Back for the fall!

The view during lunch one afternoon in Costa Rica

Hey loves! I know it's been a while, but if you know me then you know I spend a great deal of time in the summer on the road! It was easier to post videos and pics via Instagram and Snap Chat, so if you follow me there, then you haven't missed out on much. I was only home in July for a total of 5 days (and 2 of those days were 1-day stops to do laundry and check mail). I spent the month on the road visiting friends and family, being a tourist in some locales, and doing community in others. I was everywhere from Vermont to North Carolina to Costa Rica!


I did take the opportunity to go to a few blogger/model- sponsored shopping events where I got some great items from some of those I follow online and admire! I can't wait to put my own twist on those purchases and show it off! Just like I do every summer, I take time off from performing and making appearances so I can revamp some of my looks and stage material. During this break I noticed a lot of looks and trends that might not be for me. I'm not saying they're bad. They're just not for me or up my alley.

Denim duster from Ashley Stewart

Every fall, denim is always a solid thing to stock up on. You can never go wrong with a good pair of jeans to pair with some boots, a sweater, and a jacket. This fall, Ashley Stewart and Fashion to Figure are offering some nice denim items. I bit the bullet and bought a denim duster from Ashley Stewart because I don't own a comfortable denim shirt to pair with some leggings, skirt, or a pair of dark jeans. I'm pleased with this purchase as it is comfortable and very easy to wear with different styles. I can't wait to come up with some creative looks with it.

Leggings: Ashley Stewart, Top: Susan Moses

As for this fall it appears that fringe, the color green, and camouflage is making a big push. To be honest, I'm not super psyched and gung-ho about this because this isn't new to the drag world. Military-themed parties (especially between Memorial Day and Veteran's Day) are generally big hits. Don't get me wrong, what I've seen so far is cute and whatnot, but it doesn't have me wanting to run out and check it out. There are a few things I'm excited about for this winter, but that's for a later post.

Model Kimberly Dixon for Ashley Stewart

I'm excited about what people will do with the fringe look, but I want to caution those of you who don't have much experience with fringe. It must be handled with delicacy. If not it can tangle and break easily. I bought a cute fringe jacket from Ashley Stewart, but because of how it fits on me, I'll probably wear it as a dress most of the time. I first saw it in my friend Kim Dixon's pic from Curves Rocks Weekend (see pic). I loved the way it looks, however I had to face reality and since I have broad shoulders, am "blessed" up top, and have curvy hips, this wasn't going to fit me the way it did Kim or the mannequin at the store. Lucky I was aware of this and had alternate plans for this piece. This, ladies, is where you must be aware and conscious of your body type, shape, and what looks good on it. Trust me on this: I've learned the hard way. Just because it looks good on a mannequin or on the model on the website or in the catalog does not mean you'll get the same effect. The trends that I'm referring to are capri jeans, boyfriend jeans, crop tops, tube tops, and flat open-toed sandals. While I've seen others look great in these things, I'm not as fortunate to pull off a good look in them.


Whatever your taste may be, this fall is bound to have to snazzy trends that will appeal to many. Just remember that the way to pull off a look is to dress for your body type and not according to the trend (yeah, I'm talking to you bodycon abusers!).

That's it for now. Until next time y'all. Remember, being beautiful is not just about what you wear!

Sasha

Green seamless leggiings from Ashley Stewart

Me in the green seamless leggings

Bruce, Caitlyn, Transgenderism, and what it all means

Hey everyone. I hope that all is well. The past few weeks have been busy for me and I've been getting home a lot later than usual. I've got home, ate dinner (sometime) and went right to bed! In the midst of my busy weeks I kept reading, seeing, and hearing about Bruce Jenner's transition to "Caitlyn" Jenner. A few magazines, bloggers, and social media personalities asked for my input on the issue, but I've remained somewhat silent (other than a few Instagram posts and some memes about Kris Jenner). I wanted to take some time to process everything and to also reflect on what this all means for us as a society. I also took into account how this has affected some of my friends who have transitioned or who are considering transitioning.

