Pandr

Everything is a spectrum

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@pandrapp creator @barrybrandon - creative director of #GENDERFLUX has joined forces with Berlin performance artist Bambi to bring you an exclusive line of one-of-a-kind designed and handmade custom hats. They are available now on TimmysShop.com. 

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Rica Shay drops a new single and music video

Pandr had a few moments to catch up with Rica Shay about all the things. Here is what he had to say. 

Who are your musical inspirations?  

Missy Elliot, M.I.A, Outkast, Biggie Smalls

Who is your favorite musician that you have been on the bill with? And can you give us some dirty secrets about them?

This last summer I ended up on the same bill as Peaches. I was freaking out about it. She's one of my favorite performers. It was bizarre to be back stage stuffing my face with candy to see her turn the corner. As far as dirty secrets go I don't really have any. She kind of lets it all out on stage.

You used to live in Atlanta and it seems as though you kind of got your star there. Where did you perform when you were there?

One of my first performances ever, was a burlesque performance at Mondo Home in East Atlanta.

If memory serves me correctly you headed to NYC or LA first and then lived everywhere! Tell us about your travels and performances around the globe.

I've been based out of LA for the last two years after leaving New York. The SoCal vibes have definitely rubbed off on me. I still get to travel quite a bit with music. I'll be going to Europe in January of next year and Costa Rica in March. It's been pretty amazing to get to perform my songs around the world.

Where exactly do you buy all of your looks, singlets and cute underwear that you are always sporting?

I've been shopping at thrift stores since I was a little kid, so most of my clothes are second hand. I've been blessed to meet a lot of different designers in the past few years. They've hooked me up with several show pieces for the stage. One thing I alway splurge money on is cute underwear. It's pretty cliche of me to be a gay boy with a giant underwear collection, but I don't mind really mind. I gogo dance a couple nights a week to make extra cash and the itty bitty costume changes come in handy.

We just did an interview with Pansy about Yo! Sissy. You performed there last year. How was it? And are you performing there again this coming year?

Yo Sissy was a blast. The line up consisted of queer artists from all over the world. I'm not sure if I'll make it next year but I have my fingers crossed.

We hear you have a brand new video dropping TODAY! Tell us all about the concept of the song and video.

The video was shot in a run down building in Los Angeles. The song it's self tells a story of my childhood as well as a battle with depression.

Where can we find you on the internet?

Soundcloud  Facebook  YouTube

Do you have any tour dates coming up? Where can everyone catch you live?

I'll be performing in London January 16th at Dalston Super Store and in Berlin January 23rd at SchuwZ.

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“Gerascophobia“

Collection : Johannes Jaruaak

Collar : OS ACCESSORIES

Photography : Francesco Cascavilla

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Editorial for Kaltblut-magazine

Photo: Francesco Cascavilla

Styling: Gabriel Papi

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Tell us about yourself. Where are you from originally?

Well, my full name is Haley Elizabeth Varacallo, im 23 and originally from a tiny town in Pennsylvania. I am a portrait photographer. 

You went to SCAD in Savannah, yes? How was that experience?

Deciding to drop everything I had going on at Robert Morris University, RMU, in Pittsburgh, PA, to transfer to SCAD, has been my best life decision thus far. I have truly flourished because of all of my varying experiences within my time at SCAD. From learning to be extremely diligent and determined, constantly and consistently growing and exploring my creative spirit, various mediums, expressing myself in many forms, mastering techniques and ideas, and really blossoming into a persona and artist that i am very proud to be.  

What were your main influences for pursuing photography and who influences your work?

Well, I began taking photo/photoshop classes back in high school, along with every other art class that was offered; but i really started becoming engrossed in photography in particular when i took my first analog/darkroom photo class at RMU.

As for influences, I know I often get negative responses when I answer this question honestly, but, I honestly don't look at a bunch of other photographers for inspiration. I form my ideas for series or projects based around my personal interests and curiosities and I stick to my own visual aesthetics for how i feel best gets whatever mood I want across. I have a background in painting, sculpting, and other art forms, so I bring a lot of those same technical approaches to my lighting and photography. If I had to say what photographers work I really admire and idealize i'd say Gregory Crewdson, because who could argue with that? And Miles Aldridge, Diane Arbus, Brassai, Francesca Woodman, Nan Goldin and Cindy Sherman.

How did you come up with the idea and concept for The Person and The Persona?

