Pride season is upon us, and this year we’re ringing it in by spotlighting the folks who make us proud to show up to work each day — the artists, activists, performers and personalities who make our community shine.
Themegoman is a collaboration between visual/vocal artist Steven Schweickart and, erm, an “ancient non-physical entity he allows to use of his body from time to time.” Together, they love singing pop songs timed to surreal visuals & silent film clips.
What are you working on right now that brings you pride?
We’re currently putting together our next installment of the esoteric drag cabaret Medicine at HM157 on July 22nd in Los Angeles. This time, I’m co-hosting with two of my favorite queens, Devan M. and Strawberry, and all proceeds go to the GMHC. We like to pull together these fundraisers whenever a New Moon lands on a weekend.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Describe your first Gay Pride for us.
I (Steven, not Themegoman) was 23 and slinging burgers and beers at Jekyll & Hyde club in the West Village. I mostly just cried into everyone’s fries.
What’s been your most awkward Pride moment?
My most awkward Pride moment occurred in West Hollywood. I was just introduced to a very musclebound, very wasted friend of a friend and he began fondling my crotch right in front of my boyfriend.
I froze, because no one with quite so many muscles had ever caressed my nether realms in public and with such conviction. Soon, he was whisked away only to return two hours later, miraculously sober, meeting me for the first time all over again. I’ve never felt like such a piece of meat. Not even meat — but the drunken hallucination of what may or may not be meat. Ok, it was a sock.
What Pride is on your bucket list?
I really want to go to any World Pride; anywhere it’s held. This year, it’s in Madrid. That… that would work for me.
How is Pride different this year?
This year, there’s definitely a sense of impending doom that I’ve never experienced in my adult life. Having a president that’s become the wind beneath the wings of neo-Nazis and religious extremists has me on guard more than usual. It sucks that we have this specter of terror circling us at the moment. I’m mad as hell about it.
What is your ultimate Pride song?
I remember watching the music video for “Smalltown Boy” by Bronski Beat in the mid-80s. Even though I was 10, I remember watching and thinking, “Oh God, I’m gay!” This was confirmed 3 years later after attending an INXS concert, after which every band member became my fantasy boyfriend.
What’s your ideal Pride outfit?
My outfits are evolving these days. This week, I feel like billowing lace bound by bits of leather cosplay armor might be the best look for me to be proudest in.
Photo credits: 1. and 4.) Rebekkah Drake; 2. and 5.) Tony Coehlo; 3. and 6.) Devan McGrath.
Danny595
No one is interested in this. Why does Queerty relentlessly promote gender deviance, freakishness, weirdness and promiscuity? None of these things helps gay people. Stop.
Ejens005
I found it interesting. Much more so than your unnecessary whinefest. Happy Pride!
edwarmulfo
Maybe they relentlessly promote it because people are interested in it enough that it generates revenue for them. Have you like…not thought about the question at all before you asked it? Cause I thought it was pretty obvious…but being a weird, gender deviant, freaky slut provides a certain clarity I suppose.
Danny595
edwarmulfo – I guess you’re right. No one can resist looking at a freak show or a public tragedy, and Queerty serves up both on a daily basis for clicks. Sure would be nice if they actually cared about the well-being of gay people and focused on healthy, sane, well-adjusted gay people.
themegoman
Come play with us, Danny. Forever… and ever… and ever.
GreenJon546
Start making more money weekly… This is a valuable part time work for everyone… The best part ,work from comfort of your house and get paid from $100-$2k each week
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