photo courtesy of cnn.com

First of all, let me say that no one knows who your true authentic self is but you. There are many of us that go to sleep with something personal, a secret that you aren't willing to share yet, or "skeletons in your closet". For Bruce to make the decision to transition to Caitlyn is a bold, daring, frightening, and brave all at the same time. Everyone came out making comments, writing posts, and giving their opinion after seeing the pictures, but without having read the article. The biggest thing is that the transition from Bruce to Caitlyn was not for the public or anyone else, but rather for Caitlyn to be herself. The media was quick to jump on the bandwagon and give their opinion of Annie Leibovitz's photos of Caitlyn Jenner. I, too, was guilty of looking at Caitlyn's physical features without thinking about the back-lying story. What people fail to realize is that issues of being transgender is not new to society; it's just a big issue because Jenner is a famous person. Bruce Jenner, at one point, was considered one of the best male athletes in the world and people said that he was the epitome of masculinity. So for this "manly man" to transition to a woman has flipped some people's world upside down. That's what you/we get for labeling someone and expecting them to fit into our expectations of what we think they should be and how they should live their life. Jon Stewart of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" called out the media for being sexist and put things in perspective (see the video here). I also loved this video which showed how young children responded to the transition to Caitlyn. Caitlyn is not the first public figure to transition. In fact, Playboy has an article in their July/August issue about how Caroline "Tula" Cossey, a British model and  Bond girl, was the first transgender woman to pose in Playboy. This was back in 1981 and 1982. When it was discovered that Tula was a transgender woman, the media went crazy and wanted to make a spectacle about the whole thing. What gets me is that the only reason why these stories are such a big deal is because the people transitioning are in public view, however there are approximately 700,000 transgender men and women in our country today..

Lailah, Laverne, and friends (photo courtesy of Lailah's facebook page)

I have a few friends that have transitioned or who are in the process, and their struggle is very real. Their struggle isn't necessarily for acceptance, because they are being their true authentic self, but rather for fair and equal treatment. A bit ago, my friend Lailah and I worked together at a drag restaurant in New York City (she actually recommended me for the job) and it was there that she introduced me to Laverne Cox (this was well before season 1 of OITNB). We used to talk a lot, and I learned a great deal about the issues of the transgender community. People always refer to the LGBT community, but it's usually the "T" that often goes forgotten about or swept under the carpet. There were many times when Lailah spoke about the challenges of being transgender, from having legal documents (like a driver's license or passport) changed, to being treated nastily at restaurants, to people treating her like an object of fantasy, to people treating her like a "freak" or a "fetish", to the struggle to find true love. She has always been up front and honest with me and I think that for her to do so is absolutely wonderful, but as a friend it is absolutely devastating for me to hear some of the things that people say and do. I quite honestly feel ashamed and embarrassed sometimes. Knowing Lailah and her raw uncut honesty has made be a better person, and I hope that it has made me a better friend to her. Although people in New York are protected by anti-discrimination laws (only 19 states have laws to protect transgender workers), club and bar owners have their way of getting around employing members of the transgender community. Health insurance and coverage is sometimes problematic, and the privilege that I have of being accepted as a contributing member of society is something that Lailah has to fight for on a daily basis. I find this absurd as there there are muggers, killers, and people committing sexual assaults on the subway on a daily basis (the groping is out of control!) walking the streets.Yet we have made transgender people to feel like they are "out of the norm" and are not as worthy of the treatment we are automatically afforded. Don't you see something wrong with that?

In Caitlyn Jenner's interview with Vanity Fair, we learn a lot about
what it was like growing up as "Bruce Jenner" in the 1950s and being a young boy who was struggling with gender dysphoria. Having grown up in the 1950s, the only mainstream concept of a transgender woman was that of Christine Jorgensen, a former World War G.I., originally from The Bronx, NY, who went to Denmark for sexual reassignment surgery. In the interview Jenner recalled trying on her sister's and mother's clothes at the age of 10 and walking around outside. Jenner also recalled how he (at the time) was diagnosed with dyslexia and how running in a race in 5th grade revealed that he was the fastest person in school.  Sports stepped in and "saved my life." The interview covers Jenner's growing up in Cornwall, NY, then going to Sleepy Hollow High School (NY), and then transferring to Newtown High School in Sandy Hook, CT in the middle of 11th grade. Because of Jenner's athletic ability, Bruce was a standout in football and basketball and was a popular face in school because "jocks are always popular". Bruce spun those athletic talents into a football scholarship to small Graceland College in Iowa, but due to a career-ending knee injury, his football career was short lived. It was then that a coach introduced Bruce to the decathlon and Bruce literally took the world by storm by winning the decathlon at the 1971 Kansas Relays and making the US Olympic team in 1972. While all of this male-bravado success was taking place, Jenner explained that there was a battle going on inside that no one knew of. In the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Jenner finished 10th in the event, but trained over the next four years, and in the Olympics in Montreal in 1976, Bruce Jenner was crowned "the world's greatest athlete" when he the captured the gold. With all that was going on in the country at the time (the sobering reality of Vietnam, Watergate, and the oil embargo), the U.S. was starving for a hero. Jenner's win became more than a personal victory, but rather a national one. This only clouded reality for Jenner even more. He recalled that he had never felt so empty than the day after he won the gold when he stood in front of the bathroom mirror naked (wearing nothing but the medal around his neck). Nothing inside for him had changed, and now the expectations of society now made it harder for him to be truthful about who his true authentic self was. Jenner was the hot topic EVERYWHERE. He was even drafted in the 1977 NBA draft by the Kansas City Kings. He had tons of endorsements and made tons of appearances. Jenner said that "underneath my suit I have a bra and pantyhose and this and that and thinking to myself, They know nothing about me." I've already given you a lot about what's in the article, but you should definitely read it as it goes into more detail about Bruce's challenges as a father, husband, and eventual reality TV personality. The article is well written and presents Bruce (and introduces Caitlyn) in a very real way.

