Flame Magazine Oct 2013

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soundcheck with

natalia kills become who you are

dishonoring our legacy

the world according to joan

we need to talk about miley dorothy checks out

prisoners

r e ti r a C n a V Deja

Michigan’s Premier LGbt Lifestyle & entertainment Magazine

PUBLISHER peter rayes

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MANAGING EDITOR austin Vankirk

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ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR dorothy “Joan” stevenson joan@flame-mag.com

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contents

october 2013

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deja van cartier iff you think you haven’t seen her, then you might not have known it was her. deja is one of detroit’s finest illusionists, not just as a female impersonator, but also as a celebrity impersonator–her best illusions being reba Mceentire, and cher. she presently is the 39th Miss gigi’s Mc and cast member of the gigi’s cabaret, and she has been an influential performer in and around detroit—as well as abroad—for many years. we sat down with deja to ask her about her reign as Miss gigi’s and her drag career.

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rant: we need to talk about miley

dishonoring our legacy

prisoners

natalia kills

aatt the Movies with dorothy

soundcheck

the world according to joan

becoM beco Me who you are

natalia kills has been killing the scene since she broke out just a couple years back with her beautiful face, her artistic music videos, her dark-pop infused style, her sultry voice, and her perfect mix of fashion in such wardrobe pieces that would make lady gaga wonder where …

october 2013

photos by tony lowe

it’s thanksgiving in a sleepy suburban it was in 2006 when a 14-year-old Miley i’ll be sipping my drink at a bar or lying neighborhood. after two families share cyrus stole america’s hearts as the plucky upside-down on my bed bemoaning dinner and a warm evening together, their hannah Montana: school girl by day, rock my boredom with my laptop or phone two little daughters go out to play, and star by night. over the years we have seen in my face, and i’ll receive contact from a then, they both disappear. her blossom into a beautiful, talented, gentleman ten, twenty, thirty years older the families panic as they attempt to … and outspoken young woman. then than me. he’ll compliment my smile or somewhere ... eyes, and politely, i’ll return with …

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Flame // the world according to joan

rant: we need to talk about miley I written by Joan Stevenson

t was in 2006 when a 14-year-old Miley Cyrus stole America’s hearts as the plucky Hannah Montana: school girl by day, rock star by night.

Over the years we have seen her blossom into a beautiful, talented, and outspoken young woman. Then somewhere along the way, she took a severe left turn. Her video for the song We Can’t Stop, while visually stunning, definitely let the world know, “It’s my party. I can do what I want.” We see a sexily-clad Miley writhing around on a bed, twerking and cavorting with a group of party people with her tongue hanging out.

Popping in a gold partial grill and cutting off her electronic tether, we get the message: I can party, drug, and fuck all night and can’t stop.

Then Miley shocked us with the twerk seen ‘round the world as she shook it for Robin Thicke and the cameras at the MTV Video Music Awards. Her performance was, to say the least, unusual. I prefer the term “trainwreck.” As I shook my head in shock, I wondered whether or not we are seeing the beginnings of another young female performer’s downward spiral. Whenever I see displays like this so many questions float around in my mind.

is that an option? Why does it have to scheduled to appear on Piers Morgan be an option? the day after the VMAs to talk about Is it because they want to make sure her appearance, but he canceled. that everyone knows that “I’m not a Can’t blame him. He would have little girl anymore”? That’s fine, but been totally reamed. What could you there have to be better ways to let say to defend that? “I realize she’s us know that than becoming a full- not my little girl anymore, but I hardly on whore or waste case. What is the expected to see her damn near butt thought process here? This behavior naked and grinding her ass against is often defended as being called a guy’s crotch on worldwide TV, empowerment: I am no longer a but hey, that’s my Miley!” I can only pawn being exploited by the powers imagine what he thought after seeing that be; I chose to be the one in the video.

Why is it when most young female performers are at the point where they have the opportunity to be free to express themselves, they, in the name of “changing their image,” choose the tramp/slut option?

Only time will tell which way Miley will go and there are so many questions that will probably always be in the back of my mind, but I leave you with Miley’s statement to all her detractors that probably says more than it should: “They’re over thinking it. You’re thinking about it more than I thought about it when I did it.” Yes, Miley, perhaps you’re right. I am over thinking it.

Is it because being sweet and nice and clean has already been an option and no longer viable, or are these qualities that are no longer valued?