I began photographing performers of the more exotic or erotic nature about three years ago when I stumbled upon an incredibly electrifying and contagiously entertaining 'drag' and performance group in the small artsy town of Savannah, Georgia. The group is known as The House of Gunt. I soon realized that I was very much drawn to the extremely diverse and loud personalities or 'personas' that this group of people possessed, along with their gorgeous and ridiculous makeup, color schemes and wardrobes. After forming close friendships with several of the performers I then realized how much I also loved their more private and real personalities as their true 'person' .. Once I began to explore the reasons and passions behind why each performer enjoys doing what they do, what sort of an outlet it is for them, and the good and the bad involved, I became aware that I wanted to shed light on what i feel is a wonderful culture and form of self expression, which is often misconceived and misunderstood. The series The Person and The Persona brings a sense of intimacy to a group of people that often are only seen in partial light, on stage, and in the eyes of the paying viewer.

How many unique individuals have you photographed?

If I am counting all of the performers or unique personas that I have photographed throughout all of my series and work, I would say roughly about 110-120. I have photographed unique individuals in Savannah, Atlanta, New York, New Orleans, and now Berlin.. How many individuals have I photographed specifically for the series The Person and The Persona? I would say about 30.

All of your subjects were initially photographed in the states. How did you wind up in Berlin?

After graduating from SCAD in May 2015, I was in the process of deciding where to move and find work next. I had been having several solo and group shows in Savannah, was having commissioned pieces and making a little bit of income, paired with working with promotions and marketing master Barry Brandon, when he approached me with the proposal that I come to Berlin with him to work on several projects both together and individually. I was fortunate and hungry enough to accept his offer and we made plans to work on my The Person and The Persona series, along with me assisting with lighting and photographing for his two projects as well, the launching of Pandr, and his photo project Stitched Up. Barry and I also collaborated with select Berlin stylists and drag queens to shoot a fashion editorial at Another Sidewalk Studio.

How did you find everyone once you arrived?

I certainly hit the ground running. The first night I was in town Barry and I attended a drag event hosted by the one and only Pansy Parker. where we naturally got back stage privileges , where i connected with several of the performers and made plans for a dinner date later on in the week. I guess it;s just all about really jumping in with both feet, telling anyone about your work who will listen, and getting people excited about working with me. Luckily everyone was incredibly supportive and ready to come on board. For the next couple weeks Barry and I went to every event, show, party, bar and club, art exhibition, and coffee date that we could in order to network and connect with as many people as possible, for all of our projects. We were very fortunate with our findings!

What are your plans for the project? What is the end goal?

The final form of this series will be in a double bound book, consisting of both The Person, and The Persona shots of each performer, as well as miscellaneous select shots from my Drag: The Individuals series, and from my Intimate Spaces series. Also included will be interviews of each individual and a personal summary and bio.

What do you have happening outside of The Person and The Persona?

Right now is an exciting and nerve wracking time in my life. I am currently looking into finding work, gallery exhibitions, and beginning my pursuit of obtaining a job with Reuters, International News Agency, in New York. From January-May or June I will be in New York, and then, I am taking a leap and have plans to move to Berlin in July. In theory I will aim to work with Reuters, in Berlin, since they have a main location there, and also will be working with Barry Brandon Marketing, Pandr and developing my new official LLC. Haley Varacallo Photography.

Where can everyone connect with you?

Of course you can find me on facebook, I have both a personal and a business page, so find me on both!

And to view my work and connect with me regarding purchases of prints, collaborative projects, commissions, etc. check out my website www.haleyvaracallo.com

Haley Varacallo 

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Ryan Reynold's Deadpool will be the first queer superhero film

Director Tim Miller confirms Deadpool will definitely be 'pansexual'

In the comics, Marvel’s anti-hero Deadpool is a pansexual flirt that will get with literally anyone.

And with Ryan Reynolds starring in the upcoming film of the character, both the actor and film’s director Tim Miller have revealed that the superhero’s sexuality will be definitely still fluid. Speaking to Collider, Miller and Reynolds responded to the ‘tantalizing fireside photo’ that was released to tease the film.

‘Does this mean it will be a very hypersexualized Deadpool?’ the site asked. ‘Pansexual!’ Miller replied. ‘I want that quoted. Pansexual Deadpool.’ Reynolds added: ‘There is some sexuality in this movie for sure. You kinda think you have moments when you’re shooting where you think, “This is, uh, a little excessive. This is a comic book movie. Are we gonna get away with this?” ‘But so far so good. Studio hasn’t crushed us with anything. They were here yesterday, they were thrilled, they saw some cut footage and so far so good.’ This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Deadpool. In X Men Origins: Wolverine, Reynolds also stars and does decent flirting with some men in an elevator:

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The boys of Komaba High School in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward participate in an annual drag contest complete with dresses, makeup and wigs.

The students are then judged on who is best able to pull off the “kawaii girl” look and attitude.

“They’re all a bunch of teenage boys with raging hormones and no real contact with girls on a daily basis,” reports Oddity Central. “So they use the annual Culture Festival as an excuse to doll up and showcase their own feminine side.”

But the results are pretty mesmerizing, as they truly look like young Japanese girls.

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Did you know that there is a modeling agency in NYC for Transgender models? Well there is! Trans Models. 

