Platformers

LGBTQ+ young artists use new platforms to find fame in Hollywood.

BY JOHN SOTOMAYOR PHOTOS MAGNUS HASTINGS

The term platformer is used to describe a subgenre of action video games in which the core objective is to move the player character between points in an environment. Interestingly, it also fairly describes how young artists today use online platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, and others to advance their visibility, thus marketability, in their artistic industries.

Those in the LGBTQ+ artistic community have adapted the trend, but many use it not only to promote themselves or their work, but to represent the LGBTQ+ community in a positive light, thereby impacting LGBTQ+

visibility and acceptance in the performance arts.

They impact how stories are told and how characters are portrayed on screen and onstage.

Organizations like GLAAD Media follow the adage said by British theater director and producer, Marianne Elliott, “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it” referring to the need to have women in positions of power to elevate all women. The same is true for the LGBTQ+ community.

Embrace Magazine collaborated with world renown photographer, Magnus Hastings, to capture several artists from various elds who have used their social media platforms creatively and successfully, elevating LGBTQ+ presence in their elds, while elevating themselves.

RICO TV

@badkidtv99 @Ricotv_99 @Ricotv_99

Recording artist, dancer, aerialist, choreographer, and content creator, Rico TV, is the winner of “Gogo for the Gold” streaming on Apple TV. Originally from Carson, CA, Rico currently resides in Koreatown, CA. After dancing professionally for a few years, Rico felt he needed to expand his artistry, so he began creating music, got involved in fashion, and became more of an online influence rather than a traditional backup dancer.

“I’ve danced everywhere from clubs to huge stadium arenas, as well as every type of commercial job you could think of,” Rico said. “My favorite performances were with the Jonas Brothers, Avril Lavigne…Beyonce.”

He began dancing professionally when he turned 18, and had an agent, following the traditional form of the commercial industry until the Covid pandemic struck, forcing the shutdown.

“[Even before Covid] Whenever I did not have any gigs, I go-go danced,” Rico said. “Once Covid happened, that was what forced me to look outside of dance and into other areas… that’s when I started doing Only Fans. More online content, in general.”

The social media work is going so well, that is where his career is currently headed at the moment, although he also continues commercial work. “It’s working out a lot better than having a

traditional agent,” Rico said. “I just re-signed to an agency recently, and I notice how different it is from 10 years ago.”

“Basically, everything is online now,” he continued. “All the work that is available you can find normally on your own, you don’t really need an agent to find work nowadays. For me personally, I just find everything on my own.”

For Rico, using social media to find work is better than the traditional method because, as he says, “No one knows you and your art better than yourself.” With social media, he has more control. “It is really up to you as to how far you want to take things; how successful you want to be.”

Ten years ago, auditions were basically live competitions, to see who presented the best skills for the gig. Nowadays, producers review self-produced recordings.

“You have to create a mini production in order to be seen by certain talent scouts,” Rico said adding, “That is a little harder in that sense… when everything is very last minute, and things might not necessarily t into your schedule.”

To achieve his goals, Rico is not motivated by money. “I want to bring happiness to my LGBTQ+ community and make my LGBTQ+ community proud,” he said. “I want to leave a legacy.”

LYLE ANTHONY

@lyleanthonyofficial

Pop/Dance musician Lyle Anthony is a dynamic male vocalist from Johannesburg, South Africa with a strong influence from afrobeats and soul music. Having won "Popstars” in 2010, the precursor to American idol, which also saw Nicole Scherzinger's success from Eden’s Crush and Girls Aloud, Anthony gained his first taste of fame. He performed with Shakira and Black Eyed Peas at the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Following that, Lyle was able to obtain a big record deal with EMI Records. He has since developed into a well-known performer across the world, sharing stages with renowned performers like Mariah Carey, En Vogue, and Thelma Houston, to mention a few.

Anthony’s global performances have led him to over 40 countries. He has appeared in major motion pictures, cruise ship shows, corporate occasions, weddings, Pride celebrations, gala events, and award ceremonies. He is a multidimensional artist that excels in music, acting, modeling, dancing, and social media impact in addition to his singing abilities.

Social media has played a role in his plans, especially during and post-Covid.

“Covid dramatically affected my plans,” Anthony said. Like many, Anthony turned to social

media to help promote new projects. He was able to release his ED “The Love Project” in 2021. He is currently preparing to create new music in the next few months. As before, he will utilize his vast social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram, to reach fans and make new fans.

“TikTok has really pushed music for different kinds of visibility…able to do what Spotify and others cannot do — bring old music back and bring new audiences into the mix.”

When asked why it is better than traditional means, Anthony, stating rst that he loves and respects the industry, replied, “I think A&Rs [Artists and Repertoire, the division of a record label of music publishing company responsible for scouting and overseeing artistic development] and the music industry are not what they used to be… A&Rs are looking for people with numbers, they are not looking for real talent.”

His increasing popularity on social media sites like TikTok and Instagram also enables him to motivate and promote change.