Is it because the only way to stay relevant in the media or in the public eye is as a catalyst for scandal? Why

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charge of exploiting myself. You can Don’t misunderstand, I have nothing be empowered and sexy without the against Miley, I actually like her. Maybe “streetwalker” mentality. that’s why I feel a little conflicted.

Is it because youth culture only I have nothing against youthful recognizes/idolizes/values the expression of passion and sexuality. outrageous over-the-gristtop antics: I embrace it; it’s life affirming, but boozing, drugging, partying, sexing? there should be some kind of happy The YOLO generation seems to medium of how it’s used in the media, validate this behavior, consuming especially when it’s used to sell music every action of the current idol being to kids. offered up to the masses. Fame and youth are a heady combination and few are able to navigate through the storm and still manage to keep it together, but the casualties are grist for the train-wreck mill i.e. Brtttney, Lindsay, Amanda, etc. Will Miley be next? There’s good attention and bad attention, and there seems to be no separating that in the minds of these stars, or the press, really. There used to be a saying, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” I think this has become the battle cry and mission statement for the gossip mill. I’m looking at you TMZ.

I think that manners, class, grace, selfesteem, positive self-image are the sexiest things a woman can possess. I think they show strength of character but it seems that these qualities are lost on youth culture/society. If those qualities are used well they could be more empowering and devastating than any twerking could ever be.

Where is the voice of reason in these girls lives? Where is the grounding?

Someone who should step up and say maybe hard partying tramp is not the way to go. Miley’s dad Billy Ray, “Only God can judge ya. Forget the mister Achy Breaky Heart himself, was haters cause somebody loves ya.”

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Flame // become who you are

dishonoring our legacy written by Austin VanKirk

I

’ll be sipping my drink at a bar or lying upside-down on my bed bemoaning my boredom with my laptop or phone in my face, and I’ll receive contact from a gentleman ten, twenty, thirty years older than me.

He’ll compliment my smile or eyes, and politely, I’ll return with “Thanks!” sometimes accompanied by a smiley face, depending on my whimsy. More than a few times I’ve been met with shocked responses. “Wow, didn’t think you would actually respond.”

Why would I not respond? A person just paid me a compliment. I was taught to say “thank you” when someone pays me a compliment. And it doesn’t even have to be a compliment. If somebody greets me, more often than not, I’m going to return the greeting. Maybe this is just me, but my parents raised me to be polite. When someone says, “Hi,” I am to respond in a likewise, cordial fashion. I’d like to believe that other members of our community were raised similarly. Why then, do we have a tendency to ignore—or just be plain cruel to—older guys that approach us in a bar or digital environment?

Naturally, I am speaking to the men of my generation when I ask “Are older guys not humans worthy of the small respect of returning a ‘Hello, how are you?’” It seems this is too large of an inconvenience for many of us. When did it become a chore to show this small respect for a fellow human?

I do not intend to claim to be blameless here. I have more than once ignored a message from, or tried to desperately disengage from a conversation with, an older man. I could offer excuses or reasons, as could we all, but I do not

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believe that doing so could remove us from blame. So go ahead and call me out—I acknowledge this is a problem we all need to address.

I think it’s important to remember that everyone has a story. Let’s say I’m approached by an older guy. Maybe he’s been struggling with his sexuality for twenty years, and just the day before finalized his divorce from his wife. Maybe I’m the first guy he has worked up the nerve to approach.

It’s unlikely (and paradoxically, just as likely), but how could I know for sure? It’s equally plausible that I am approached by a crazy man that wants to rape my eye socket, but that’s a risk I run with everyone, really. My point is, what if my response is the first one this hypothetical man receives in the gay community? What if my response has the ability to make his day or ruin it?

Our culture, gay culture, is far too preoccupied with appearances. A person has little control over what features of another person he finds attractive, and I do not hold that to be a flaw. We may all want to bring home that trophy guy (either to our family and friends or just to our beds), but when attempting this, we should not forget common courtesy—this particular preaching applies to everybody, both the young and old.

A little respect and kindness, I believe, goes a long way. So I say, “No, thanks.

