Tegan and Sara’s Unbelievable Real-Life Catfishing Saga
By Chris Azzopardi
The new Hulu documentary “Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara” makes some horror films look like Disney fare. That’s because something is especially scary when it could happen to you. Or in this case, a lesbian Canadian indie-turned-pop duo beloved by the LGBTQ+ community: Tegan and her twin sister Sara Quin. To chilling effect, the film chronicles a terrifying series of events that infiltrated their lives.
In the early stages of their rise in the 1990s, Tegan and Sara — known for their infectious indie-rock songs in the early 2000s — became iconic figures within the LGBTQ+ community, at a time when openly queer musicians were still a rarity. Their deep connection with queer fans was particularly strong, given the scarcity of such representation in music. Their mainstream breakthrough came with the release of “Heartthrob” in 2012, marking their shift to synth-pop and earning them millions of new fans, including Taylor Swift, with whom they later performed during her “Red” tour that same year.
But behind the scenes, the Quins were facing a disturbing betrayal. Tegan discovered in 2011 that someone with access to deeply personal details of their lives — details they hadn’t shared publicly, like their mother’s cancer diagnosis — was impersonating her and had been since 2008. This “fake Tegan,” the name they used within their inner circle to keep track of the imposter sister, befriended fans on social media, even engaging in romantic conversations, all while feeding them false information
and ghosting on planned meetups. Things escalated further: their passports were leaked, private photos were made public, and the invasion of their privacy continued. Beyond the Quins, their closest friends, cyber security specialists, the FBI and numerous victims who were deceived by fake Tegan, no one knew the sisters were living through this real-life nightmare. “Just so frightening and overwhelming,” Tegan shares. “And I’m really good at dissociating from scary things.”
On a video call with Tegan, who I interviewed in 2013 while this was happening in the background, she admitted why they chose to stay silent about being catfished at the time. Primarily it was out of necessity for the safety of them and the numerous people — from fans to lovers — deeply affected by fake Tegan. “We didn’t talk about it publicly, because it just seemed like it would be worse,” she says. “It would make it worse, it would draw too much attention. It might attract more predators.”
The other reason is simple, and once you watch the film, it becomes clear — it unfolds like a whodunit game of “Clue,” or as the documentary itself references, given the Myspace-era time frame in which some of this is happening, the 1995 cyber-thriller “The Net.” Except this wasn’t a movie.
“It’s not an easy story to sit down and tell,” Tegan explains. There were other difficult decisions they had to make, too, like figuring out who they could trust with sensitive details. What if they confided in the person
Photos: Hulu
who was actually the imposter, posing as Tegan? She adds, “I certainly couldn’t email about it, because I wasn’t 100% sure my emails weren’t being constantly hacked.”
Their catfishing ordeal is compelling in its own right, but director Erin Lee Carter frames this disturbing story within the larger context of how fame can amplify situations where fans feel entitled to the most intimate details of the artists they admire. “It’s just so unnatural to be famous,” Tegan reflects, acknowledging that the artist-fan relationship should be centered on the music — yet stardom often complicates that dynamic, making it something far more invasive or even parasocialistic. Given this, can we really blame Chappell Roan for setting stricter boundaries with fans and photographers? “Fanatical” may just challenge your perspective on whether these boundaries are an act of ingratitude or simply a necessary part of doing the job of an artist who also happens to be a person.
“There were just expectations on artists,” she reflects. “There’s always been, and I think these days the younger artists are stepping up and going, ‘Actually, I don’t want to do this.’ I love how Mitski handled this record cycle. They virtually did no press.”
She says that Mitski, a fellow queer artist, is “an example of an artist who said, ‘The world’s my oyster, and everyone is listening to me and talking about me right now, and I’m not going to take every opportunity. I’m not.’ And I think some of these younger artists are prioritizing themselves and their health and their families over fame. A lot of queer artists and women, specifically, are speaking out right now, which is so inspiring and amazing.”
you think every famous person likes having to spend six or seven figures a year on security? Have their houses camped out at? They can’t go for dinner or to Disney World with their kids without people coming up and asking for selfies. We’re at a point in our culture where we have to ask ourselves if that’s OK. People will tell you, ‘Well, that’s your job, and you owe that to us.’ And I’m not interested in playing that game because I don’t feel that way. It’s absolutely not my job, and I’m absolutely not.”
