already knew. His mother and family were extremely supportive and accepting, his mom even sneaking copies of Out magazine into his closet. Leaving that safe place in Hawaii to head into the industry on a national scale was not without its obstacles. There are parts of the industry that are very heteronormative, and I have had experiences where I feel like I’ve definitely had to fit into a mold or box. When I had the opportunity to work with Gaga, I felt incredibly grateful for getting to work and dance with an artist who allowed us a space to truly be ourselves. I remember how amazing and liberating it felt when I got to partner with other men during dances or wear costumes and perform choreography that felt very much out of the box. Gaga and the creative team really allowed us the space for exploration and authenticity. Working with trailblazers in the entertainment industry has not gotten to his head. He is a constant student and observer. He has learned about life, the biz, and himself. On jobs (and in life), I am pretty quiet. I watch, I observe, and I take in my surroundings. Working with these artists I’ve learned strength. I’ve learned kindness and how to treat others. I’ve learned resilience. I’ve learned what it looks like when you tap into your power and let it shine for the world to see. Be kind. Be respectful. The industry is small and word travels quickly. I think it is important to keep good relationships with directors,
With his success, the love of his fans, and a gained confidence, his dancing echoes the energy of his early instruction, but his journey has clearly evolved.
Aside from his professional work, he has become a social media superstar. His performance and quick-change videos have gone viral, and he uses his platform to promote Pride, uniqueness, and, of course, dance! His videos are candid, intimate, and down-to-earth. His personality leaps off the screen and it’s easy to understand how his influencer success matches his professional success. Being a social media star is an entirely new experience for Mark. I love that it has connected me with a lot of wonderful people. A sort of community! I love that I can share my creativity and queerness with the world and I love that in doing so, it sometimes inspires others to explore and share their creativity and queerness! I also love that what I do can bring some lightness and joy to someone’s day. The other side of sharing your work online is that it can open you and your work up to a lot of hate and bullying. It can be a bit hurtful and triggering especially as someone who grew up being bullied or made fun of for similar things but, the positive outweighs the negative. I’m a very private person so there IS a lot I don’t share and don’t feel the need to share. I share when I feel inspired to and don’t share when I’m not feeling it or just need a break. Social media “dancing” has taken off and made stars out of non-professional dancers. Does Mark think TikTok style dancing can be considered dancing? Absolutely! I adore TikTok and love seeing the creativity in people. I love that there is a platform for people to GEDMAG.com | 31
Photographer: Matt Monath Photo Assistant: Matthew James Ortiz Wigs by Vanity
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Photographer: Matt Monath Photo Assistant: Matthew James Ortiz
shine and express themselves in so many ways. It is awesome to see people moving and dancing and sharing their talents with the world! Dancing is an expression of emotions and feelings through the body and because of that, dance is for everyone. I have always believed that anyone can dance. In the world of influencers, Mark is a breath of fresh hair. With his positivity and talent, he has created his own group of Monster-like fans. He is a beacon of light that reflects the rainbow of our community. His Pride message this season? As individuals and as a community, there is so much adversity we face, so many challenges we grow up surrounded by, and sometimes it feels really freaking hard to keep going. I am constantly amazed by our community and the resilience we embody! To anyone reading this that may need it, I am SO proud of you and how far you have come. You are awesome! You are beautiful! And I am so happy you and your magnificent light exist in this world! Keep going, keep shining my wonderful friends! I celebrate you and all you are! Happy Pride! Lots of love and aloha, Mark You can follow Mark on Instagram @mkik808 and on Facebook @OfficialMarkKanemura. GEDMAG.com | 33