I don’t feel up to dancing right now,” or, “I’m sorry, I’d rather not,” after some light conversation with the older gentleman. If he has a modicum of intelligence and is capable of rational thinking, he’ll accept my declined invitation gracefully. See how much nicer that is? No feelings hurt, no insults dealt, no gnashing of teeth and pulling I also think it’s important to remember of hair. that the men that came before us had a tougher time than even we do now. That’s another thing. Do we not already Like being able to check Grindr while get enough shit and name calling from you’re on the toilet at work? Enjoy people outside of the Community? Do being able to walk down the streets we really need to be tearing at each of Ferndale holding your date’s hand? other and throwing shade from within?

Have you noticed that the townsfolk I wish we all could just get along and haven’t driven you out of your home eat some cake made from rainbows with torches and pitchforks? We all and smiles and be happy. have the older generations of LGBT folk to thank for these privileges and But what do I know? I don’t even go comforts that were fought for and here. earned. Without the tenacity of the individuals that came before us, we What’s your take on this situation? Is wouldn’t be able to enjoy any of that. there really even a problem here? Want I may not like the way an older guy to share a relatable experience? Let us looks, dresses, or speaks to me, but know in the comments section of this at the very least, I must acknowledge piece, or hit us up on Facebook or that the hardships he’s endured are far Twitter greater than then the ones I’ve had to.

For that, at least, he deserves respect equal to the challenges he’s faced.

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f you think you haven’t seen her, then you might not have known it was her. Deja is one of Detroit’s finest illusionists, not just as a female impersonator, but also as a celebrity impersonator–her best illusions being Reba McEntire, and Cher. She presently is the 39th Miss Gigi’s and cast member of the Gigi’s Cabaret, and she has been an influential performer in and around Detroit—as well as abroad—for many years.

You’re the current reigning Miss Gigi’s is one of the staples of our Gigi’s, what is it like being a nightlife, culture; what do you titleholder? think it is that makes it a place Being Miss Gigi’s was a goal of mine, that everyone enjoys going to?

so to be the current [reigning Miss Gigi’s] is not only fulfilling a dream of mine, but also accomplishing a goal that I had set for myself. As a young entertainer in the industry I never could see myself as Miss Gigi’s—it almost seemed way out of reach. It was similar to seeing a celebrity walking We sat down with Deja to ask her down the street: you know someone about her reign as Miss Gigi’s and her is but you never imagine you could drag career. also be that person. As I grew as a person and as an entertainer, those dreams seemed to become more attainable. Then as I sat watching in previous years, it clicked. I could also be one of those girls, but now it would just take work to get there.

And here I am Miss Gigi’s.

I think it’s the stability, with many bars opening and closing and even renaming their establishment, Gigi’s has always been known to be just that: Gigi’s. You always know what to expect. On Saturdays you always can count on there being one of the best shows in town. On Mondays you can count on Chico’s boys, the best in male erotic entertainment. Fridays, the Fuck You Fridays with Sabin and DeAngela. So I guess it boils down to always knowing what’s going on there. To many, Gigi’s feels like home, someplace they can return to after living out of state, or where the college kids come to party on breaks from school.

What is it like to represent one What does it take to prepare for of Michigan’s longest running a pageant? titles?

To prepare for a pageant you need It’s an honor and a stress all in one.

You want to fill the shoes the former [title holders] set forth, as well as make new ones for girls to follow.

All while being a good entertainer, a good person, and someone that new girls will look up to, seek advice from and count on for guidance. I also wanted to be that girl that people could remember and look back on five years from now and say she really did an amazing job representing the title. During my reign, I found myself even giving guidance and advice to some of the city’s most seasoned entertainers. I then realized being Miss Gigi’s is for sure one of the most respected titles in the country.

an army of people who believe in you and believe that you could wear the crown. It takes a lot of sewing, fabric, rhinestones and sleepless nights. It takes that whole army to help with the putting together of it all. While one is sewing another is stoning, while one is across the room making a talent mix. While five others are in the other room brain storming a presentation idea. Also five dancers are in the front yard choreographing the talent. I think you get the idea. It really takes a team. And of course the key factor, MONEY.

Deja Van Cartier written by Tony Lowe

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We’ve seen all these girls on RuPaul’s Drag Race, like Roxxxy, Alyssa, and Coco. Are they really what pageant queens are like?

Well, if you mean striving for perfection, then yes.

To me, pageantry is what molds you as an entertainer. I’ve heard some say they don’t need a title to validate them as entertainers. In my opinion, if you enter a pageant for validation, you are entering for the wrong reasons.