Chalk it up to Tegan and Sara being 43 now — and also being inspired by a new generation of artists like Roan. “I don’t feel like I owe anyone anything except for what I choose to put out in the world, and you can take it or leave it, you know, so I don’t…,” she says, laughing. “I think we’re old.”
“We’re not those kinds of people where you can scour our social media,” she adds. “You don’t see us with our friends. You don’t see us with our family. You don’t see us with our partners. We keep the majority of ourselves private, but I think we do a really excellent job of still making you feel like you’re a part of what we’re building and the music and our story, but we’re very, very protective of our personal life now.”
Tegan recognizes how vastly different being a public figure would feel in the 1990s; for one major reason she’s grateful the duo did make waves before information was tweeted and dissected on Reddit. The sisters built relationships with their loyal queer following offline, through more direct, personal and physical methods, like in small clubs, in magazine interviews and during meet-andgreets.
She adds that Roan is “just one artist basically saying, ‘Leave me alone.’ I mean,
“Culturally, everything has shifted so much in the last 20 years,” she says. “We’re so glad there was no Internet when we were
teenagers,” she says, “because we would have absolutely filmed ourselves and put ourselves on the internet. It’s no judgment of people that are doing it. We would have done it. We filmed ourselves all the time, but we just played it for our friends.”
The violation of their privacy that would come later serves as a stark reminder of how drastically the internet can alter someone’s life. While stealing intimate details once required breaking into a filing cabinet by first breaking into someone’s house, now it only takes a few clicks.
The film asks, with urgency and abiding relevancy: What exactly is the “job” of a pop star? The follow-up question it seems to ask is just as important: Is that job different for queer pop stars? For queer artists in the predigital age of the 1990s, when social media did not provide a window into the lives of their favorite artists, fans of queer artists felt the need to understand the identities of those they admired. To love them was to know them, fully. Tegan and Sara became mirrors for fans, reflecting their own identities and experiences — a connection I can personally relate to. While many queer artists wouldn’t overtly label the pressure of this representation as a burden, and many express gratitude for offering visibility to those who need it, this responsibility often comes at the cost of privacy and the erosion of personal boundaries.
During their career ascension especially, Tegan acknowledges that she and Sara kept some healthy distance from fans, but their very presence as openly queer artists created a deep connection with many in the queer community. For many queer people, finding a queer-to-queer experience was rare, and this made their bond with Tegan and Sara even more significant. “I definitely think we made a lot of space for queer people, for sure,” she says. “I think they were feeling very realized and seen by us, and we felt the same. I was looking out into an audience of people who looked like me, who lived the same lifestyle at times where we didn’t even have equal rights. There was a pretty epic energy exchange and love felt.”
The film takes you through a maze of potential suspects, including those closest to them and die-hard fans. But it also shifted course during the actual filming of it, the primary reason being “it’s a complicated portrait that we have of this person,” Tegan says. “I think this person was young and confused and has issues. It just felt time to move on.”
“By the end of production, I think we all had a really complicated understanding of everyone in the movie,” she adds. “I mean, many of the victims had also victimized me. Many of the victims were also deeply apologetic, and were like, ‘What was I doing on Tumblr, looking for your personal email?’”
Tegan describes “Fanatical” as “a bit of a time machine” that examines just how “commonplace and normalized” it has become to pry into the lives of public figures. Even as they were making the documentary, she says, “we just recognized that this film ended up being a human story about the internet and fame.”Although the film provided Tegan with “the closure I needed” regarding fake Tegan, new evidence has surfaced regarding that person’s identity. People have come forward with additional information, leading to breakthroughs. “We had some pretty revelatory meetings with an FBI profiler and investigator with 25 years of experience,” she says. “They reviewed everything and created a fascinating map, which is why we think we know who the fake Tegan is.” According to the film, which Tegan again confirmed during our interview, all the physical evidence so far points to someone in the U.K.
With this saga mostly behind them, Tegan and Sara are considering their follow-up to 2022’s “Crybaby.” “We’re still going to make music,” Tegan assures. “We’re just going to do it on our own terms, like we always have.”
Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.