MONDAY/TUESDAY
Karaoke & Movie-Clip-O-Rama 6:30-9pm
WEDNESDAY
Live Entertainment 6-9pm
THURSDAY
Keisha D Sings 6-9pm
FRIDAY FRID
Disco Friday Night Fever 6-10pm
SATURDAY
Gennine Francis Jackson 6-9pm
2ND SUNDAY
BINGO with Ethylina Canne 12pm
Packed with Pride: Your California Calendar of Events By Kevin Perry
Newsflash: if you’re reading this, you’re gay. Congrats! You’re grand, you’re gorgeous and you have so much fabulosity that it can’t be contained in one festival. Well, we have (even more) great news for you: California is *almost* as queer as you, and its Pride sprawls across dozens of cities throughout June and beyond. So, how can you align your personal LGBTQ+ vibes with the best happenings in the Golden State? Simply follow our lead and read on! Early Priders Why put off until tomorrow a party you can enjoy today? That’s the philosophy behind this first batch of bashes igniting the weekend of June 3-5. Rock out with your jock out in Venice, CA., where a funky mélange of acts will entertain your sweet ass. Wave (pun intended) to the drag queen lifeguards as deep house meets deep waters. Beach, please! And remember to look up from the shore to gay gaze at the Global Rainbow laser installation. Designed by Yvette Mattern, this beacon of inclusion will light up your life! Anyone who has ever enjoyed the burly embrace of Lazy Bear will squeal with delight to know that Sonoma County is resuming its Pride prowess this year. The theme is We Are Family and we are already blaring Sister Sledge in our heads. Join the chorus and join the fun! Santa Rosa hosts an intimate yet intoxicating roster of events, including an open-air happy hour, parade, and festival, so get Pride’ing! 36 | GEDMAG.com
Rev up your appetite for food trucks and fierceness as Fresno Rainbow Pride unfurls on June 4. This year’s event commemorates the life and legacy of the late, great Jeffery Robinson. This community leader lives on in the hearts of everyone who knew him, so follow signs featuring Jeffery’s iconic beard and multihued glasses for a fun time and even greater causes. After all, Pride is purposeful. It began as an amplification of the Stonewall riots and snowballed into a riot all its own. Every neighborhood celebrates differently and diversely. Take, for example, the tale of two suburbs: Glendale and West Hollywood. They both nestle playfully under the glitzy umbrella known as Los Angeles, but they fly their respective flags uniquely. Glendale is engaging in a humble affair on the first Saturday afternoon of the month, but the nights belong to WeHo. Li’l Kim and Jessie J will rock the main stage of the OutLoud Raising Voices Music Festival. Crank your WeHo Pride and simmer in some gurl power! Upsize Your Pride Now you are ready for the main event… part 1. Los Angeles Pride is so epic, we need to take a (disco) beat before diving in headfirst. The two main pillars of this June 10-12 weekend wonderland are Pride in the Park on Saturday and the 52nd annual street parade on Sunday. First thing’s fabulous: the Saturday concert lineup is gag-worthy, including RuPaul veterans like Bob the Drag Queen and Eureka. And as the sun goes down, the talent heats up. Anitta will
be there! [pause for gay gasps galore] And did we mention the headliner: Christina Aguilera?!? [pause for medical attention] Truly, you can’t miss this arty, hunty. Speaking of parties, there are a slew of soirees peppering Pride weekend in the City of Angels, you devil. They’ve got pool parties, tea dances, and club cavorting supreme! Masterbeat is selling combo passes appropriately titled United in Pride, so hitch your wagon to a star-studded slate of sass! But let’s be honest – sometimes, big thrills come in small packages. Quaint Pride fests speckle the California coast on June 11th. Exhibit Gay: Oceanside’s Pride by the Beach event. Shake your groove thang in their dance tent and then refuel your aforementioned groove thang at one of the tasty food trucks nearby. Further upstate, Chandon is sponsoring their very first Pride weekend in Yountville, CA. It promises to be a bubbly sip of the good life in the heart of Napa Valley, so save room for a refill! Harmony is at the top of the menu at Davis Pride, where Ada Vox will flex her pipes alongside The Voice finalist OneUp Duo. Just 20 minutes east, the state capital transforms into the capital of queer togetherness as 20,000 attendees grace Sacramento with their Pride presence. You won’t want to miss the community march to the Capitol. Step up for empowerment!
