FASHION / Virgil Village

Big Dipper shot by Oscar Rodriguez styled by Ben Phen in Los Angeles, CA

How was your up bringing in Illinois? Would you ever move back to the midwest?

I love the midwest. I honestly miss Chicago so much. The summers there are truly perfect. I have such good memories of my mid-twenties living on the northside of Chicago, biking everywhere, and learning who I was as a young queer artist. I would totally love to buy a house in Chicago one day; it's a city full of great people and art.

What was the first record you ever bought with your own money?

The first CD I bought with my own money was the single "I Wish" by Skee-Lo. The first cassette tape I received as a gift was Kriss Krossed "Totally Krossed Out".

When were you first introduced to the idea of Bears?

I think I learned about Bears when I was like 21, but I didn't quite understand the idea of the community, the nightlife scene, and the cliquey nature until my mid 20s. 

You seem very comfortable in your skin. Where you always this way?

I spent most of my life very uncomfortable with my body. I was always confident in my personality, in my performance ability, but not in the way I looked. It took a long time for me to grow into my skin, to love my body shape and body hair. I sort of threw myself into it when I started performing. I basically set it up so I had no choice but to strip at my shows and show off my body. The Bear community has been really encouraging in that sense... It's much easier to love your body when other people tell you that you look good.

When you perform what's the spectrum of reaction to your body confidence?

I have definitely had people walk out of a show when I start to strip. I have had people cover their eyes in the crowd and look disgusted, shaking their heads right at me. (Those extreme reactions have all happened at bigger public events, where there is a variety of entertainment and my show is truly unexpected). Typically people are cheering me on and tipping me in my underwear as I strip and rap my songs.

How is L.A. treating you?

I love it out here in LA. I've lived here for about two years and it feels like things are finally starting to click. It's an exciting place to be and I've met some great people. I think much of the vapid reputation the city is known for is dissipating as more people from all over the country flock to this city. It's been a great place for music collaborating. I'm so happy I was able to write and finish my new album here.

What would be your drag name and who would you want to share the stage with?

I'm not sure about a drag name... I've never got up in the gig but I think the name would sort of reveal itself as the makeup, hair and look came into focus. Maybe that will happen this year :)

As far as other artists... I'd love to share the stage with Lizzo, Cupkkake, Kim Petras, Cardi B, Childish Gambino or Lil Yachty. 

all clothing from L.A.G. Vintage