Spice Up the Season
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Who says the holidays have to be all sugar and no spice? This year, unwrap something a little naughty for the playful partners and adventurous lovers in your life. From sultry underwear and tantalizing toys to seductive games that heat up those cold winter nights, our naughty gift guide is here to add a sexy twist to your holiday cheer. Because, let’s face it, the best presents aren’t always under the tree…
Room for Excitement
These boxers may be slim-fitting, but they still leave ample room for, erm, excitement— because sometimes you just need space to show your full potential.
Nice Laundry Slim Fit Boxers (3-pack), $90 at Nicelaundry.com
A Light in the Night
Sometimes, even the biggest gestures don’t translate into what your heart (and body) desires. With this scented candle, you can let your partner know exactly what time it is.
Light Me When You Want Me Naked! Scented Soy Candle, $15 for Etsy.com
It’s in the Cards
This adventurous and sexy card set is designed to ignite passion, explore new experiences, deepen your connection with your partner, and push sexy boundaries.
30 Days of Kinky Challenges Mini Cards Dec, $22 from en.lovebox.love
Life and Love Can Get Messy
Let’s face it: A heated moment or passionate session can leave bit of a mess behind. Why not acknowledge the realities of life and have dedicated rags for it all?
Wash Rag/C*m Towel, $5 per towel (several designs) at Etsy.com
Ergonomic Enhancement
A cockring is fun and sexy way to enhance the appearance of your appendage and improve the intensity of feeling. The ergonomic shape fits even better to the contour of your body.
Ergonomic Stainless Steel Cock Ring, $50 from b2ldstudios.com
All Trim!
This all-inclusive kit not only provides the best trimmer for the more delicate groin area, but you get a full suite of hair trimmer that will have you looking clean-cut and confident.
Manscaped Performance Package Ultra, $140 at manscaped.com
The Sex Organ Between Your Ears
Sex and love can be complicated, and this gift will give you marvelous insights from the expert podcaster, advice columnist, and author Dan Savage on his Savage Lovecast podcast.
Annual Magnum Savage Lovecast Subscription, $20 (on sale right now!) at savage.love
A Spoonful of Love
This blend of lusty super herbs targets stress to support healthy hormonal balance and ignite creative energy—in and out of the bedroom. Add a teaspoon to coffee or cocoa.
Moon Juice Sex Dust ® Adaptogens For Fire, $38 at sephora.com
Elevated Me Time
Who needs a Flesh Jack when you can get an automated stroker! This perfect storm of sensation for heightened solo sex sessions that can be customized to your personal moods.
PDX Elite Suck-O-Matic Rechargeable Masturbator, $104 at adult-toys.com
Introducing: Cici Nicole’s Musical Mosaic
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Cici Nicole – a well-known performer in the Atlanta nightlife scene – has released her own music since 2017. Now she has taken it a step further with the release of a full album, Mosaic, which came out December 6. David spoke to the performing artist about her inspiration and drive to create music.
Cici, you are a well-known performer in the Atlanta scene. Please tell us a little bit about your background in the community.
Yes, I came into the entertainment industry as a young kid in theater. From there, I did Showtime at the Apollo, did music pre-transition, was a student and entertainer with the Tupac Amaru Shakur foundation, and eventually became a teacher following the footsteps of my dance teacher, Junella Cooper. Then I became a backup dancer and choreographer for artists. In 2009, I started doing drag. I was introduced to drag by SeKyiwa “Set” Shakur, and the rest became history. From doing pageants to local shows and competitions to performing nationally at different bars and venues, I quickly grew my name and my status in the industry. Now, almost 16 years later, I have cemented my name in the industry and even grown my own House of
I have seen you perform your own music and perform strikingly accurate Ciara songs and choreography. Ciara is obviously an inspiration, but who else is a role model performance-wise to you?
Michael and Janet Jackson, for one! I have been impersonating Janet since the very beginning of my drag career! She is a huge inspiration to me artistically! Michael is my hugest inspo; the whole Jackson family is. Beyoncé is a showstopper and a hard worker who has also been a huge inspiration for my career. Other artists like Brandy, Tina Turner, Toni Braxton, Aaliyah, Kandi Burrus, Nicki Minaj, Tupac, Usher, and Tevin Campbell as well.