Lailah and I at work

In addition to my friendship with Lailah, I learned a lot about trangender issues when I was an undergrad. Professor Jennifer Finney Boylan, a professor at my small liberal arts college, transitioned. I was there before, during, and after her transition. Shortly after I graduated she wrote a New York Times Best Seller, her autobiography "She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders" , and was featured two episodes of Oprah. It was amazing to see how our school community supported her, but it was also very numbing to read about the inner struggles she had while also figuring out how to make the family dynamic work. I am still in touch with her until this day and I love that she treats me the same way she did before he transition, and taught me that the only thing that has changed is her physical appearance. Her outer appearance now matched what she had felt inside for so many years. The last time I was in touch with Laverne, it was while I was visiting Lailah at a bar she worked at. Laverne walked in, and you could see that the friendship and love between Lailah and Laverne was authentic and that they had been through some tough times together. We caught up, shared some laughs and memories, and talked about some of Laverne's upcoming projects. . It's wonderful that she has gone on to be successful, but it was even more refreshing to see that she was still the same Laverne from years before the fame. Over the years, it has been nice to see that transgender issues are being addressed and is becoming less taboo. We still have a long way to go as a society, but at least now we can be more inclusive of all of the letters (and groups) when we say the "LGBT Community". Whether it's Caitlyn, Laverne, Lailah, or Jennifer, I've learned a lot and respect each of them for the process they've gone through to be true to themselves (despite the pain and turmoil that has come with it) and to show the world their true authentic self. While the decision to do such a thing is brave, these women didn't do it to be brave or for any accolades, but for the need to live life to its fullest being who they really are. Many people still battle with the fear revealing their true authentic self, but at the end of the day it is you who has to look at yourself in mirror . The question is, "are you happy with what you see"? Only you can honestly and truthfully answer that question.

Special thanks to Lailah Lansing for giving me permission to focus on her in this article, to Laverne Cox who continues to be amazing (hope to see you soon girl!), and to Jennifer Finney Boylan for continuing to be an amazing force in regards to her work in transgender activism.

Until next time, remember: "Being beautiful is not just about what you wear.".

*disclaimer: no offense is intended with using the pronoun "he". When referring to Bruce Jenner, I tried to use the corresponding male pronoun, but when referring to Caitlyn Jenner, I used the pronoun "she".*

The Survival Kit for Full Figured Fashion Week® 2015

Hello all! We are officially two weeks away from one of my favorite times of the year: FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK! This time last year, we were all bracing ourselves for the finale. People from all corners of the full figured and plus size community reluctantly accepted the announcement from Ms. Gwen DeVoe that Full Figured Fashion Week 2014 was the end of an amazing run. Well, lucky for us, Full Figured Fashion Week is back and will be bigger than ever! Fit for Me (by Fruit of the Loom) is the the major sponsor and there are a bunch of wonderful events taking place during the whole week. For a list of events and for tickets, go to the Full Figured Fashion Week official page. Whether this will be your first time coming to New York City for Full Figured Fashion Week or if you've been here before, below you will see a list of things I think you should have in order to have an enjoyable week! I want to also give a big shout out to Nikki Lee, who inspires me two write this article every year (I read her article the first year I came to FFFW!). So without further ado, here's the FFFW2015 survival kit list:

1. Cash

New York is a fast paced city, and so while it may seem more convenient or faster to use a debit/credit card to do transactions, having cash in hand is better at times. If you don't feel comfortable carry a lot of cash on you, make time in your schedule to go to an ATM each day. There are ATMs at least every other block or so in Manhattan, so finding one shouldn't be a problem.

You'll want to use cash for moments like taking a cab, going out to eat with friends (isn't it annoying when you have to split the bill 11 ways and everyone puts down their card?), and in some parts of the city restaurants and bars are cash only. You should also have a little cash on you in case of an emergency.

2. Flats 
New York is also a commuter's city. Our subway system here in New York is one of the best in the world. You do not want to be on the subway in heels. Your feet will die a slow, swollen, and painful death! Prepare to do a lot of walking, so invest in a pair of flats. If you're going on the "Curves at Sea" All white cruise, your heels will look cute and feel good for the a little while, but once you start walking around the boat and then dancing to the awesome tunes from the DJ, you're going to want to put on the flats to dance and turn up! For those who have big feet and are concerned with finding a pair of flats, I recommend Fit in Clouds foldable flats. I wear a size 15/16 in heels and fit comfortably into their size 14 (I own 3 pairs). Trust me: your feet will thank you at the end of the night. Also plan on soaking your feet and elevating them when you're back in the hotel (or wherever you're staying).