Don’t Let the Gay Slip Away Unfortunately, June only last 30 days (offended!), but us gays make the most of every last damn minute, don’t we though? Case in point: the final weekend of the month is our cue for much ado! The city synonymous with queer representation is representing, indeed. San Francisco Pride blankets June 25 & 26 with same sex ‘tude and triumphs. This year’s theme is Love Will Keep Us Together, and the City by the Bay always delivers. With over 20 stages to choose from, visitors will have their pick of comedy, music and love-is-love on tap! But what sets SF apart from every other place on gawd’s gay earth is its esteemed history. The parade echoes the many marches that caressed these streets in years past, from the candlelight vigil that memorialized Harvey Milk all the way to the queer-and-now. This will be the 52nd SF Pride event, but each one feels achingly special and thrillingly urgent. The spirit of San Francisco is so vibrant that it is rippling into the surrounding suburbs. 2022 marks the first ever Pride Parade in Clayton, CA. – so get ready to make herstory on June 25 at 10am! That same day, OC Pride flourishes in downtown Santa Ana. Monique Heart is serving drag kween realness and our cubby crush Big Dipper is shaking his hairy heinie. Oh, you know we’ll have a front-row seat for that backfield display, urrrkay? GEDMAG.com | 37
Keep Your Pride Pulsing Just because June ends, you don’t have to stop being gay. That would be like telling the sky to stop being blue or telling poodles to… well, stop being gay. In fact, California Pride extends well into the summer and beyond. It’s never too early to plan for next month’s festivities, so we’re rounding up some raucous options below. Hang ten in Long Beach on July 8-10. Their Pride festival features everything from family-friendly fare to leather appreciation and drag makeup tutorials. They’ve even got a roller rink for the Xanadu fans out there (both of you!). Not to be outdone, San Diego is supersizing their Pride to eight full days of gay, hooray! The calendar kicks off with She Fest 2022, lights up with a mid-week cathedral rainbow light display, and culminates with a festival full of wonder on July 16-17. Magic accomplished! Tickle your techie/queer fantasies the final week of August at Silicon Valley Pride. A mere seven days later, Inland Empire Pride plants its rainbow flag on Labor Day weekend. And one week after that, Oakland is strutting its stuff with a parade of diversity and activism. Focusing our gay goggles even further into the future and deep into paradise, Palm Springs celebrates Pride in early November. Block parties spill out into the gayest street on earth as several stages blare A-list acts every year. As you can see, June is just the beginning of your waltz with Pride throughout California. There really is no expiration date on loving yourself. [All photos by GED Magazine] GEDMAG.com | 39
Grag Queen
From Brazil to Queen of the Universe By Alexander Rodriguez From the Amazon Forest to Carnival, to owning one of the Seven Wonders of the World and dominating the world of soccer, Brazil just does everything big. Adding to the colorful culture is Grag Queen, crowned the Queen of the Universe, and she’s about to become one of Brazil’s hottest exports. A dash of Eurovision Song Contest and a pinch of Drag Race, Paramount +’s Queen of the Universe pitted 14 queens from 10 countries against each other in a nail-biting and hair teasing competition where these larger-than-life queens not only had to bring the lewks, but they had to… gasp… actually sing for themselves! In front of judges from the pop and pop culture world Leona Lewis, Michelle Visage, Trixie Mattel, and Vanessa Williams, Grag became a viral sensation for her performance of Andra Day’s “Rise Up.” At the end of the series, host Graham Norton crowned her as the first winner of Queen of the Universe and the recipient of a record-breaking $250,000, the highest amount paid for any drag-related competition. 40 | GEDMAG.com
Crown in hand, she is continuing her musical legacy and heading to the States. She made her Los Angeles debut at Drag Con and will appear alongside Christina Aguilera and fellow Brazilian pop star, Anitta, at this year’s LA Pride. She is also on a mission to write new music every month through the summer and is now expanding her library to include songs in English. The first peek into her new English album is her single “Party Everyday,” with a follow-up track to be included in the final season of Love, Victor. Her hit song, “Bota Fé” has garnered over half a million views on YouTube and streams on Spotify. She is not just using her voice for music. She is using her platform to bring awareness to the discrimination and violence that exists towards the LGBTQ+ community under Brazil’s current administration. Brazil continues to be the country with the largest number of trans people killed, not including the number of hate crimes against the LGBTQ community that 11 states in Brazil still refuse to catalog. Armed with a powerhouse voice and make-up skills that have earned her a
Photo by SB Music and Maicon Doulglas Fotografia
place in drag history, she is on a mission. We are proud to have Grag Queen as our Pride issue centerfold. She stopped by to spill the tea for our Spotlight Rapid Fire. Hometown: CANELA, BRAZIL How did you come up with your drag name? My name is Gregory and I’m a drag queen. WHY NOT be Grag Queen? Ha, ha! They used to call me that in school in an offensive way. Now, it’s surely not offensive. What is your guilty pleasure? Socks and sandals. Your favorite part about doing drag? Going from being a tired gay adult to being a fierce bish! Least favorite part about doing drag? The need to drink water… meaning the need to pee! I FREAK OUT! What is your craziest drag story?