Pageantry challenges you to push yourself to higher limits. It helps you learn and grow into a better entertainer. I’ve had people tell me what a great and beautiful entertainer I am, that I don’t need pageantry or a title. But they fail to realize that because of the competition and the strive to win one is what made me push myself. And it’s not just a title I gain, it’s the family and the sisterhood that challenges me every day, helps me grow as an entertainer, and makes me strive for perfection.

Jennifer Foxx has always been a great inspiration, as well as Nickki Stevens.

Nickki gave me many opportunities that others hadn’t. She gave me a place to work and call home. Of course all of my sisters, the former Gigi’s titleholders. April Summers also for her accomplishments and the respect she receives from the community. Also my close group, my girlfriend’s, better known as the DQM army. We throw rhinestones instead of grenades

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Do you have any plans for after you hand down your crown as Miss Gigi’s?

I plan to take some time to spend with my husband and family and friends. I would like to get into the national scene. I have my eye on a certain system, so stay tuned for that.

I am also (fingers crossed) in talk with a casino gig. If all goes well with that, I am certain to be a very busy girl.

Who are some of the queens you have looked up to in your drag career? photos by tony lowe

First and foremost, my drag mother Ruby Holiday. She created and pushed me to become who I am today. She was the one who said, “Hey, you can do Reba McEntire.”

My reply was “But I am a Puerto Rican boy.” To which she responded, “Sit down and shut up.” And now, that is my most perfected and most respected impersonation. I have received much recognition from the Performer Awards of Detroit for that character.

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4 / 5 stars

in theaters september 20, 2013 written by Dorothy “Joan” Stevenson

I

t’s Thanksgiving in a sleepy suburban neighborhood. After two families share dinner and a warm evening together, their two little daughters go out to play, and then, they both disappear.

The families panic as they attempt to search for the girls, the police are brought in and the case is opened. The police track down what little leads they have and a person of interest is found. He is apprehended and brought in for questioning, but the police can only hold him for 48 hours before they are forced to release him for lack of evidence.

Keller (Jackman) is outraged that this man, Alex Jones (Dano), is being let go because Keller is certain that Alex knows where the girls are. He is so certain in fact that he decides to take matters into his own hands.

Right or wrong, Keller decides to abduct Alex and carry out his own interrogation.

Keller Dover is a man who in the name of God and for the sake of his family, is prepared for every contingency in the face of chaos.

But the fact that his daughter is missing slowly begins to tear at the edges of his soul and threatens to completely unravel him as he tries to find the answer to the question “Where’s my Daughter?”

There are times when I walk out of a movie in tears, there are times when I leave a movie

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in reflective thought, there are times when I leave a movie so happy or angry I could just burst. When I walked out of prisoners, it was in stunned silence. This film was such an experience. It makes you examine yourself and ask yourself how far would you go and what would you do to save your child, save your soul. It makes you wonder just who the perpetrators and the victims are. Lets you see the fruits of the seeds of evil that have been planted. There are many, many layers to this story. It is an intricate maze of secrets and lies that don’t just begin or end with Keller’s act of vigilantism. This movie is so moving, so gripping. Maybe it’s because this fictional story could have proven to be all too real.

“

...this film was such an experience. it makes you examine yourself and ask yourself how far would you go and what would you do to save your child, save your soul...

„

Sterling performances from all of the cast members: Terrance Howard and Viola Davis as the Birch family who are totally distraught at the loss of their child. Their level of “comfort” is tested once they discover what Keller has done. Maria Bello, Mrs. Dover, is on the verge of completely shutting down. Jake Gyllenhaal as Detective Loki, is an officer that has never lost a case, but this one may prove to test that record.

But this film is hands down one of Hugh Jackman’s finest performances. His pain and frustration is all too real, too visceral. From beginning to end, his journey takes you through an entire emotional gauntlet until you are absolutely left breathless. If Hugh Jackman does not get an Oscar nomination for this role, there is something wrong with the Academy.

There are moments of this film that are very disturbing, but I urge you: RUN do not walk to see this film

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hugh jackman as keller doVer jake gyllenhaal yllenhaal as detectiVe loki oki Viola daVis as nancy birch irch maria bello ello as grace doVer oV Ver terrence howard oward as Franklin birch b melissa leo eo as holly olly Jones Paul dano ano as alex lex Jones

photos courtesy oF warner bros. pictures

Flame // at the movies with dorothy

prisoners

Flame // sound check

natalia kills written by Steven Palmer

I had the chance to interview her live over the phone one-on-one, and I will tell you all how that interview went, now.

