THE GLEMAUD LOOK BOOK
I loved magazines ever since I can remember. I grew up around fashion magazines thanks to my mom, a fashion designer who allowed me to grow up in a world or color, fashion, and strong women. My father, the homeopathic dentist, taught me to approach the world in a whimsical and unusual way. He also taught me to stand tall and be proud of who I was by celebrating my authentic self. Now at 37 years old with (plant) children of my own, I can say that it is I, who is proud of them for creating this beautifully chaotic and unserious person that stands here today.
There is a noticeable contrast when discussing pride in the LGBTQIA+ community and their professional settings. While pride was a celebration in their personal lives, some people’s pride was but a whisper in their professional life. It is no secret that as LGBTQIA+ children we experienced a sort of otherness. We often grew up with double standards and feeling a little (or a lot) different than the people around us. We feel the need to overcompensate, to work harder, to hide the lisp, to be perfect. But times are changing, communities are uniting, love is growing. It is time to finally be equal, to be loved, to be accepted, and to be respected in any setting. I dream of a world where the LGBTQIA+ professionals of the world can all be celebrated and seen for who they are and what they can do and finally get their well-deserved flowers.
Le Queer Magazine celebrates the incredible talents that have emerged from our beautiful community and showcases the many faces of the LGBTQIA+ pioneers in their respective industries. From culinary arts to graphic design (and to fashion obviously), we have gathered the most compelling members of our community to celebrate their professional journeys. At Le Queer we strive to break barriers and be part of the professional conversation as openly and proudly as everyone else. We are and forever will be unapologetically QUEER here!
PS: Here at Le Queer Magazine, we love our allies and families always. We appreciate your unwavering support (you know who you are).
Sebastian Chapman Editor in Chief @sebastian_designs_art
I
t’s the biggest night in the music industry calendar. A red haze has flooded the stage, fire cannons erupt and flames burst from every angle, as the throbbing, synth-heavy backing track to ‘Unholy’ ricochets around the room. Kim Petras emerges, encased in a black cage wearing a crimson-red minidress, surrounded by latex-clad dancers. The singer is demanding the crowd’s attention, and for good reason: she’s about to make history.
‘That year is like a fever dream to me,’ Petras muses now, appearing on Zoom in a black sweater and a full face of make-up, her skin glowing through the screen. It’s 11am in rainy Los Angeles, and she is reminiscing about the 2023 Grammy Awards, where she was named the first transgender woman to win the best pop duo/group collaboration category, alongside British singer Sam Smith. The pair received a standing ovation from the likes of Taylor Swift and Anitta, with over 12 million people watching on from home. Their acceptance speech has since been viewed over two million times on YouTube.
‘It was a huge honour, and I’m very grateful for that whole experience,’ she explains, before going on to add, somewhat apprehensively, ‘But nothing can prepare you for that level of attention. It felt exposing and scary. Suddenly, a lot of people who wouldn’t usually listen to my music were digging up my origin story.’
“I’ve known that I’m a woman since I was five years old”
Petras, now 31, grew up in a village outside Cologne, Germany, and was assigned the wrong gender at birth. ‘I’ve known [I’m a woman] since I was five,’ she says, frankly. Aged 12, with unwavering support from her parents, Petras began medical treatment, completing gender-confirmation surgery while she was a teenager. Her story garnered international press coverage at the time, labelling her as the youngest ever transgender person. This was, in part, down to a documentary and talk show appearance that Petras made—something she looks back on with a tinge of regret. ‘I wouldn’t recommend that any kid put themselves through that level of scrutiny now, but my intention was just to talk about my life, and maybe inspire someone [in the same position].’
Photo Credits:
Christine Hahn
(Contents Page, Last Look)
Cody Critcheloe (Page 9)
Thom Kerr (Page 10-11)
Devin Kasparian (Page 6-7)
Vijat Mohindra (Page 8)
As a result, school was a challenging experience, with Petras being bullied throughout her childhood. ‘I had things thrown at me, or I’d be beaten up, especially by guys,’ she recalls. She found solace in creating music, starting out on the audio-making app GarageBand and quickly turning her attention to writing songs. ‘I dreamed of being a pop star,’ Petras says with conviction. ‘And I realised no one else was going to write me a song in a village in the middle of nowhere.’ She would create demos and knock on the doors of recording studios, with her first taste of success coming in the shape of a jingle written for a laundry detergent advert. At the age of 19, this, alongside a waitressing job, helped her save up enough money for a flight to LA, determined to make her childhood fantasy a reality.