3. Business Cards 

Full Figured Fashion Week will be full of opportunities to network. You want to be sure to have some business cards handy so that you can swap information with bloggers, models, photographers, and other FFFW supporters. Pulling out the phone, entering a number, email address, facebook page, and instagram page can be time consuming. Getting/giving a card is much faster. You can into all the other info when you get home later that night. If you don't have cards, you can easily get some basic ones made at sites like Vistaprint or at your local Staples. Just be sure to have something to give to people.

4. Fan & Hats 

It'll be June in New York city (aka the "concrete jungle"). It's going to be hot! During the day, if you're going to be out and about, you might want to consider wearing a hat that will keep the sun off of you. I also can't sayt enough how wonderful it is to have a fan (I'm known for my fans!). It will get hot in some crowded places and it will also be hot under stage lights and whatnot. Do yourself a favor and bring a fan so you can stay cool. Don't be one of those people using a program handout to fan like you're an old lady in church!











5. Small washcloth, blotting sheets, loose powder, powder brush, and small compact mirror.

As aforementioned, it's going to be hot here in New York. I have oily skin, so I have to constantly check to make sure my face isn't shiny. A great way to maintain that matte look through the night is by having some blotting powder handy. I also try to keep a small washcloth handy to dab my forehead if I start to sweat (tissue/paper towel can leave little pieces stuck to your forehead and face). I also carry a case of my loose setting powder and a big powder brush so that I can reapply in the bathroom mirror. Keep a small compact mirror handy so you can quickly check yourself out (it's OK. It's FFFW, so we won't judge you or think you're vain for wanting to look good in pictures).

6. Dryer sheets or small bottle of hairspray

Now I know that some people may be wondering why I'm mentioning dryer sheets. Well, if you've followed this blog or have chatted with me (on facebook or in person), you'll know that one of the tricks I use for keeping hair in place is dryer sheets. You only need a sheet or two and if you go over your hair with it, your hair will stay out of your face all night (remember that dryer sheets are meant to prevent/stop static). If you want to style/freeze your hair, that is where the hairspray comes in. It can also just be a reinforcement of the process you just did with the dryer sheets as well.


7. Camera & accessories 

So I shouldn't even have to put this on the list. This is a definite must have.  The reason why I'm including it on this year's list is because many people will bring their camera, but they will forget to pack their charger and other things! Those other things can include (but are not limited to) extra batteries and additional memory cards. I always have my camera, an extra battery, and an additional memory card. Some people may opt to use their phone, but that can also drain your phone battery quickly (refer to item #8 on this list). Be sure to charge your camera and your extra batteries, It would also be a good idea to empty out your memory cards before coming to New York.


8. Cell phone and portable charger

                     

In a city like New York, having a cell phone is useful. Not only will you need to make phone calls and send text messages, but some people may choose to use the camera on their phone.You'll use your phone for looking up directions or to locate a bar/restaurant. You will also use apps like twitter, face chat, Instagram, Facebook, and maybe Uber, which will all drain your phone's battery quickly. You should be sure to have a portable charger (please don't be that person at the bar asking the bartender if you can charge your phone for a few minutes) or have an additional battery. I went on amazon and purchased an additional battery for my Samsung Galaxy for less than $15. Trust me, you will use your phone a lot, so get a portable charger or an additional battery!


9. Bobbie Pins, safety pins, travel size sewing kit

Have you ever been out and popped the strap on an outfit, gotten a hole or snag or wanted to just change up you hairstyle while out? All of these things have happened to me before and I learned my lesson the first time I popped a strap and wasn't prepared. You never know when you (or a friend) will be in need of a safety pin, bobbie pin, or something from a sewing kit (I have sewed up snags and rips for friends in the bathroom before!). In this instance, it's better to be prepared than regretful when it happens. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy the regular sized packages of pins, so that it where Tic Tac or Altoids cases come in handy! You can put a few pins in those cases and voila! You're ready to roll with an emergency repair kit!

10. Camera- ready Outfits

                   
Again, this is something I shouldn't have to mention, but I will just in case you're not sure what Full Figured Fashion Week is about! This is the week where the industry's biggest and best are celebrated. There will be cameras everywhere, so you should be ready to smile a lot, take tons of pictures, have your picture taken, and share lots of laughs and good times with friends old and new. When I say camera-ready outfits, I mean from head to toe! This includes your accessories. Make sure your accessory game is on point. Whether you know it or not, everything comes out in pics, from your handbags to your shoes, to your necklaces and rings. This is your opportunity to play dress up, get dolled up, and show out, so take advantage! Also, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get ready and to travel to the events without having to rush (I confess that I'm guilty of this!). The less you rush, the less you'll be sweaty, hot, bothered, and agitated before even arriving! The worse thing that will happen by arriving early will be that you'll have more time to meet people and take pictures!