You have been releasing singles and EPs since 2017, and now you are ready with your first album, Mosaic. Does it feel like a big step?
A huge step! I’m excited but so nervous. I am embarking on the next chapter in my life, and it is a full-circle moment because music has always been my passion and first love. When I started transitioning when I was 15, I hated my voice change and felt as if I would never make it in the
young, amazing performers (Haus Of Nicole).
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
music industry as an artist. I had doubts because of how the world views transgender women. I no longer care about that doubt and plan on proving to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to!
What were your inspirations for this album?
This album was inspired first by my personal experiences. I have been through a lot and wanted to put it in my music. From my relationships to losing my best friend Shugahbear to gun violence this year, my dad passing away, and me being sexually assaulted early this year. I talk about it all in this album, but I also still want to inspire the world to dance and love, and that is on this album as well. Artists like Brandy, Toni, Ciara, Janet, Michael ,and Nicki were huge inspirations for this album.
You touched on an unfortunate event that happened to you earlier this year dealing with sexual assault; is the last song on the album “Goodbye to you” referencing that, and what do you want listeners to take away from that?
Yes, that song is probably one of the most vulnerable and personal songs I’ve ever written. It was my way of facing what I have been through. I want listeners who hear the song that may have been through something similar to know they are not alone and to free themselves of the shackles of something so painful and say goodbye to that person that hurt them. I am still doing that to this day.
Talk to me about who you have collaborated with on this album – I see that J. Tyler is listed on the credits?
Yes! J. Tyler actually collabed on two songs for this album: “Work the body remix”, which didn’t make the album, and “Shake It.” We work very well together, and it was so natural doing music with him. Samii Austin is probably one of my favorite rappers, and he is so slept on, but his journey is just getting started. His verses on “Wassup” are fire, and I can’t wait for people to hear it. This will be our second time working together. He was on a song of mine called “Ass Phat.” There are other collabs that did not make this cut but will be on the deluxe.
Will there be a tour for this album? Where will you be performing the songs from it?
I am in the works of putting together a show for my fans. I can’t say too much right now, but I am definitely planning something special.
I know you just did this album, but what’s next in your musical career? What are your aspirations for your musical career?
I only want to grow from here! I have an original Christmas song coming out on Dec. 20th called “On Christmas,” and I am already working on my next project. This is my first full-length album, and it was produced mostly by me, and I plan on learning so much more from vocal producing, background vocals, vocal training, getting better at producing more beats, and mixing and mastering. This is only the beginning. I want to one day be on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and on the VMAS, Grammys, or any music award show, performing in front of artists that inspired me! My biggest dream is to tour the world with my music.
You are a well-known performer in Atlanta. Where can people experience Cici Nicole right now?
I am at Blake’s every Thursday, brunch show at Birdcage monthly, and at Wussy Event shows monthly. I also have my own show - “Who’s Got It” - a talent competition I do every third Monday at Atlanta Eagle. Look out for a new weekly show I have in the works as well.
Where can we follow you on social media? And where is your music available?
I am @Iamcicinicole on everything! You just google “Cici Nicole,” and everything will come up, including how to find my music, which is available everywhere!
Anything else you’d like to add?
I want to genuinely thank everyone for supporting me, and I hope my community really supports my album. We can only grow and elevate when we have the support!
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Gaggy for a Cause
This will be the third year of More To Love’s signature holiday event, Gag the Grinch. As always, the team behind the event is working diligently to put on a great party with plenty of eye candy, fun games and prizes, and, of course, the gaggy Grinch circling the crowd. David spoke to MTL founder Chad Wick about what to expect at this year’s Gag the Grinch
his will be the third year of More To Love’s Gag the Grinch. Please explain what it is all about for those who have yet to attend this party. As part of More To Love’s mission, we strive to amplify and lift up other organizations in our community that are already doing amazing work. Gag the Grinch is our signature holiday event that will raise money for For The Kid In All Of Us to help children in the greater Atlanta area have a special Christmas. Our event is a nightlife event that combines a great party with a great cause that people really are getting behind. Gag the Grinch is all about immersing attendees in this alternate Grinch world and having festive fun for a good cause
and perfected the concept, but this year, we have definitely upped our partnerships with the community, like working even closer with the Eagle, having a Christmas market with amazing vendors, and our media partnership with David Magazine.