Peche Di, founder and model

Kita Updike, stylist and model

Vikki Le, model

Evalyn Jake, model

Torraty Singanipar, hairstylist and makeup artist

Tiq Milan, model

Allex Knight, model

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Miss Alissah, you have a lot going on! You are a performer, singer, dancer, actor and somehow connected to Kat Graham. Can you elaborate on all of this and catch us up to speed?

Well, it all began in 2009. I was going though a 7 yr break up. Pretty much homeless (not really lol) bouncing from Florida to West Virginia then with $150 and a dream I found myself in Los Angeles on Rhea Litre's floor!  It wasn't until we went to a Lady Gaga party at Tiger Heat that I first met Kat. The convo pretty much went "Alissah, this is Kat she's on the TV show The Vampire Diaries... Shes Phoenix's drag daughter." "Ummm IM PHOENIX's DRAG DAUGHTER!" long lost sisters LOL and the rest is history. We began hanging out in Atlanta and then I became her assistant for a short while. We then came to terms that I'm not meant to be an assistant but instead I'm meant to have one... lol we laughed about it and agreed. So now we are just two girls supporting each other and building each other up. I began my transition when I met her, so shes been my biggest role model in how a woman should be.

How did you become involved in #GENDERFLUX?

I pretty much just saw that the idea was amazing and all my friends were involved so why not be a supporter and be a part of something that is sure to be a big movement in the community. I reached out and with open arms I was invited to be a part of it. Im very grateful for that.

Do you think the project is important? And if so, why?

I think that the project is Brilliant. When shopping I don't let the men's or women's sections distract me from fashion. So to see a vision as such is so important to any fashionista. No barriers.

We know you are a member of the first ever Transgender Girl Group "The Secret Girls". How did this come about and what is happening next?

Like most opportunities in my life (lol) I saw their sizzle reel and was just drawn to it. I reached out and offered to assist the group. Given my previous experience with Kat I felt the need to use my resources and contribute. Secretly I really wanted to be a member but the criteria for the group only called for one Hispanic girl. Some how fate took over and the Hispanic girls decided to go down a different career path which gave me the opportunity to step in and prove that I was qualified. We are now about to release our music video to our "One Last Time" cover and are in the works of getting our first official single out. We have a big show coming up in Ft. Lauderdale at Manor for their anniversary on Nov. 20th. We are also going to be auditioning for America's Got Talent.

We heard that you auditioned for the lead in a TV show that is being developed. What was that experience like and when do you know when you will hear something back?

It was a video submission for the "Empire" spin off "Star". The role itself is pretty demanding, but I know if I'm chosen I will only do my best and give what I am able to give. Filming is scheduled in December. So hopefully the cast will be chosen soon. Aside from that role I was cast in a movie back in July "If I Die Before I Wake" directed by Eric Ayala. I play a club performer Mercedes Benz. That should be coming out soon. Im also involved with another project for a TV pilot scheduled to start in the next month or so. Prior to getting actual roles I did extra work for "Tyler Perry's Good Deeds" AMC's "Hault & Catch Fire" and had a small feature in MTV's "Teen Wolf" So the acting gigs have come my way pretty naturally. Im very thankful that I have been given these opportunities. After all its all preparation for something bigger right?

You seem to bounce back and fourth from Atlanta to NYC to L.A. fairly often. Do you have projects in those cities or are you just a fabulous socialite who gets to jet-set around the country?

For the majority of my travels I would love to say I have projects there but unfortunately the fabulous socialite role has followed me. I attend NYFW regularly with Kat so that brings me to NYC twice a year. Now with the Secret Girls being located in NYC I have to be there more often. LA usually calls for minor events every now and then including the GLAAD awards. But of course me being in Atlanta full time I love supporting and going to as many events as I can. I hope to travel more for actual projects outside the Secret Girls in the future. Something about airport fashion fascinates me. LOL I love to show up in a hateful pump or a cute denim duster to let the airport staff have it! They cant take me... lol

What do you have coming up next and where can everyone connect with you to keep up to date?

Well next for me is just taking any opportunity as it comes. I have not turned down anything that could potentially take me to a higher place. Right now if you're an Atlanta local you can come out every Friday to club RUSH. I'm their newest cast member. Aside from that I'm dedicated to the Secret Girls and my small acting career. BTW the Secret Girls are going to be on the cover of Fenuxe magazine out this FRIDAY! My social media is the best way to keep in contact with me. Facebook & Instagram are my main bitches. I do have twitter but I just never got it. I'm working on my personal website here soon so when that's available you can catch everything Alissah. @alissahbrooks

On a more serious note, being transgender, do you have any advice for young kids and teenagers who identity as transgender but may be residing somewhere that is not so welcoming of their truth and identity?