Other things that I considered putting on this list include:
- mints
- baby wipes
- Tide pen
- Nail glue

Well, that's it from me for now. I hope that you find this post to be helpful. If you are coming to Full Figured Fashion Week and you see me, please come and say hello! I love meeting new people and would love to learn about you and what brought you to FFFW2015! Be well and I look forward to seeing many of you at the events. Take care, and remember: "Being beautiful is not just about what you wear!"

For more info about Fruit of the Loom, click here, and for The Fit for Me line, click here.

- Sasha

The 10 Commandments of drag (according to Sasha Renee)

Hello everyone! It's been a while. I've been busy with my work life, my music career, and so I haven't been out and about as much in the past few months. Now that things are settling now, I will have more time for more posts. I originally started this post a while ago, but there were a few things I thought about, considered, then reconsidered putting in the post. Over the past few years drag and the art of female illusion has gone quite commercial. Its evolution is quite amazing, but, just like anything, with the widespread fame and success comes the misconceptions and thought that "oh, anyone can do it." I know feel like I see drag queens everywhere! I even saw some local ads on the subway here in New York City featuring a drag queen (shout out to Tipsy Von Tart!). However with people thinking doing drag is easy, I'm here to set the record straight: I come from the old school of drag where you did it right or you didn't do it at all! Below are the 10 commandments that I go by when it comes to doing drag. I would love to hear your responses and feedback, so feel free to comment or drop me a line on facebook or hit up my Instagram page! Without further ado, I present my 10 Commandments of drag!



1. Thou shalt remain humble and kind to all! Our fans, friends, family, and supporters are a big reason for our fame/success. Be receptive to all (whether they are a veteran or newcomer). Much can be learned from many different people (you don't have to like or agree with what they say, but at least be receptive to their comments/suggestions/advice. Humility is the key (and most essential) ingredient to longevity in this industry. No one wants to work with a nasty queen no matter how fierce you are (or think you are)!









2. Thou shalt be professional and conduct themselves as such. This means being on time for shows, prepared with music (which means being in touch with the show director & DJ ahead of time), and with necessary materials (No you cannot borrow my wig, coat, belt, dress, costume,  or shoes! I busted my ass to get prepared for this gig. You should've done the same!). KNOW THE WORDS TO YOUR SONGS!

3. While this art form is a career/full-time job for some, competition (pageantry) for others, and supplementary for others, RESPECT ALL PERFORMERS AND WHAT THEY BRING TO THE INDUSTRY! This means that you should know your worth and not be afraid to demand it when getting booked. I see too many queens taking $25 bookings and whatnot, which undermines others. This leads to bar owners and show directors being cheap and not wanting to pay us our worth. $25? #FOH! I pay more than that on tights, nails, and lashes (not to mention travel expenses and time!).

4. Thou shalt realize that doing charity/benefit shows is a part of the industry. Giving back to the community is a part of the job AND is an often overlooked part of longevity (show bookings are another thing. See commandment #3).

5. Thou shalt realize and respect that this is an art form that has been around for a long time and that many have come before us and paved the way. Respect your elders!



6. Thou shalt wear pads, nails, and lashes (no matter how great you think you look without them). Padding gives you that feminine shape and curves that men don't have. Nails feminize your hands and make them look smaller (there's nothing worse than saying a queen with a beat face, padded body, great outfit, and "man hands"). Lashes complete the look and, if you're on stage big lashes show. In general, when on stage, you have to go bigger than you think so that it shows on stage from afar. 

7. Thou shalt invest in quality products & practice their craft. Quality and expensive aren't always the same. I've seen some queens look a hot mess using MAC and some look flawless using drug store brands BUT that's because these queens have practiced their craft.

8. Thou shalt learn how to sew (very valuable in the drag industry).

9. Thou shalt not perform a top 40 hit unless it's in a mix (otherwise people can just turn on the radio and hear the same thing)

10. Thou shalt no go directly off the rack and to the stage (nobody wants to see you perform in something they can go to a store and buy). I'm not saying that you can't buy from retailers. Just be sure to strategically style it. Take the time to personalize/customize the piece(s) so that it displays your own swag.

Jacket by Ashley Stewart

Jacket & bra by Ashley Stewart. Pants from American Apparel. Corset homemade!

If you REALLY know me and rock with me, then you know that there is an 11th commandment (which I'm not going to post here!). 

You may agree with (some of) this post and you may not agree at all. Either way, I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments about it, so drop me a line. 

Until next time, remember, "being beautiful is not just about what you wear!"

Casting Calls: Tips for landing that gig

Hey everyone! I hope that you're all well. It is the season: casting calls are happening left and right. People need to book models for upcoming shows (especially since Spring and summer are not too far away). The brains and muscle behind Full Figured Fashion Week have been on the road doing their casting tour and just this past weekend, the creators of Curves Rock Weekend joined forces with Ashley Stewart to host a model search here in New York City (Harlem to be exact). I also know that there's going to be a Boston Curvy Fashion Week for the first time this summer. I'm also sure that there will be many local fashion shows and showcases, so there will be a need for models. Although there may be a need for models, you should be sure to put forth the best representation of yourself possible. How do you do that? Well...