Photo by SB Music and Maicon Doulglas Fotografia
69034 Photo by Rodolfo Magalhaes
It’s not a happy one - but being threatened and pushed on the subway line by a crazy guy in Brazil. It made me feel so vulnerable and scared. Most un-drag thing you do?
What would the name of your biography be? “WHO IS SHE?” Favorite song to perform: “Party Everyday” or “Rise Up.”
If it’s not showing, don’t shave it. [Laughs]
Celebrity dream duet?
Strangest hobby or talent?
Lauryn Hill.
Gurl, my mind runs SO fast that I can come up with lots of jokes in minutes on that question…
Do you really party every day?
What celebrity most needs a drag makeover?
I celebrate every day. I party only if I have a day off afterward… but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a day off!
I would love to see Anitta in drag.
What must every party have?
Favorite nightlife hotspots?
Bathrooms.
The corners, with wine and friends.
What is your after-drag ritual?
Favorite binge food?
Take off all the makeup, take a shower, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Salads and chocolate. What is the most overrated pop song? I could never! Your go-to cocktail? Anything with alcohol! In Brazil, we drink some crazy things like Corote, Catuaba, and Chevete. They’re cheap and deliver a very strong hangover.
What’s your favorite pickup line? “What’s Up, Lindas (Pretties)?” Strangest place you’ve had “relations?” I would say on the streets in the middle of Brazilian Carnival. Aye! You can follow Grag Queen on IG: @GragQueen GEDMAG.com | 41
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Bringing together WINE LOVERS AND LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY WINERIES, RESTAURANTS, HOTELS, AND OTHERS, FOR A COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE. LGBTWINESOCIETY.COM
GAYME GUIDE with JOSH JAQUEZ AND STEVEN H. GARCIA
The Strongest Sage With the Weakest Crest By Josh Jaquez The Strongest Sage With the Weakest Crest or Shikkakumon no Saikyō Kenja also Sekai Saikyō no Kenja ga Sara ni Tsuyoku Naru Tame ni Tensei Shimashita, is based off the light novel of the same name illustrated by Huuka Kazabana and written by Shinkoshoto with the manga’s art done by LIVER JAM&POPO and publishing by Square Enix. Upon birth, each person is given a crest that determines what you do in life. The story follows Matthias (or Matty) who has the fourth crest, being reincarnated from a previous life where he had the first crest. Each crest has its own attributes - the first focusing on creation, the second specializes in raw power, the third enhances rapid fire, and the fourth crest is best for combat. At least that was how things were before Matty was reincarnated, now everyone’s beliefs are different. Matty and his friends enroll in school, where they learn that the demons Matty thought he had destroyed in his previous life, have disguised themselves as humans and are attempting to weaken humans and open them to invasion. He is soon asked to teach other students how to cast spells without chanting, after he exposes and defeats a demon pretending to be a student. The show is binge worthy. To find out what happens to Matty and his friends you can watch the first season dubbed or with subtitles on Crunchyroll. •
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Final Fantasy XIV: Newfound Adventure Patch 6.1 By Steven H. Garcia Since the end of Endwalk, the team over at Square Enix have been working hard on bringing us more and more End-game content and the last couple patches have been huge! So here is what’s new in the word of Eorzea! New main scenario quests (MSQ) have been added to Newfound Adventure, following up with the Warrior of Light. You join up with the scions of the seventh dawn for looking into the mysteries of the void. New 90-level dungeon unlock MSQ called Alzadaal’s Legacy and it’s a part of the daily Expert Duty Roulette after first completion. Crystalline Conflict is now live, and it is a 5 vs 5 fast paced battle where each team must fight over and take control of a Crystal and push it to goal. In FF14 Crystalline Conflict has totally revitalized the PvP scene for FF14 and 44 | GEDMAG.com
with the addition of the Series Malmstones AKA the battle pass, helps to push players to keep playing and getting all those sweet rewards. New alliance raid series: Myths of the Realm. Part 1 - Aglaia - is a beautiful raid against the first four of the twelve, while in the final fight of the raid make sure to pay attention to Nald’thal Theme “In the Balance.” New High-end Duty: (Normal Raid) Asphodelos: The First Circle-The Fourth Circle Savage; (Trial) The Minstrel’s Ballad: Endsinger’s Aria, relive the final Trial of Endwalker but way harder; and (Trial) Dragonsong’s Reprise ULTIMATE aka the hardest content in the game so far.