When Petras arrived in America on her own on a tourist visa, she knew one person ‘from the internet who was keen to work with me’, who introduced her to other connections within the music world. ‘I started writing three to five songs a day, putting in the work,’ she recalls. ‘A year and a half later, artists [such as Fergie and K-pop group Twice] started recording my songs.’
While the Fergie track was never released, Petras continued grafting behind the scenes, eventually crossing paths with producer Dr Luke, real name Lukasz Gottwald. The pair have a long-standing working relationship, something some fans have been critical of due to sexual assault allegations made against him by singer Kesha [Rose Sebert] in 2014, which he has always denied. Petras spoke out to defend her collaborator in 2018, later taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) in 2022 to write that she has only had a ‘positive experience’ with Gottwald, and that ‘does not negate or dismiss the experiences of others’. Kesha and Gottwald settled their protracted legal battle last summer, reaching an undisclosed resolution before the case was due to be heard in court.
“Sometimes people misunderstand me when I’m talking about my experience; I just want to inspire people to be themselves, rather than telling them to be like me”
The pair worked together on Petras’ first release as an artist, ‘I Don’t Want It At All’, which came out in 2017. It’s a catchy, candy-sweet bop about a desire for material goods, with Paris Hilton starring in the music video. ‘Once I got to a place where I could pay my rent [from songwriting], I wanted to be my own artist,’ Petras explains now. ‘I set up my own label and spent a solid year going from club to club, getting up on the bar and singing. It sounds like crazy behaviour, but it was necessary. I got to a point where I was releasing a new single every month on SoundCloud, and then a new song every week.’
Her chosen family
It’s through this relentless recording and performing that Petras began to make a name for herself within the LGBTQIA+ community. ‘I’m very proud of making music that gay clubs love to play,’ she says, lighting up. ‘Success for me always looked like a touring fan base, which I’ve built up over the years. It honestly is like heaven. I see a lot of myself in my fans, and nothing fills me up more than the energy they give me; it makes me feel like I have a place in the world where people understand me and get exactly what I’m going for with my music. That makes me feel more successful than anything else ever could.’
The singer is aware of a certain pressure on her to represent the trans community, with phrases such as ‘symbol of hope’ often attached to her name. ‘It can be a little scary, because everyone’s journey is so different. Sometimes, people misunderstand me when I’m talking about my experience; I just want to inspire people to be themselves, rather than telling them to be like me.’ She’s also conscious of being pigeonholed by this one part of her story, rather than being seen as multifaceted. ‘I’ll
never hide that side of myself – it’s important to talk about it – but I’m also an artist who shares other things that interest me and how I see the world.’
That said, Petras is ferociously vocal about the challenges LGBTQIA+ people face, and how best others can lend their support. ‘If you see or hear bigotry, speak out against it. Saying, “Hey, that’s not cool,” is super crucial. In school, a group of girls took me under their wing and protected me. Also, people should focus on their own lives and not judge others so harshly. Once you find your people who understand you, those are the ones who really matter.’
The pair worked together on Petras’ first release as an artist, ‘I Don’t Want It At All’, which came out in 2017. It’s a catchy, candy-sweet bop about a desire for material goods, with Paris Hilton starring in the music video. ‘Once I got to a place where I could pay my rent [from songwriting], I wanted to be my own artist,’ Petras explains now. ‘I set up my own label and spent a solid year going from club to club, getting up on the bar and singing. It sounds like crazy behaviour, but it was necessary. I got to a point where I was releasing a new single every month on SoundCloud, and then a new song every week.’
“I’m
very grateful
for that whole experience, but nothing can prepare you for that level of attention”
While becoming a superstar in the community is something Petras is incredibly proud of, there is one downside. ‘A night out is with a dark wig on [now]! I can’t go to gay clubs “normally” any more – it becomes photos, photos, photos, which is amazing, but it’s a different thing. I can go to straight clubs all day! I love old-school nights that embrace music of the past – Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Paula Abdul, Chaka Khan. On tour, I sneak out with my creative director, hairdresser and make-up artist, but I have to hide my blonde hair.’