Me & Jeannie Ferguson at her runway class

Liris Crosse & her guest panelists

I'm in frequent contact with some of the biggest names in the Plus/Full Figured industry, and many of them have been generous with their time, wisdom, and advice. I've asked questions (probably beyond the point of annoyance), gone to workshops and seminars, taken notes, and I've tried to apply them when possible. I've attended Liris Crosse's "Life of a Working Model Bootcamp", Jeannie Ferguson's "Walk this Way Runway Class", and have done some local events. In order to make this post as informative and helpful as possible, I contacted a few people in the industry that I admire and asked for their input. If you want to be a plus model, are going to a casting call, or are trying to get started then you need to continue reading this post. I'm about to share my knowledge along with the advice that was shared with me.

First: DO NOT ask "How do I get started" as a Plus Model? This is probably one of the worse questions to ask and I see this all the time in the comment section on Instagram and Facebook for Ashley Stewart, Monif C., Plus Model Magazine, and Full Figured Fashion Week. If you want to get started, Google it! That's a good place to start! DO NOT post in the comment section that you want to be a plus model for them and how you can get started, or asking them when they are coming to your city. If you want something in this world, you're going to have to put in the time and work and go get it!

Second: You should investigate what kind of modeling you want to do. Are you trying to get into print, fit, or runway modeling? If you do not know the difference, you should probably Google these things (then continue reading this post). They are very different and one form may cater to you more than another. Once you figure out which you want to do, you should research how to get started. I googled, wrote to people, and also read everything I could. I'm a big fan of Madeline Jones' "Modeling 101" tips in Plus Model Magazine. 

Third: Expect to spend money to get started. There is an investment of time and money to get into modeling. You'll have to do test shots, get a comp card created (or create one yourself), and you'll have to pay for hair and makeup for those shoots. DO NOT expect to get far if you are not willing to save your coins and invest in yourself. Remember, you are trying to market yourself, so your product will reflect your investment. I think that you should plan on spending money to rent a studio space, hire a photographer, hire someone for hair/makeup, and for someone to print your comp cards for you. The prices will vary, so look around and ask. It may take time for some to do this, but it's better to save over the course of time rather than trying to cut corners and get something done quickly and for cheap. If you talk to people, they may be willing to make a deal with you and agree on a reduced price.

So, if you're still with me after all of the above, let's talk about casting calls. Here are some key things to remember:

1. ARRIVE EARLY! If it's an open casting call, you should anticipate that there will be long lines. In fact, plan on arriving early in general to anything. Trust me, I've learned the hard way from arriving right on time, and in some cases late. It's not a good look and certainly not a good first impression. The worse thing about being early is that you have time to use the restroom, take a deep breath, grab a drink of water, and prep. Nothing wrong with having time to do any of that!

2. Come prepared! This means showing up with the proper materials. This means your photos (usually a full body shot and a head shot), a comp card, and any other paperwork they may require. I've heard of some people losing out on an opportunity because of a lack of adequate preparation. 

 3. Have the look that is required. Here's the general breakdown on most casting calls:

- Wear form fitting clothes (think basic black leggings with a tank or t-shirt, a bodycon dress, or skinny jeans). DO NOT wear peplum tops or anything that is flowy. The people want to see your figure and what shape they are working with. Now is not the time to be self-conscious and hide the parts of your body you have issues with.

- WEAR BODY FOUNDATION! For the love of all that is holy, ladies, please please please invest in some good body foundation. If you don't show up with SPANX or something similar, you are already behind in the race. Body foundation is not always meant to suck you in and cinch you, but rather smooth you out so your clothes don't cling and so you have a smooth silhouette. If there are rolls and whatnot here and there, it's not flattering. If you are top heavy, be sure to wear a bra that will hold you in. You CANNOT be bouncing and jiggling all over the place as you walk down the runway.  

- Wear minimal/natural makeup. DO NOT show up with a beat face for the Gods! Those who are doing the casting want to see what kind of canvas they are working with, and it's hard tell if it's all covered in makeup. 

- Wear a hairstyle that keeps hair out of your face. You can pull your hair back into a nice tight ponytail, or a nice hairstyle can be good as long as you keep the hair out of your face.

- Wear heels that you can walk in. Most people will tell you the height of the heel they want you to walk in, but as a rule of thumb, get comfortable with walking in at least 3-inch heels.

4. Practice your walk! Get comfortable walking in your heels, in your body foundation, and in the outfit you plan on wearing for the casting call. The day of the casting call should not be the first time you put everything on for the first time. 