That's a tough one. I grew up in Gainesville GA. Never even realizing I could be what I am today. Times have changed although some minds haven't, I want to encourage any young person questioning being transgender to just be you. Don't go looking for an example. YOU be the example. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Never let anyone tell you you cant. And above all be self sufficient. I cant say your journey is going to be easy but who's is? The fight to be who you are is still an on going battle and if you don't come out just think of how much longer it will take to be accepted.

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“I am not black”

Watch the POWERFUL video below. 

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From photographer, director and visionary Ashley Reid comes Prince with a Thousand Enemies starring Michael Robinson and Domino Presley.

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We had a moment to chat with Pansy Parker, party promoter drag performer who is spearheading the biggest and most fabulous Queer Music Festival in the world! 

For those who don't know what YO!Sissy is, please fill us in.

YO! SISSY is the first international queer music festival in Germany started by myself and my partner Scout. The first edition took place this past summer over the course of 3 days, 3 different venues, and featured over 50 acts from 15 different countries.

YO! SISSY aims to promote the energy, diversity, and lifestyle that is found within Berlin’s burgeoning queer scene and share our love for this community with people from across across the globe.  The festival's goal is to showcase upcoming local talent with established international acts. YO! SISSY focuses on promoting diversity within its performers, specifically female and trans* identified artists.

How did you come up with the idea?

I know so many people here that are doing really awesome and creative things musically. There is a really special queer underground movement taking place and we wanted to be able to give these artists a place to showcase their talents with likeminded performers. We wanted to show off the Berlin we know and love to the world. It really is a family affair.

Who was on the bill last year? We heard you had over 50 queer artists from some 15 different countries. That sounds incredibly diverse. Tell us about it!

It was! Headliners included Peaches, Crystal Waters, JD Samson, CHRISTEENE, The Hidden Cameras, Cakes da Killa, Hi-Fashion, Hard Ton, Dai Burger, Dan Bodan, Black Cracker, Alexander Geist, and many more.

How was the response to the festival?

The response was overwhelmingly positive with great reviews in numerous publications and positive responses from both performers and audience members. Like any new project it just needs time to grow and we are excited to see what this year will bring.

We saw that you launched a kickstarter. How much money are you looking to raise and how much have you raised so far?

We need to raise 25,000€ in order to cover our artist fees. All of the money raised goes directly to the artists. We have raised almost 2,000€ so far with about 27 days left to go. We’re gonna make it!

Where can everyone connect to the festival and to the kickstarter to donate?

yosissy.com or tinyurl.com/yosissykick

One last question - what can we look forward to for this year's festival that will be different from the last

This year will feature an even greater variety of performers and genres. We are looking to take over one venue for two days in order to be able to focus on creating an immersive experience while maintaining the historic SO36 as our homebase for the closing night party!

There are even GIFTS for when you donate to Yo! Sissy. Check them out! 

Check out highlights from Yo! Sissy below. 

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What is Pandr? Right now we are a blog that will feature stories and content on all things that pertain to the gender variant and sexually diverse world. You will find features on humans, events, festivals, clothing lines, artists, musicians and more. Follow along with our blog and be a part of phase 2 rolling out in the coming months. Care to be featured? Send us your story along with links to your work so we can feature you. Connect with us on Facebook.

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NBC’s “The Voice” contestant Jean Kelley and Elliott Alexzander of “Genderflux” lend their voices to the project “It’s Not Enough”

Atlanta-based songwriter and singer -- JL Rodriguez -- will be releasing “It’s Not Enough” on iTunes on October 16 with pre-sale available on October 5. An accompanying video will be released in support of the song with a teaser video available now (link below).

The project began in 2008 as a reaction to the open bias and discrimination common to Atlanta’s LGBT community. However, “It’s Not Enough” has since evolved into a labor of love for JL and his team. The song and accompanying video are a universal call to action that addresses issues of human rights, respect, and equality for all minority groups. JL, his team, and “It’s Not Enough” argue that these human right violations are unacceptable, and extend farther than any one specific community.

JL, speaking on the project, said: “When I wrote the song, it was specifically targeted to LGBT rights and marriage equality. However, after sharing it with friends – I realized that it affected so many people for a wide-range of social issues. It’s become more than I ever imagined, and I’m excited to finally share this with the world.”

The video was directed and edited by Sing For Your Life co-creator Barry Brandon -- featuring Jean Kelley from NBC’s the Voice; Sing for your Life winners Josette, Christy Clark and Sami Michelsen; and Elliott Alexzander of the ever-expanding GenderFlux movement as well as many contestants from the first 3 seasons of Sing for your Life.

“It’s Not Enough” is available for download on iTunes and the official video is viewable on YouTube

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What is Pandr?

Right now Pandr is a blog. Eventually it will become a social media site for the gender variant community. 

We aim to connect the community, worldwide, Follow us to keep up!