Who is, Like, Sooo Cal?
A compilation of interviews with the best in SoCal queer nightlife
What defines SoCal queer nightlife? Beyond our vocal fry and general disinterest, who defines our scene? Who is, like, sooo Cal!? Through my reporting on queer nightlife and the greater LGBTQ+ community, I have noticed a general lack of coverage of local drag scenes and their defining artists. “Who is, Like, Sooo Cal?” is a space for local performers and community members to explore regional talent and culture.
Are you a drag artist who’s like, sooo Cal and wants to be featured? Email thesamara66@gmail.com!
After getting her start six years ago at Bullet Bar in North Hollywood, LA-based artist Gliteress has performed around the country and all over SoCal, from Long Beach to Ventura. Though Glitteress is amazed by the range of talent SoCal has to offer, she hopes to see more diverse line-ups, gender-expansive casts, and a general shift toward kindness within the community. Hosting two shows in West Hollywood, Glitteress now has the means and support to develop her art and push herself toward ultimate creative freedom.
YVETTE GETARIAN - vo. 1 / no. 2
Drag artist and Haus of YUQ Member Yvette Getarian moved to Los Angeles after graduating from UC Santa Barbara and began performing live just before the pandemic. In addition to working with the Haus of YUQ on Faerialand, Yvette performs around WeHo, DTLA, and, as she says, “anywhere they’ll have me.” In addition to doing drag, Yvette is a full-time harm-reduction healthcare worker and certified NARCAN and HIV trainer. Working with various organizations, Yvette supplies NARCAN, fentanyl tests, COVID kits, condoms, lube, and liquid IV. “I love that I can bring my knowledge of harm reduction and safe drug use to this setting and give resources out to the community,” Yvette said.
Her smile, her presence, as sweet as tea, instantly recognizable by her cherry lips. Originally from Jacksonville, Sweet Tea started doing drag in 2016. With dreams of pop stardom, she rocketed from Florida to the Pink Pony Clubs of West Hollywood and now performs all around LA (including opening for Chappel Roan at the Wiltern). Beyond Drag the Musical hostess, SERV Vodka brand ambassador, and drag mother to Yuviah Rose, Amanduh, and Kesha Mann, Sweet Tea’s position as a staple within the LA scene affords her a unique perspective on SoCal drag.
When he was at his absolute lowest, Johnny Gentleman received a piece of advice that changed his life: try all the things you’re most afraid of. Feeling lost, alone, and stuck, lacking freedom and drive, Johnny slowly grew interested in drag. Though the queen aesthetic didn’t interest him, Landon Cinder’s king show made him instantly fall in love. Johnny was inspired by the DTLA underground scene, filled with diverse, out-of-the-box drag that inspired and motivated Johnny. Since 2018, Johnny has performed around Montclair, Pomona, Los Angeles, and wherever drag takes him.
In 2022, Johnny launched Dapper Puss Entertainment, a Trans, Latinx, drag king production company focused on BIPOC trans, and non-queen visibility. As a Latinx, Indigenous, trans masc, nonbinary drag king, Johnny understands the importance of representation, always keeping slots open at his shows to highlight queens and new artists in the scene.
Though the king scene has slowly emerged from the shadows as king veterans become more vocal about diversity in bookings, Johnny continues to face tokenism, stereotyping, and whitewashing as producers try to box him into a specific style.