5, Lastly, SMILE! This is often underrated and overlooked by many. When you're on the walkway it's your time to shine. You've worked hard to get to the casting call, so smile. "Mean mugging" or "serving diva" is not what people are always looking for. I've heard people say that it was refreshing to see a smile on the runway (and ironically that the lack of a smile is why a person wasn't chosen). Just don't overdo it (and for the love of God, no winking!).

There's much more I could say, but I'm sure that this information is enough to get you prepared for your upcoming casting call. I would like to give special thanks to Gwen DeVoe for allowing me to repost her tips (see below), Sharon Quinn, Tonya Giddens, and Shay Rozay for their love and support, Liris Crosse for her advice, Jeannie Ferguson for helping me on the runway, and to Madeline Jones for her amazing work with Plus Model Magazine (and her for being so lovely every time I reach out to her). I'm thankful to each of you for your time and for the kindness you continuously extend to me. 

Last year Gwen DeVoe, the founder of Full Figured Fashion Week, posted these tips. Check 'em out (note: these tips are being re-posted with the permission of Gwen DeVoe):

                                     Good luck to those of you going to casting calls. I hope you've found my post to be helpful. I wish you the best of luck and would love to hear how things go for you. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram (@sashatheglamazon), or you can email me here. Until next time y'all,  remember: "Being beautiful is not just about what year wear."

Sasha

DragTalk: 10 misconceptions about drag queens

Over the past year, I've found myself answering questions and debunking misconceptions about drag queens. Constantly answering the same questions made me realize that I should write an article/post about the misconceptions I deal with on a regular basis. I started working on the post long ago and I happened to come across an article in The Huffington Post called 10 Myths About Drag Queens by Tom Bartolomei. Tom is married to a drag performer in Ohio and has a blog called Diary of a Drag Queen's Husband. There were some points in his article that resonated with me. We were of the same mind on some topics, so I asked his permission to refer to his article in my post. I am grateful that Tom and his partner (Vivian Von Brokenhymen) were extremely supportive and said yes to my request. You'll notice that we share some of the same points, but we do not address the same 10 misconceptions. To further improve the quality of this post, I took to Facebook and I asked fellow drag queens to write me telling me what misconceptions they have to deal with on a regular basis. The response was overwhelming and I'm thankful to the 27 queens that responded (in detail) with specifics in regards to this topic.

So, what are many of the misconceptions that I (and many other drag queens) deal with?

Here goes:

Me at LIPS (NYC)

1. "Drag queens want to be women"

This is often people's belief or perception, and it is often inaccurate. I think it's that many people don't realize (or they forget) that drag is an art form and an outlet for creative expression. While there are many different styles of drag and female impersonation (yes there is a difference), very few performers want to live their lives as women. A lot of drag exaggerates and sometimes parodies what we consider to be feminine or lady-like. Most women do not wear as much makeup, big wigs, over the top outfits, nor the high heels that drag queens do. Remember that the persona that you see on stage is just that, a "persona" or "character". Sometimes that character might be an impersonation of a celebrity, but it's still a character/role they are playing. Most performers I know are quite different from their stage characters. In fact lots of performers that I know are low key and some are even rather introverted and reclusive when not in drag. They are quite content being the men that they are.

The crew during my days working at Lucky Cheng's

2.  "All drag queens are gay."
While the majority of drag queens are gay, there are some of us queens who are straight. I know a good number of drag performers who are straight. Some of them have even been on the biggest drag stages possible; some of performed on the Las Vegas Strip as cast members in shows like Kenny Kerr's "Boylesque" and the legendary Frank Marino "A Night at La Cage". One successful queen I've known for years is married and has kids! You would think that this would be unusual and hard to explain to kids, but he puts it in very simple terms: I'm an actor and it just so happens that one of the main/major roles I play requires me to be a woman. This makes sense, because drag is an art form that requires one to assume a role and at the end of the night, he washes it all off, hangs up the costumes, wigs, and undergarments, and goes home to his family. It's quite unlikely that you'll see a queen at your local supermarket or Walmart (unless we're running in to pick up some nail glue on the way to a show!).

3. Off stage, drag queens are feminine sissies/ Drag queens are "less of a man."

A Q&A panel with other drag performers at Kingsborough Community College

This is one that I quickly debunked when my drag career began to take off. When I first began, you either knew me as a male or you knew me as a drag queen. Very few people got to know both aspects of me. When I would be out as a boy at shows or with some of my gay friends, I would hear people say things like "drag queens aren't "real men." After a while it bothered me to the point where I started telling people that I did drag and the assumption then became that since I'm such a masculine male that I couldn't possibly make a good looking queen. Many drag queens have the same interests as other men: sports, music, and other things that mainstream society consider "manly". In fact, I know a few queens that are very reputable contractors, athletes, businessmen, and can easily hold their own if some homophobic bigot comes and tries to insult them. It was quite a sight to see a queen absolutely destroy this "thug" who tried to attack her because she was "weak ass excuse for a man". No, I don't condone violence, but I think an important lesson was learned: just because a man is wearing a dress, that doesn't mean he's soft, weak, or any of those other things. In fact, I think it takes MORE of a man to feel secure enough in himself (gay, straight, bi, whatever...) to put on a dress and to put himself out there in front of the public for the sake of his artform/self expression.