The big breakthrough
For the most part, Petras describes herself as ‘a niche artist’, but all that changed when a rough demo of ‘Unholy’ arrived in her inbox in April 2022, on the way to Coachella. Though she and Sam Smith had been in touch for years, the stars had never quite aligned for a collaboration. Not long after that demo, the pair met for the first time in a recording studio in LA. They started freestyling in the booth, drinking whisky and working on the song’s lyrics together, to sing over the heavy and addictive electronic beat.
On its release, ‘Unholy’ went to number one in both the US and UK, as well as 18 other countries, catapulting Petras into the global spotlight practically overnight. The song stayed in the charts for a month, and the music video – in which Petras straddles a car in a pink satin corset – has been viewed over 230m times. ‘It was insane,’ she admits, looking back. ‘It took over my life - suddenly I was travelling a lot, and there were more eyeballs on me than ever before. It felt like a huge breakthrough, as it shifted the music industry’s perception of me and what I could do.’
Continues on page 26
Fashion designer Victor Glemaud's work is all about making joyous and colorful statements that unite ease with style
Glemaud
16-17)
Photo Credits: Jason Thomas Geering (Contents Page, Page 14-15, Page
Viki Forskee (Digital Campaign) Fitbit (Page 14-15)
Star & co-creator of her own show
The trans trailblazer’s new Prime Video comedy series, executive-produced by the late Norman Lear, is loosely inspired by her own upbringing in Alabama.
L averne Cox is no stranger to blazing her own trail. In 2014, while playing prison inmate Sophia Burset on Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black,” Cox became the first transgender person to grace the cover of Time magazine and to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in any acting category. A year later, she won a Daytime Emmy Award for hosting and executive-producing “The T Word,” an MTV documentary about the lives of seven trans youths. In 2017, on the short-lived CBS legal drama “Doubt,” she became the first trans actor to play a trans character in a series regular role on broadcast television.
But with the new Prime Video family sitcom “Clean Slate,” which premieres Thursday, Cox now gets to add a new title to her illustrious résumé: star, co-creator and executive producer of her own show. The eight-episode series follows Desiree Slate, played by Cox, as she returns home to Mobile, Alabama, 23 years after she moved to New York as a teenager. She goes back to reconnect with her father, an old-school car wash owner named Harry — who, upon receiving an email from his estranged child, is shocked to discover that the son he expected to find on his doorstep is now a transgender woman.
For Cox, 52, the opportunity to headline her own show has been a dream over 20 years in the making. Seven
years ago, Cox and her manager agreed to meet with writer-producer Dan Ewen, who pitched them the idea of a trans woman returning to her roots to mend fences with her father. Within a week of their four-hour meeting, Ewen had written a draft of the pilot script, which eventually found its way into the hands of Norman Lear, the heavyweight producer known for creating popular ’70s sitcoms such as “All in the Family,” “One Day at a Time,” and “The Jeffersons.”
After the idea languished in the development and pitching stages for a few years, Cox admitted that she was worried that networks and studios were not interested in buying trans stories. But in 2022, on Lear’s 100th birthday, Amazon formally ordered a full season of “Clean Slate.” (Lear died the following year.)
Much like Lear’s past sitcoms, “Clean Slate” attempts to tackle hot-button issues in an inclusive, accessible way, avoiding the tendency to hit viewers over the head with a clear message but instead opting to shed light on the everyday struggles of marginalized communities.
“As much as he tackled controversial issues, he leads with humor,” Cox said of Lear. “It was about finding the humor in our everyday lives … and we were not doing humor that’s like punching down. Good humor comes from knowledge — from knowledge of a community, of a group of people.”
With that approach in mind, the creative team wanted to honor the specificities of Cox’s own experiences of growing up in a small town in Alabama, which the actor said “was triggering every day, because I don’t want to go there in my real life.” Much like her character Desiree, Cox feels a kind of nervous energy any time she returns to her hometown, where she recalls enjoying the “wonderful” musical performances in church but feeling tremendous shame about her sexuality and innate femininity.