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BEYOND cruising Celebrity Cruises delivers relaxed luxury in an LGBTQ+ welcoming environment By Michael Westman Not sure cruising is for you? Might not feel comfortable on a cruise unless it is an all-LGBTQ+ voyage? Well, Celebrity Cruises may just have you rethinking all of that! After sailing on the newest ship in the Celebrity fleet, the 140,600-ton Celebrity Beyond, I will quote the words of a passenger who was asked if they were converted to cruising? The response was, “No. I’m converted to cruising on Celebrity.” The new Celebrity Beyond, the third ship in their Edge Series, is aptly named for a reason, it is simply ... BEYOND. This ship (whose godmother is Simone Biles, 19-time World Champion Gymnast and seven-time Olympic Medalist) was built with more attention to detail than any other in the fleet – longer and taller, with wellness and relaxed luxury at its core. Kelly Hoppen’s exquisite style “changed how cruise ships are designed,” says Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity. Once on board, you enter the Grand Plaza with its Martini Bar. “We built this space to be reminiscent of a European piazza - with live DJs, specialty restaurants, bars and lots of energy,” proudly reveals Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Brian Abel. The chandelier show must be seen to be believed. Beyond lives up to its name in accommodations, destinations, design, culinary delights, and wellness. From two-story villas with their own outdoor jacuzzi, to world renowned Chef Daniel Boulud’s only restaurant at sea - Le Voyage, with over 400+ bottles of 46 | GEDMAG.com
wine in their collection, to the theater’s 112-foot LED panels, this ship blends technology and innovation. Adjacent to the rooftop garden with two cantilevered plunge pools, sits the Sunset Bar - a Moroccan inspired multi-level bar on Deck 15 of Beyond, designed by Nate Berkus. The attention to detail is noticeable and appreciated - giving the same relaxed luxury vibe … from the furniture, plantings, barware - and of course the incredible view from the stern of the ship. A live DJ brings chill beats to accompany your afternoon sail-away cocktail, and at this time of year in the Mediterranean, the sun doesn’t set until 9:30pm, so relax and enjoy! The first-rate retail experience at sea for men - Mankind, has apparel, leather items, watches, jewelry, and more – all expertly curated for the male shopper. Healthy smoothies and bites weave in the wellness experience even without you knowing. Fitness (F45) and spa programs and products (Goop from Gweneth Paltrow) are available and at your fingertips throughout the day. In the Spa, there is an unbelievable menu of services. Two of my favorites are the BIOTEC Super-Charger for Men – this facial helps de-stress, deage and de-fatigue the complexion. A triple hit of ultrasonic peeling, steam and galvanic current delivers a deep clean, simultaneously exfoliating and powering up antiwrinkle proper-
ties; and the Coconut Poultice Massage, which uses perfectly warmed pure coconut compresses to massage the body, releasing natural emollients to nourish and moisturize the skin followed by a traditional hands-on massage to relax and de-stress the muscles. In addition to the Spa and Fitness Center, you can take your experience to another level at The Retreat, private suites and exclusive spaces, including a two-story sundeck, lounge, and restaurant – all creating a resort-within-a-resort. With a 100% fully-vaccinated passenger and crew policy, health and cleanliness are top priorities and highly visible - everything is constantly cleaned, swept, wiped down - from the ship railings to the tour buses - with hand sanitizer available. This focused effort provides one of the safest modes of travel, as well as passenger peace-of-mind. Celebrity demonstrates a commitment to shaping the future of travel.