Showing one of my Alma maters some love

4.  "Drag queens are not educated"/" Drag Queens do not have (nor are capable of having) professional lives."/ "Drag queens can't be productive citizens of society during the day."

This misconception/myth I find to be rather ridiculous. I wonder if people who say this think the same about people who perform in the circus or the people that play Disney characters at theme parks or Disney World (many of whom are trained professional actors and dancers). Some of the best drag queens I've personally enjoyed are highly educated. Many queens I know have gone to school, acquired degrees (and not all in theater and dance), and are very productive contributors to society. Now that I think about it, I know at least a dozen queens that have master's degrees and 6 (almost 7) who have PhD's. Why is this not known information right away? Because their education is not a part of their on-stage drag personas. Some professions of these queens include working in marketing, law, medicine, education, construction, museums, politics, and social work.

5. "Drag queens do drag because it's a sexual turn on."/ "Drag queens are into having sex while in drag"

Alli Monroe  getting ready for a show

While what you see on the stage is the final product of hours of hard work and preparation, there is nothing sexy (at all) about what is under the glamorous outfits you seen drag queens wearing. In fact, some queens are a walking Home Depot hardware store with all the stuff they wear to create a feminine illusion. While it may look sexy in pictures, I can tell you from personal experience, there's nothing sexy about being tucked, padded in 4 inches of foam, cinched, corseted in, duct taped, and in heels that make your feet hurt. This is not a sexual turn on for queens. It's a sacrifice they make for the sake of their art. And the idea of having sex in all of that stuff is crazy! If queens were to have sex in all of that gear, it would be the most uncomfortable and non-enjoyable sexual experience ever!

6. "Drag queens are shallow and only do drag for the money."

This one is so false that it is not even funny. Yes, some drag queens make a living from drag, but trust me when I tell you that the majority of drag queens I know have full-time jobs and invest more money in their drag than they make from doing drag. For most, drag is an extremely expensive hobby that they enjoy doing. Very few drag queens are lucky enough to make a living at it.

7. "All drag queens are bitchy."

I won't say that there aren't some drag queens who can be extremely bitchy, but let's stop and look at it from their perspective. They are wearing multiple pairs of tights and heels that were not made for their foot shape; some are corseted, and have their manhood tucked behind them. I think I would be a little on the bitchy side too. Add to that the fact that some people feel that they have the right to judge them and demand things from them. Then you have the guys (or drunk females- take notes bachlorette partygoers!) that want to come up to you and grab your boobs, touch your hair, or touch you all over. It's these things that bring the bitchy side of queens out. I've never seen a queen be bitchy to someone that approaches them respectfully and treats them cordially.  Being a drag queen is not easy and can cause some to be bitchy, but in reality, the majority of them are the nicest people. Most of them would give someone the shirt off their backs. (Just don't ask to borrow their eyeliner!)


8. "Drag queens are druggies and alcoholics."

This misconception is the result of the old saying "a few bad apples spoils the whole bunch." Now I have had the misfortune of working with a few girls who haven't had their sh*t together, but this generalization is unfair. I have heard stories of girls doing things before/after the show, but I can assure you that this is not the vast majority. Most queens are professional and work very hard to bring their art to the stage.


9. "Anyone can be a drag queen."/"Wearing a dress makes you a drag queen."

I (partially) blame this misconception on the success and mainstream visibility of RuPaul's Drag Race. People think that because they see these girls on TV, that it's something that's easy to do. Just because you put on a dress, that doesn't not mean you're a drag queen. Being a drag queen requires that you possess the ability to entertain a crowd, keep them engaged, and create an image. Getting on stage, telling jokes, doing lyp synch, or dancing doesn't make you a queen. The crowd has to feel your passion, energy, and commitment while you're on stage. This is what makes some performers so dull. They are painted for the back row, but they lack personality and are boring as hell! Being a queen takes a lot of work!

 (photo by Richard.Burrowes)

10. "All drag queens are alike."

This misconception doesn't even make sense, yet I hear it all the time. All you have to do is google "drag queen", look at previous seasons of Drag Race, look on Youtube for the various documentaries and tutorials, and you'll see that all drag queens ARE NOT a like. Some may be similar in performance style or look, but even then queens are different. 




So...there you have it. My top 10 misconceptions about drag queens. No matter the style, age, or experience of the queen you see, they deserve your respect. They deserve your respect as artists, performers, entertainers, and people in general. It takes a lot of courage, time, and effort to put together a look and to execute it on stage, so I hope that this blog post gives you more of a glimpse into our world and the things that we go through. That's it for now. Be well, and remember: Being beautiful is not just about what you wear.
-Sasha