“The trauma that I experienced growing up in the South was real”
Although she is usually able to put some distance between herself and her characters, Cox admitted that Desiree — whom she views as a younger, “messier” and “less healed,” but “more elitist and judgmental” version of herself — is the closest she has ever come to playing herself onscreen. Some of the storylines are even taken directly from her own life, including one where a pastor effectively refuses to acknowledge Desiree’s identity as a trans woman by giving her a handshake rather than a hug after a service. Cox recalled the real-life incident, where her mother informed her, following a pastor’s handshake, that he “hugs the women in the congregation, and he shakes the hands of the men.”
As one of the most famous trans women in the world, Cox acknowledged that there is a kind of unspoken loneliness that comes with being among the first to break a glass ceiling in Hollywood. For the first two decades of her career in New York, Cox recalls being told that she was “delusional” for thinking that she could have a mainstream acting career as a Black trans woman because “no one had done it before.” Since effectively becoming the face of the trans movement a decade ago, she has felt the need to sacrifice parts of her personal life to commit herself to advocating for a cause much bigger than herself. “I just had a breakup recently, and honestly, part of the breakup was about this political environment that we’re in and me launching this show and knowing that I need to be of service right now to the best of my ability,” Cox said.
“I need to let go of any person, place or thing that’s going to get in the way of me serving my community first in the way that my higher power wants me to.”
“Clean Slate” debuts at a particularly fraught time for the trans community. Since returning to power last month, President Trump has signed multiple executive orders targeting the trans community in particular — proclaiming that there are only two biological sexes, further restricting transition-related care for minors nationwide and barring trans people from openly serving in the military. Cox, who has long voiced her opposition to policies restricting the rights of trans people, offered a frank assess-
ment of the current social and political climate: “It is what it is.”
“There’s no one opposing them, which is a problem,” Cox said of conservatives who support laws and executive orders targeting trans people. “We have to accept that, and then we have to get through it psychologically, emotionally, and we have to get through it as a community. When I say community, I am particularly talking to the LGBTQ+ community, but I’m talking to Black people. I’m talking to immigrants, migrants. I’m talking to working-class people in general because, girl, we’re all getting it.”
Cox said she feels grateful in this current political climate to have a platform to help further humanize the Black and trans communities.
“What I want to say to trans folks and everybody out there struggling is that victimhood is something we choose,” she said. “Yes, the government can oppress us, and they are and will, but I am the master of my fate, the captain of my soul. I refuse to be a victim.”
Matthew Tyler Pristley (Cover, Back Cover)
Ruo Bing Li (Page 18-21)
Amazon TV (Page 20)
Sequoia Emmanuelle (Page22)
Andy Jackson (Page 23)
Felisha Tolentino (Contents Page)
—Max Gao
Photo Credits:
Jaxton Wheeler is a dynamic and inspiring figure whose multifaceted career in the adult film industry, activism, and music has led him to be a sought-after speaker. His journey began in the early 2010s when he entered the adult film industry and quickly gained recognition for his chiseled physique, powerful legs, captivating eyes, and an eclectic assortment of beard styles. His exceptional acting skills and unwavering authenticity helped him stand out from his peers, earning both respect and admiration from colleagues and fans alike.
Throughout his career, Jaxton has appeared in over 300 films for various studios, such as Falcon Studios, Men. com, and Kink.com. Some of his notable film titles include "Deep Release," "Beards, Bulges & Ballsacks," and "Star Wars: A Gay XXX Parody." These films have showcased his versatility and adaptability as an actor in the adult film industry.
"Change starts with one voice. Never underestimate the power of speaking up for what's right"
At the start of Jaxton's career, the adult film industry was marred by rampant homophobia and transphobia. For the first eight years, Jaxton was blacklisted by studios from working in bisexual or straight productions. It wasn't until late in his career that the doors of equality began to open.
Jaxton's career has also been marked by his role in the creation of the viral "Right in Front of My Salad" meme, which spread like wildfire across multiple social media platforms, further solidifying his presence in popular culture. This unexpected moment of internet fame showcased Jaxton's ability to connect with audiences beyond the adult film industry, demonstrating the power and influence of social media. As his career progressed, he found himself drawn to the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and civil rights. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these causes, he became an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ social justice and equality.