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photos credit: g

N

atalia Kills has been killing the scene since she broke out just a couple years back with her beautiful face, her artistic music videos, her darkpop infused style, her sultry voice, and her perfect mix of fashion in such wardrobe pieces that would make Lady Gaga wonder where to buy them for her next appearance. The highly-anticipated follow-up to her 2011 album, Perfectionist, her new album Trouble is full of lonely screeching vocals and apocalyptic guitars which propel her music into even wilder territories. My two favorite songs from this album would have to be “Stop Me” and “Saturday Night.” Even though they are two polarizing opposites in terms of sounds, as well as the story that each one tells, they both evoke personal feelings within my own life in which I can see plenty of people out there being able to identify with. Some lyrics from “Stop Me” which really stand out: “You know I never meant to drag you down / Standing at the bar with your scars and your lonely heart / So let’s leave this dead town.” You can just see yourself in a mood at a club with someone you like, but you know you’re hurt because you are letting your own past get to you. In “Saturday Night” my favorite lyrical verse would be “I walk lonely streets and I talk big time dreams / So hold on before you see that you’re better off without me.” I think that although these songs are personal to Natalia, we have all been in similar situations

It was 1pm here in Detroit on a Thursday and the phone rang: it was Natalia Kills’ publicity manager in New York calling to tell me she’s going to wire me through to Natalia in LA. I waited and wondered how the phone chat would go as these can be very tedious and boring— thinking of things to talk about, and other stupid things such as “Oh, it’s probably 10am in LA, blah blah blah.” You know the feeling. What I was pleasantly greeted to was a cheerful, sultry voice saying hello and kindly asking if I could hold on a moment as I heard the click to her hotel room door and listened to her politely thank room service for bringing something up for her.

This already says a lot about who she really is. How she treats others resonates with a subtleness of “I’ve been around people who don’t appreciate a thing you do for them,” kind of vibe, and she does appreciate them. She thanked her room service multiple times.

As the interview began, I noticed that this would not be the same, boring, awkward interview that is the norm.

With a sharp-tongue which has deep, poetic answers to everything I had to ask and talk about, I suddenly felt like I was talking to a best friend that I just haven’t quite had the chance to catch up with in a couple of years.

She laughed in her reminiscence of different places she’s lived, different designer outfits she has worn, and how busy she’s been. I feel like this is exactly the girl I’m looking at when I watch her videos: an in-your-face truth teller, with a splash of rawness, and a hint of vulgarity just to keep the conversation sane.

Upon bringing up my favorite song on her new album “Trouble,” I tell her “Stop Me” is the one I couldn’t stop playing. She was amazingly willing to spill all the details of telling me how the song is all about the time she spent living in Paris. She told me it’s based on her having gotten into “lots of trouble, running away, staying in hostels with hookers and prostitutes” and just being, well—crazy!

I asked her how she came out with the hard-pounding, beat-smashing song “Controversy,” and she

explains that it had to do with being a way to tell people to “Stop fu**ing judging us, you don’t know us enough to judge us; it’s all based on television. Everything that we desire and contemplate is on the television.

You’re going to judge us, then you’re going to treat us like shit . . . but it’s not controversial . . .it’s all stuff that you’ve heard, you’ve just never heard it coming from the same one story, or one-person. You’ve never heard it come from someone who is articulate. You’ve never heard it from someone who you think is cute, or beautiful, or funny, or who seems to have a perfect life now.”

I asked her what she thinks her next video will be. She replied that she hopes it will be for “Boys Don’t Cry.” She would like to work with a director that she’s never worked with before, someone who is new. She already has some ideas with how she would like the direction to go. Picture part Girl, Interrupted and part One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

I asked her to come back and visit Detroit, one day. She said, “I will, I promise.” If she doesn’t, she’s going to be in “trouble.”

All-in-all, this girl really is trouble, but she offers it all up in a way that just makes you want to fall in love with the past that built the person and the life she led that shaped her persona.

Top five picks off of this album for me would be: “Trouble,” “Stop Me,” “Controversy,” “Devils Don’t Fly,“ and “Saturday Night.”

Better go buy the album on iTunes!

october 2013

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