The vibe around the ship is jovial and free-spirted, everyone enjoying the common space, a coffee, a martini, a laugh, and a smile. The passenger demographic is very diverse - somewhat younger than you might imagine, and I met and spoke with many passengers, all who experienced the same welcoming level of service, openness, and equality. The crew here goes truly beyond - not the obligatory “good morning” or “hello” but a genuine smile and thoughtful interaction. I found what Captain Kate McCue said to be true: “the ship is amazing, but it is the crew that brings it to life.” Having been in the service industry in a previous life, I am aware of what hard work it is, but Celebrity has managed to find, not just a crew, but a family. The thoughtful little things like remembering one’s preferences at dinner, holding a special item in the retail shop, walking you to a specific destination ... the entire crew works together seamlessly to make your holi-
day stress-free. While I certainly couldn’t interact with the full complement of 1400+ (from 60 countries), I would like to express a heartfelt “thank you” to a few who made our trip so enjoyable on so many levels. Sole in the Mankind retail store went above and beyond in helping with us with some specialty items (yes, this ship is aptly named); Sandeep, Shanice (oh we loved Grandmother’s freshly baked bread), and Natalie, who served beautiful and delicious dishes in the Tuscan Dining Room; Carlos in Café al Bacio prepared the best sugar-free vanilla lattes around; Flavia in Eden (a multi-use restaurant/bar/lounge filled with tropical plants) for suggesting the roasted Carabineros shrimp and the sheep’s milk ricotta gnocchi with smoked pecorino cheese; Grace who made all of our martini dreams come true in the Casino; and many others. Celebrity’s slogan is “We believe in opening up the world – for everyone,” and the GEDMAG.com | 47
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company delivers on that promise. Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity’s parent company, received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. “We want everyone to feel welcome and want to be known as a diverse and inclusive brand,” says Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity. Recognizing the need to improve the representation of all marginalized communities, Celebrity created The All-Inclusive Photo Project (“AIPP”), a new campaign and the world’s first free to use, ‘open source’ travel image library. I was privileged to view some of the images and speak with one of the photographers, Giles Duley, an English documentary photographer and himself a triple amputee. The stunning images feature models, athletes, artists, and activists, all from underrepresented groups, experiencing the wonder of travel and sharing their unique story. In addition to Giles Duley, the works of acclaimed photographers Annie Leibovitz, Naima Green, a Black, queer New York-based photographer, and Jarrad Seng, an Australia-based photographer, filmmaker and creative director of Malaysian-Chinese descent, are also showcased. Cruising has always been a desirable vacation option. But as travelers become more discerning and in tune with social is-
sues, Celebrity presents itself front and center for your consideration. A partner on so many levels – LGBTQ equality; gender equality (Celebrity boosted the number of women working across their fleet from 3% to 32%; 45% of guest-facing crew on Beyond are women); the environment (everything on BEYOND is recycled and the ship’s carbon footprint is 30% less than a land resort; and they have a 90% reduction in single use plastics); and the world (Celebrity supports and provides financial assistance to its Ukrainian crew and established a fund to help get families out of Ukraine). As I write this toward the end of my voyage, live piano music plays to accompany my morning coffee in the Cafe al Bacio. This spot, along with the Martini Bar, became the rendezvous for my fellow cruise acquaintances and I during my time on board. I feel as though I am leaving many new friends once I disembark from Beyond. But I will be back. Are you ready to join in the adventure and discover the world again? Whether on Beyond or another of their award-winning ships, you can read about all the destinations and experiences awaiting you on Celebrity and book your cruise at https://www. celebritycruises.com/. [All photos by GED Magazine] GEDMAG.com | 49
Last year, American Idol got a little steamier as Wilhelmina fashion model Mario Adrion took to the stage, impressing judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie with his big…talent. Dressed in just an American flag speedo and a smile, he performed an original, tongue-in-cheek homage to his life as a model. Not destined to be the next big pop singer, his appearance still made him a household name when Perry challenged him to a runway walk-off. Though it was a comedic appearance, Mario was using his time on the show to spread his message of body positivity and self-love. Mario’s journey to model stardom was not without its bumps and bruises, and he is telling his story through his new roles as a stand-up comedian and social media influencer.