Petras quickly created boundaries to cope with her new-found fame, prioritising a close-knit circle of friends. 'Therapy was also necessary for me after having a huge song, to learn how to shut everything off,' she says. 'I had therapy in my teen years and stopped when things got busy. But I missed having someone to let everything out to. I recommend therapy to everyone; it's an essential tool... The music industry can get very hectic.'
She also cites Sam Smith's tireless support for helping her to adjust, particularly in light of some right-wing backlash to their Grammys performance. 'Sam's such a wonderful person, and has been my coach in a lot of ways. If I feel in a crisis, or read something about myself that I can't deal with, I'll text or call them. That level of media attention is really scary; it forced me to grow as a person, and it's so inspiring to see Sam be able to brush that off.' When the pair hang out in the UK, Petras loves 'going to pubs - particularly in London. That culture doesn't exist anywhere else. I love fish and chips. I love bangers and mash.'
The singer rejects the idea that the success of 'Unholy' made it harder to date - instead laughing that her song 'Throat Goat', about her lack of gag reflex, had done that already. 'People are a little intimated by me!' Petras jokes. 'I went on [celebrity dating app] Raya when I was in London, but then [the tabloids] ran a story around me being on it. I'm someone who really enjoys my life, and I'm interested in people who enjoy theirs... In general, when I date, I'm looking for people who are passionate. But dating when you have a public persona is strange.'
“I don't want to feel any shame around sex—often females are made to feel bad, but it should be around pleasure and fun”
This openness around sex is something reflected in many of her lyrics, with Petras previously releasing an EP called Slut Pop. 'It was a really explicit, fun project where I said the dirtiest stuff I could come up with. It's so freeing to think, "What's the sluttiest thing we can say?" I credit a lot of my openness with growing up in Germany, where nudity is everywhere and it's such a normal thing. I don't want to feel any shame around sex - often females are made to feel bad, but it should be around pleasure and fun. So long as you're into it, it's no bad thing.'
The next chapter
Following her whirlwind year (with performances at the Brits, the Royal Albert Hall and on Saturday Night Live), Petras leaned into work mode. She released more singles and a collaboration with Nicki Minaj, before finally dropping her debut studio album, Feed The Beast, last June. What followed was a world tour, with Petras performing in the UK last month, and a song with David Guetta, as well as a guest judge role on the new series of Drag Race UK Vs The World ('RuPaul is incredibly influential and inspiring to me - they're someone I owe a lot to as a person.') Oh, and she casually starred in Jennifer Lopez's latest project, This is Me... Now; a visual experience to coincide with her album.
'I felt deeply honoured to be a part of that. [Jennifer Lopez] has really some something incredible,' Petras enthuses, adding that acting is something she considers for her future. 'I love the idea of playing fashionable villains, or really bitchy girls. I like comedies and funny things. When the right role appears, it's magic and really lets you channel another side of yourself. I've recently got over my camera fear, so it's definitely something I'm interested in.'
For now, though, her focus is on cementing her status as pop's shining star, taking festival performances and a feature on the official UEFA Euros 2024 soundtrack in her stride. Does Petras ever stop to take a break? 'For a lot of people from humble beginnings, it's hard to switch off. But I'm learning to have a private life I can treasure. I always wanted to be a robot, [glamourising] the life of a pop star who will show up and do whatever it takes. But you can run towards something your whole life and want to prove yourself, and then when you do it, it's like "That's awesome," but life goes on. I'm just trying to keep doing what feels right for me.' It looks like it's working perfectly.
Kim's debut album, Feed The Beast, and her EP Slut Pop Miami are out now —Dusty Baxter-Wright
After something out of the ordinary? Head to Flaming Saddles Saloon, which is a Western-themed gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen. This spot is the closest thing to Coyote Ugly, where you’ll find bartenders with cowboy hats dancing on tables and serving some of the coldest and most refreshing cocktails around. Come for the honky-tonk style country music and stay for their delicious assortment of Tex-Mex bar food. This is the perfect spot to hit up with friends if you’re looking to get rowdy!
