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Out100 2021 Drag Queens: We're Here, Gottmik, Kylie Sonique Love

These performers were the ultimate purveyors of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent this year.

HBO's reality drag series We're Here, created by Stephen Warren and Johnnie Ingram, may have been groundbreaking and GLAAD Award-winning, but not even it was impervious to the effects of the ongoing global pandemic. And while the first season got off to an inspiring start, the future of the show was almost up in the air after production halted when most of the world went into lockdown.

Luckily, the folks at HBO and the show's queens -- Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O'Hara, and Shangela -- were able to roll with the punches and come back for a bigger, even more heartfelt second season of the show, which sees the drag legends traveling to conservative pockets of small-town America to help LGBTQ+ folks find community and love where they least expect it.

"I think that we all had some pretty big obstacles," Bob says of the challenges that she has experienced this year as a continued result of the pandemic. "2021 is kind of an extension of 2020, and I think that reconnecting, getting back in the world, and overcoming our global trauma surrounding the coronavirus" were high priorities.

We're Here


"My dreams have continued to come true this year: being able to showcase myself on All Stars [season] 6 of RuPaul's Drag Race, and the new season of American Horror Story: Double Feature, and wrapping season 2 of HBO's We're Here," Eureka adds. "Every step of my journey this year has reminded me that regardless of my size, shape, or anything in between, I do have a place in this industry. Regardless of any barriers or obstacles I've had to face in my career, I continue to walk the path for plus-sized individuals...or waddle. It just shows that hard work and passion is really what it takes to make your dreams come true."

"In 2021, in the midst of still navigating through a global pandemic, I was able to navigate challenges, work within tough guidelines and still complete a really phenomenal season of our HBO show We're Here," Shangela says. "The largest obstacle I've ever faced has been learning to wholeheartedly love, accept, and value myself. Growing up in a place that didn't offer me much visibility or affirmation for being gay led to me to believe I wasn't worthy of the freedom that comes with true acceptance. I work daily on strengthening my core of self-love so that I can truly share that with the world." --Raffy Ermac, Photo Johnnie Ingram HBO

Gottmik


Gottmik became a transformational figure on season 13 of RuPaul's Drag Race, where she made history as the first trans male contestant (Gottmik prefers she/her pronouns in drag). Her makeup, fashion, and winsome personality charmed fans, the judges, and RuPaul himself, earning her a spot in the Top 4 and making drag's most visible stage a more trans-inclusive space.

"I would describe the work I do as a physical manifestation of the punk rock movement and 'crashing the cistem,' no matter what form of art I am partaking in at the time -- whether it's fashion, painting, makeup, music -- nothing inspires more than that chaotic, in-your-face, rock-n-roll vibe of dismantling the patriarchy," Gottmik declares.

Reflecting on the past year, Gottmik says she is proud she was able to "tell my story on such a huge platform. The way I have been able to connect with so many people this past year has been mind-blowing, and I still can't believe this is my life."

"I went through years of self-hatred and sadness because I was scared of what other people would think or how they would react, but I realized that the people that are meant to be in your life will be there no matter what as long as you're truly happy," she adds.

And the sky's the limit now. "I want to try everything," Gottmik says. "I am a very open person both mentally and spiritually, and I've learned that the best things happen when you just trust the universe." -- Daniel Reynolds, Photo Marco Ovando

Kylie Jenner Has Delivered a Baby Girl


In winning season 6 of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, Kylie Sonique Love became the Comeback Kid, returning to the franchise after a decade (she first appeared in season 2!) and beating the odds to snatch the crown. The Georgia native's story is even more inspiring because she made herstory as the first transgender winner in a U.S.-based Drag Race -- a milestone in a franchise that has a troubled history with trans inclusion. Moreover, her final lip-synch -- in which she trips but gracefully tumbles head over heels into a somersault to complete the number -- is one of the most iconic saves in the reality competition's run.

Love's head is still spinning from the events of the past year. "I know what it's like to lose it all and win it all back," she says. "COVID was extremely hard [on] entertainers, as I was homeless, jobless, moneyless. Winning Drag Race completely changed everything, as I saw all...the hard work and love that I've put towards my goals and dreams pay off. I am grateful for all the ups and downs, as they have allowed me to truly appreciate who I am and everyone who believes in me."

Love hopes her story inspires others to reach for the stars and "hits in a deeper place than just the show -- as far as me being transgender, and that people can see themselves accomplishing their goals no matter what their circumstances are," she says. "I also hope that my experiences that helped me heal can help others in a similar way, as that was always my intention as I shared them on the show. I never went on Drag Race to win but rather to challenge myself. Winning was simply a cherry on top. Winning is temporary but the growth that I had on the show will stay with me my whole life."

So, what's next for the reigning All Stars champion? "The world is what's next for me!" -- D.R., Photo Alexander Fost

A version of this story appears in Out's 2021 Out100 issue, which is on newsstands November 30. Since this is also Out's 300th issue, we are running a $3 promotion for a one-year subscription. Subscribe now (the promotion ends on December 1). Otherwise, support queer media and subscribe outside of the promotion -- or download yours for Amazon, Kindle, Nook, or Apple News.

Out.com Editors

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Ryan Pfluger
9 Breathtaking Portraits of Interracial LGBTQ+ Lovers by Ryan Pfluger
Ryan Pfluger

Daniel Reynolds

Daniel Reynolds is the editor-in-chief of Out and an award-winning journalist who focuses on the intersection between entertainment and politics. This Jersey boy has now lived in Los Angeles for more than a decade.