responsible but the awful person who chooses to abuse and disrespect somebody like that. I openly talked about it on YouTube which helped a lot in my process! I got so many messages from people who have experienced similar things. I now also have a therapist and life coach who help me to actively work on the trauma. My girlfriend has also been a huge part of this process constantly being there for me. Wait, did he just say girlfriend? He did. Mario has been very open about his sexual journey and how his orientation has evolved. I am definitely attracted to men. I love kissing and being emotionally intimate with them. For me, that connection is about being Human not about being of a specific gender. Unfortunately, a lot of my sexual experiences have been non-consensual - so there might be a block or fear of developing a sexual relationship with men. I’m still finding myself.
Photo by Veta Horwitz Being a model and successful on social media was not enough for Mario. Not only was his appearance on American Idol and step outside of his comfort level, but it would also challenge the assumptions people have about shirtless guys on Instagram. It would also mark the end of a three-year battle with his self-esteem as a direct result of his abuse. I always love to challenge myself! As a model, I was always put in a box as a good-looking guy with no talents. I went on American Idol to show the world that I am more than my jawline and six-pack! I often struggle with the stereotypes around being a model! People assume that I am just dumb, purely relying on my looks. What I’m most proud of in my life however is my creativity and comedy skills. I wanna break those stereotypes and show people that I am more than my abs and speedo. Now entertaining his audiences with comedy rather than muscle, how have audiences responded to his new endeavor? At first, they are thrown off because I’m not a typical comedian just based on my looks. So, I have to make fun of myself a lot to win the trust of the audience and to show them I’m not a douche bag. But I have a unique perspective on modeling and on the US as a German. I am really finding my identity as a comedian and am in LOVE with the craft. Making YouTube videos with millions of views is great! But the feeling of being on stage and feeling the energy of a room and connecting with an audience to bring some laughter and positivity into their lives is my favorite thing in the world. Though he is making waves with his comedy, you will still often see him in a speedo. Why a speedo? I LOVE speedos! As a European, I realized a lot of men are afraid to show off their bodies. I want to change that.
Photo by Riley Hersey During Mario’s performance on American Idol, judge Luke Bryan remarked that he probably wouldn’t be able to fill out a speedo as well as Mario. Mario was quick to reply with his brand of body positivity. Size doesn’t matter. I believe porn perpetuates an unattainable beauty image! We are doing a good job with body positivity, especially for women in fashion! Now it’s time for a shlong positivity movement! With summer approaching, Mario offers his advice on finding the perfect speedo -It’s like Harry Potter’s wand! You don’t find it. It finds you. Even with Mario’s newfound success in comedy, it is not just smooth sailing. As with any influencer, there is constant pressure and anxiety regarding social media. I have to remind myself that if a video doesn’t perform well, it is not a reflection of my worth as a human being. Luckily, I LOVE what I do so I am okay with the pressure of posting twice a week on YouTube. I’m in love with it. I just need to set clear rules for how I use social media. So, I don’t use social media at all on Sundays, and never before 10 am or after 8 pm. I try not to engage haters which can be hard, especially with topics like sexual assault. I had comments saying that it’s my fault I was raped because of how I dress and present myself online. I just had to understand that no matter what I do there will always be people hating. Who knows where Mario’s next media endeavors will take him, but you can rest assured he will be having a good time doing it…speedo and all. You can follow Mario on Instagram: @MarioAdrion
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