How has the party evolved since it first started?
The first party was at the Hideaway three years ago, and we have kept a lot of the same elements in the years past, like a gaggy Grinch, sexy dancers, and lots of festive happenings. Over the years, we have added more and more elements
The party’s beneficiary is For The Kid In All Of Us – why did you choose this organization? We want to amplify organizations that really have an impact in our community, and For The Kid closely aligns with that. Several MTL team members have been or are involved with the board of For The Kid, so they have experienced first-hand just how much of a difference their work makes in the lives of children all across Atlanta. We do try to mix up the recipients of our events, so we showcase a variety of others doing great work, all for different causes. Such other recipients have been Aid Atlanta, Lost-N-Found, and the Trans Atlanta Social Club.
More To Love doesn’t just throw the Gag the Grinch party –
While Gag the Grinch is probably our biggest fundraiser, we also host a summer event called Suds & Studs, which is a fun, sexy party with more outdoorsy activities and games like a dunk tank and a wet t-shirt contest. Throughout the year, we also do volunteer days with different organizations where we simply show up and help with a specific project or help meet a specific need.
More To Love is also in the process of becoming a certified non-profit organization. What does that entail? Yes, we wanted to get an official 501c3 certification to make more out of the money we raise for our supporting organizations via larger donations and sponsorships. It’s definitely a process that we have started, and our hope is to have completed this next year.
Returning to Gag the Grinch: what can people expect at the party?
children within the greater Atlanta to have a special Christmas. So, for those who can’t make it, please go to forthekid.org/donate to make a direct donation. Just type in Gag the Grinch in the Memo so they know you’re part of this event
We have a lot of moving parts in this party, which includes a full holiday market with amazing vendors like Yeahbuzzy, Barking Leather, Alfons Dovana, and more. We’ll have a huge snow globe with hot dancers, DJ Kyle House on the decks, and reindeer games to play to collect raffle tickets to win amazing prizes like holiday liquor baskets, Grinch Gear, and more. And, of course, we’ll have a Grinch walking through the crowd spreading his special kind of cheer throughout the night. There will also be a special Grinch award for the person with the best gag-worthy outfit. So where outfits are not required, they are absolutely encouraged!
Where can you follow More To Love and get updates about future events and happenings?
Our social media accounts are always the best way to stay updated on what we do, so follow us at @moretoloveatl on Instagram and find us on Facebook under More To Love (ATLMTL).
Anything else you’d like to add? Just thankful to be part of this team and this community. Putting on these kinds of events really gives you a sense of the goodwill in the community – people are there to have fun but certainly also to give back! I love my Atlanta community.
If someone can’t attend the party, how can they support More To Love or For The Kid In All Of Us? This event is about raising funds for For The Kid In All Of Us, and all money raised will go towards supporting
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE
X MIDTOWN xmidtown.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
WESTSIDE
MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
840ATL 840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
ANSLEY
A
ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE
TRIPPS fb: tripps-bar 1931 Piedmont Cir NE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch. com 466 Edgewood Ave SE
DINING MIDTOWN
CASA ALMENARA 991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com
OLIVE BISTRO olivebistro.com 1050 Juniper St NE #4
LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com 900 Monroe Dr NE
TUK TUK THAI FOOD LOFT TUKTUKATL.COM 1745 Peachtree Rd NW
DEKALB
LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com
1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE FITNESS
MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS
urbanbody tness. com
500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
RETAIL
MIDTOWN
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
CHESHIRE
SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE ANSLEY
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A
SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
We all have those moments of ‘wait, did they just say that?’ Lucky for you, we compile the best of the best right here on this page. Want to join in on the b*tch session? Submit your own nuggets to info@davidatlanta.com.
I’m trying to love myself, but I don’t think I’m my type.
In my defense, I used to be so much worse.
Damn girl, are you Black Friday bc Iʼm wondering what your f*cking deal is!
November ew by like four hoes in a Nissan Altima!
My sleep schedule isn’t even a schedule anymore. It’s a freestyle.
Today, I’m really gonna give it my nothing.
I like to say “I’ve go a bad feeling about this,” and gesture at everything.
Ge ing up in the middle of Wicked to tell an AMC employee I’m scared.