Daniel Reynolds is the editor-in-chief of Out and an award-winning journalist who focuses on the intersection between entertainment and politics. This Jersey boy has now lived in Los Angeles for more than a decade.

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9 Breathtaking Portraits of Interracial LGBTQ+ Lovers by Ryan Pfluger

In their new book of LGBTQ+ couple’s portraiture Holding Space, Ryan Pfluger lets love guide the lens.


Ryan Pfluger

“I exist at the intersection of marginalization and privilege. I am queer — I am nonbinary — but I’m also white. Grappling with how to handle that as an artist — for my work to investigate a nuanced and complicated space — has been a long journey,” begins photographer Ryan Pfluger (he/they) in his introduction to Holding Space: Life and Love Through a Queer Lens, a revelatory new book of portraiture centering interracial LGBTQ+ couples.

In Holding Space, the meaning of the introduction is layered. The reader learns of the intent of Pfluger’s project — to explore intersectionality through photography of these subjects. But it’s also an introduction to Pfluger, who reveals that his career choice was influenced by an upbringing where he felt powerless. “My father a drug addict, mother an alcoholic. I was outed by my mother at 13 — an age when I didn’t even know what that meant for me. Control became an abstract concept that I was never privy to,” Pfluger shares.

“The driving force to be behind the lens though, was my instinctual desire for people to feel seen, thoughtfully and lovingly,” they add. “From my own experiences and of those I love, I know how damaging being seen through the eyes of judgment, racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, and so on can be.”

Gaining control — guiding the lens and the narrative — was an early driving force behind his work. (A renowned celebrity photographer, Pfluger will be known to Out readers for their 2015 Out100 portraits, which included Barack Obama and Caitlyn Jenner.) As photography became “less of a craft and more a part of my being,” however, “I discovered my gift to create art also held space for others—that relinquishing the control I had so desperately craved can be more powerful than possessing it,” Pfluger says. “Photography became a vessel of healing.”

To heal, hold space, and explore intersectionality in a way not seen before through their medium, Pfluger set out to photograph interracial LGBTQ+ couples within their social circle. This time, he did indeed relinquish control and let his subjects tell their story. They could choose the setting and their style of dress or undress. The only requirement was that they touch one another in some fashion.

By the project’s conclusion — “two cross-country trips, over a thousand rolls of film, and sixteen months later” — Pfluger had documented over 120 couples, many of whom were recruited through social media and the internet. Some had broken up over that time period and pulled out of the project. Others wanted to share their heartache. Their stories, in first person, accompany their portraits, which launch Holding Space from the genre of photography book to a work of nonfiction, a chronicle of queer love in the 21st century.

“That is the beauty of relinquishing control,” Pfluger concludes. “Allowing the space for things to evolve and change — for marginalized people to have control over their narratives regardless of my intentions. To listen and learn. That is why Holding Space exists.”

Over 70 portraits and accompanying essays are featured in Holding Space, published by Princeton Architectural Press. The book also boasts excerpts from luminaries like Elliot Page, Bowen Yang, Ryan O’Connell, and Jamie Lee Curtis, and a foreword by director Janicza Bravo. Find a copy at PAPress.com, and see a selection of photography below.

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Akeem (he/him) & Samuel (he/him)

Ryan Pfluger

“Despite our different desires, truths, and fears, there was a unique familiarity that made space for us to better understand each other.” — Akeem

“We challenged the system when we decided to be together, and we’re challenging it again by staying in each other’s lives and preserving the bridges we’ve built." — Samuel

Liz (she/her) & Carlena (she/her)

Ryan Pfluger

“Each and every day I am humbled by the intersectionality of our love. By the way our individual ethnicities, races, upbringings, and queer identities guide us toward an even deeper understanding of self and other.” — Carlena

“My hope is that by continuing to love one another openly and fearlessly, future generations will be inspired to also love without any bounds.” — Liz

Chris (he/him) & Joe (he/him)

Ryan Pfluger

“We are proud to be one of the few queer interracial couples within our immediate or extended family/friend circles, which has encouraged us to speak to our experiences and help others learn alongside us.” — Joe

Jobel (he/him) & Joey (he/they)

Ryan Pfluger

“The beauty that we are coming to experience in owning our sexuality is that we can define what it means for us and how we want to experience it.” — Jobel

Luke (he/him) & Brandon (he/him)

“Our differences are a plenty, but this love does not bend.” — Luke & Brandon

David (he/him) & Michael (he/him)

Ryan Pfluger

“We started our relationship at the height of the pandemic, and it was amazing to be able to run to Michael and feel safe in his arms.” — David

Milo (he/him) & Legacy (he/they)

Ryan Pflguer

“Queer relationships aren’t tied to the limited, binary expectations that typically define heterosexual relationships.” — Milo

“Creating more healthy space in our friendship has been peaceful for us. I feel we are embracing a new form of love.” — Legacy

Coyote (he/they) & Tee (she/they)

Ryan Pflguer

“Loving you feels instinctual, like a habit I was born with. It feels like I was born to love you.” — Tee

“I can feel you loving something deeper than the surface of me and it makes me feel so alive.” — Coyote

Jo (they/them) & Zac (they/them)

Ryan Pfluger

“What can I say other than it is incredibly life-affirming when Jo and I are able to achieve the level of coordination needed to experience the sensation of ‘them,’ and that it helps when I say, ‘I love them’ or ‘I trust them.’” — Zac

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