“I want to produce more music, especially in the African charts and Afrobeat charts, and become more well-known worldwide,” Anthony said. “Also to represent the LGBTQ+ community positively in every way that I can.”

CASSANDRA JAMES

@cassandrajames_

Born in Pasadena, Calif., and raised in Canada, Casandra James is an American Canadian actress and filmmaker best known for her role as Dr. Terry Randolph on the ABC soap opera General Hospital. Her character holds the distinction of being the first transgender character to be portrayed by an actual transgender actress in a soap opera. She also appeared in the first two seasons on the HBO Max queer series, “Sort Of.” Her first short as a filmmaker is entering the film festivals this year called, “Claude.”

“I have been a storyteller my entire life and it is not something I would say I chose,” she said. “It feels like a calling.”

Regarding modern-day platforms James said, “It is a brave new world, isn’t it? Social media and the internet are ‘musts’ for artists these days.” She feels there are traditional vehicles that every actress and filmmaker must still continue to use, such as working with an agent, a publicist, and a public relations rm. “Interviews with magazines

are still necessary, although most are online now.”

“I use Instagram, that is my main platform,” James continued. At the moment, James has exceeded 32,000 followers on Instagram. “I use it in a very specific way, which is out of the usual expectation, I think.” For her, it is a curated window into her life. One where she is in control. “Who doesn’t want to be commercially and financially successful? But for me, that is not a priority,” she added. “I want my online presence to have a degree of integrity that represents who I am as an artist and who I am as a human being.”

James is a proudly out transgender actress. She came out to her family late in 2015 and publicly in the summer of 2016. She began a medical transition in the spring of 2016. She is passionate politically about her community and is outspoken about visibility and diversity in the industry. “Much of my work is advocating for the trans community,” she said. “I wanted to create a safe space for people to share their experiences while educating others.”

HEIDI LANGENFELD

@ heidiyowife @heidiflies

Comedian Heidi Langenfeld, born in St Paul, Minnesota, is renowned for her sharp and audacious humor. At the age of 18, she relocated to New York City to follow her goals. She admittedly struggled with that, but after working for many years as a ight attendant, she had a distinct viewpoint on the general population. She currently resides in Los Angeles and performs often at venues including The Ice House and Flappers Comedy Club, among others.

“I have always enjoyed making people laugh, ever since I was little,” Langenfeld said. “It’s been my favorite thing. There is no better high for me, especially when you have a big, full room… you feel it in your body.”

Admittedly dealing with anxiety and depression, as many comedians do, Lagenfeld uses comedy to cope. “I like to make di cult things funny,” she said. “To be my friend, you cannot be not easily o ended.”

For Lagenfeld, making life’s diffculties relatable is a way to connect with others. Connecting with others in the comedy circuit is the traditional model for how comedians find work. “it is all about who you know,” Lagenfeld said.

“There is a lot of hob-knobbing that needs to be done, which I do not care for,” Lagenfeld admits. According to Lagenfeld, the traditional route requires comedians to attend and support other comedians’ shows, introduce themselves, and hang out after and try to meet producers.

“Usually when you start on a show, you get five minutes at the front, so you cold open a show,” Lagenfeld explained. “From there, if you are funny, other people will see [and support] you.” She added, “Going to open nights is a big thing, especially when you are starting out.” Once established, that happens less.

Social media changed the game.

“Now, a lot of bookers will look at your [social media] following, and if you don’t have a lot, they won’t take you seriously, or they won’t want to

book you, or they will give you less time,” Lagenfeld said. Sometimes, they will book the comedian on a less popular night, like a Monday instead of a Friday.

“Social media has become kind of a huge deal,” Lagenfeld said. “It’s about how many followers you have; it’s a big deal to make ‘Reels’ — put your comedy out that way.”

Lagenfeld posts her Reels on Instagram, and she is beginning to dabble on TikTok.

“The traditional method of making it as a comic, I don’t believe it exists anymore,” Lagenfeld said. She used Matt Rife as an example. “He wasn’t anybody until he started posting Reels of himself doing crowd work, and he blew up. Then he got his Net ix special.”

He’s a prime example of someone who uses platforms successfully. “He was launched into superstardom essentially overnight,” she said. “It’s kind of how it goes now.”

Taylor Tomlinson is another example. “I LOVE her!” Lagenfeld exclaimed. “She’s an example of taking her anxiety and stress… and making that so funny. She’s so smart with her words.”

To Lagenfeld, Tomlinson is an example of someone funny who also has a lot of followers. “I don’t know which came rst for her, but she is an incredible talent.”

Lagenfeld hopes to achieve the same success. “I would like to make a living making other people laugh,” she said. “If I can do that, then that would be the biggest dream for me.”

Lagenfeld also wants to make a positive impact for the LGBTQ+ community.

“I talk about being a lesbian a lot,” she said. “As a comic you have to talk about yourself and your experience, and that is my experience.”

Lagenfeld claims when she runs into people who have seen her act in public that is how she is remembered. “They don’t remember my name, they remember me as ‘the lesbian,’” she quips jokingly.