3 Dollar Bill's diverse program includes all kind of entertainment, like monthly special drag performances, themed dance parties catering to every taste, live bands, cabaret shows, happy hour specials and themed nights (think super queer ’80s nights and more). This queer nightclub has it all.
Meserole St.
Cubbyhole is New York’s most well-known lesbian bar! Complete with pride and seasonal decor on its interior, this cash-only dive bar is a great inclusive place to grab a drink and listen to some tunes on their famous jukebox. In the summer, their outdoor patio is the perfect place to grab some sun.
If you find yourself in Queens, Albatross is a must hit! This spot is inclusive to all kinds and is one of the most delightful gay bars in NYC. All week long they offer tons of fun entertainment like drag bingo, trivia nights, and karaoke. This laidback spot is one of the most underrated LGBTQ+ places in New York.
24th Ave.
793 9th Ave. 281 W. 12 St.
Images courtesy of: Will Hartman, Cubbyhole, Albatross, and 3 Dollar Bill
You’re in full social butterfly mode, flitting from drama to group chat like it’s your job. But sweetie, not every situation needs your hot take. Sip your matcha muchacha and pick your battles. Sometimes mystery is hotter than oversharing. May will tempt you to start five new hobbies and ghost three people. Balance, babe. Let your charm sparkle, but remember: attention is great, connection is better.
Buckle up, babe! May’s got you speed-walking into chaos like it’s cardio. You’re all fired up and ready to dominate, but try not to bulldoze your friends in the process. Breathe, sip your iced coffee, and maybe don’t text your ex again. Your energy is iconic, but not everyone wants to run at 100mph with you. Let them catch up or catch their breath.
It’s your season, honey, so of course you’re the moment. Indulge, luxuriate, and throw a little glitter on your goals. Just remember: stubborn isn't cute if you're wrong. Be flexible like that yoga class you said you’d start three months ago. May is your main character month. Own it and flaunt it, but don’t steamroll the supporting cast.
You’re in your feels again, but that’s your superpower. This month, channel those emotions into something creative or at least cry in a cute outfit. Protect your peace and don’t let anyone guilt-trip you into bad vibes. Soft doesn’t mean weak, and being kind to yourself is the real glow-up.
You’re strutting into May like it's your runway. But honey, share the spotlight once in a while. Your friends love your sparkle, but not if it comes with a side of diva tantrum. Be the star and the team player. Leadership looks hotter when it comes with a little humility. Just a little, don’t panic.
May is giving “organized chaos,” and you’re doing your best to keep the receipts. Stop overthinking every text and let yourself live a little. Perfection is exhausting, babe. Messy can be magical too. Let someone surprise you. Especially if that someone is you.
You’re vibing, flirting, and probably ghosting—classic. May brings choices, and yes, you’ll agonize over all of them. Just trust your gut, glam up your indecision, and go where the good energy lives (and the WiFi is strong). Being hot and unbothered is great, but don’t forget to actually choose joy.
Oof, the drama is tempting and you’re in full Scorpio seductress mode. But plot twist: this month, you’re craving real connection. Lower the walls a smidge, let someone in, and maybe don’t ruin a good thing just for the thrill. You’re magnetic AF. Just be sure what you’re pulling in is actually good for you.
Wanderlust is calling and you're already halfway out the door. May is your cue to shake things up, but please try not to set your life on fire in the process. Chaos is fun until you lose your keys and your job. Adventure’s great, babe, but don’t forget to pack a plan B and maybe an extra pair of undies.
You’ve been grinding like the boss you are, but May wants you to chill, hydrate, and flirt a little. Being serious is hot… until it’s not. Show your softer side, surprise someone with your humor, and maybe even gasp, take a day off. Even productivity queens need a nap and a mimosa sometimes.
You're reinventing yourself again. New haircut? Start that podcast no one asked for. May loves your weird, but don’t be so aloof that you forget your friends are out here missing you. Being unique is your brand, but connection is what makes it mean something.
You’re romanticizing literally everything right now. From your sad Spotify playlist to your barista’s handwriting. It’s cute but also… snap out of it, darling. The world needs your creativity, not just your daydreams. Put those rose-colored glasses to good use. On your vision, not your delusions.
Because when the look is this cnty, we need just one more!
