Saying Goodbye, to Maxx Van Sickle

Goodbye to an old friend and remembering, its been a little over a year but you are still in our hearts. We would like to wish our condolences to Joe T for his loss and may you found all the blessings that God has for you.

He was more than just an editor of a e-zine, he was a friend and an inspiration to all.

He was the sole founder of the gaylifenewsletter when it started in September 1, 1999 now known as the Keystone Alliance/Gaylife Newsletter, where he united with John from the Keystone Alliance to serve the community and bring to the area a guide of reference and resource to the people.

He was a very insightful and passionate man when it came to the community. He too, believed in promoting unity and also enjoyed giving back to the community around him.
His knowledge of the community around him, helped him utilize and build a e-zine of resources and a vision of tomorrow.

His friend and partner of the Keystone Alliance, gaylife newsletter John had this to say:
 

     When the two organizations came together Max in some senses had realized his dream and he knew that he had also chosen someone who could help carry this on. At the time, perhaps, I myself did not realize what a friend Max would be to me, how he would be a mentor in some ways and help guide me of taking over the reigns of this publication but he slowly had been doing that for several years. It certainly did come as a shock to me that of his passing, because I didn’t think it would be quite that quick but then again he put this all into place some time ago. Max was much more insightful than people might even give him credit for and he was an individual that built strong ties with hundreds, perhaps thousands of people and Max made sure that I was interconnected to all of this once I was brought in. Once our organizations blended together he took the time that was necessary to groom me for the success of what was to come and come it did. He leaves behind an impressive, lasting legacy, and I am going to miss him.

 

Max was ill for some time before his passing but he never let it get in the way of his work with the e-zine and organization. He fought a long battle but it was too much for him to bear. He is survived by his partner Joe T.  We wish him well as losing someone so important to him can only be  hard. Max was a friend of mine, and we had worked together on many things but the main thing I remember is the wonderful heart this man had. So, today I wish to remember a pillar in the community and a leader. Without people like himself and John, the community would dissolve to nothing more than clubs, drama, and unlimited amounts of resources going to waste. Farewell to you Max, I know this has been sometime since your passing but I wanted you to know you are missed and God got one of the best, when he took you. Rest in Peace, my friend. Maxwell C. Van Sickle, 52 of Fairchance, PA, the Chief Editor of the Keystone Alliance/Gaylife Newsletter, www.gaylifenewsletter.com, died on April 28, 2012.

 

Our Representative, Brian Sims

  Our Representative: Brian Sims

What do you think about when you think of those who represent our needs as American citizens? Most people would answer a family man with two children and a smiling wife which is what every public office was at one point but once the citizens became ignored by the people who represented us we demanded a big change in who represents us as a whole. We have been sick and tired of how minority groups have been treated throughout the years so we stood up to stop the injustices of human suffering. The cookie cutter version of a representative of the people began to change as more minorities were added to public offices but the gay community was still one of the last groups to gain representation by openly gay representatives. Many states have been changing how their district are being represented including Pennsylvania. The marriage equality issue has been a roller coaster ride for both political parties but luckily the citizens of the state have a new openly gay member in the House of Representatives who will help in this time of change. His name is Brian Sims.

I had the fantastic opportunity today of having a phone interview with this admirable man who is a self-declared army brat and a proud Democrat. Brian Sims is breaking new ground in the state of Pennsylvania which had not been receptive to openly gay representatives in public office but a friend of Brian's had been elected to public office sparking a desire to represent his district as well as the gay community. Brian came out of the closet during his last semester of his last year of college and thankfully Brian had a great family support system who worried more about his safety rather than him being gay. I mentioned to Brian how I had the same kind of support system and we discussed what the difference was between those families who stand behind you as a gay person or those parents who refuse to love their gay child because of their own twisted values. The aftermath of the damage it does to a gay person who is shut out by their family is beyond repair sometimes.

Brian is single following the end of a long term relationship but does want to get married some day but as he told me it would have to be the right person for the right reasons. I think this man is a positive example of why gay people deserve to have marriage equality because he is not wanting to do it just to do it but to have his own American dream like the generations before us. If you get married, please make sure it is because you love someone and want to navigate the turbulent water of life as partners instead of just for the attention a marriage brings. People get married for the wrong reasons which is why our divorce rate is overwhelming so to all gay people: Marry for the right reasons or the struggle for this right of equality will have been a waste of time. With positive role models like Brian Sims, I think many younger gay generations will appreciate the struggle we have made to better their lives.

I asked Brian what qualities he looked for in a potential mate which is authentic individuals who are passionate about their beliefs but also manage to have fun. Yes, gentleman I repeat this intelligent and charming man is single so please do not stampede him all at once (and FYI you may want to check out his interview on Youtube to see he is also handsome). I wanted to know what Brian thought about the gay community and the opposition we face from religious fanatics who are convinced everybody is going to the bad afterlife maybe to keep the finger from being pointed at their own sinful, judgmental lives. Brian responded by saying that the religious opposition is wrong and they know they are wrong which is why we are gaining so much support. As Brian said we are at a crucial point in human history where not everybody needs to agree about the issue but we still deserve to have marriage equality.

Here is the video interview! 

Speaking with Brian Sims today reaffirmed my faith that the gay community was in for some major changes not only nationally but worldwide despite countries like Russia who are still threatening to arrest openly gay people. Their mistreatment should be a startling wake up call for the gay community to make sure nationally we have marriage equality so we can be in a position to help citizens of other nations achieve their equality as well. The wall of injustice is tumbling down section by section so lets make sure to support Brian Sims and the other openly gay individuals standing on our behalf.

Kevin Spence

Bianca Baker, Miss Unlimited At Large 2013

Recently I (Kevin Spence) sat down with Bianca Baker and spoke to her about her recent win as Miss Unlimited at Large 2013 and this is what she had to say.

Kevin:  What does the title Miss Unlimited at Large hold in the drag community in terms of how you are viewed as an entertainer?

Bianca: Miss Unlimited At Large is a national title vs a bar, state, regional, or organization title.  We are apart of the USA Unlimited Pageantry System (http://www.usaunlimited.net/). Every national titleholder is held to a higher regard vs just a showgirl. There are plenty of rules one has to follow in order to successfully complete their reign. The USA Unlimited system has a few different divisions please check out the website its very informative!

Kevin: Are you the first entertainer to hold this title? 

Bianca: No actually I am the 4th. USA Unlimited has been around since 1985. The At Large divisions are still fairly new. Officially there have been four Miss Unlimited At Large representatives. Loretta LaMour was appointed the first & she started our legacy by crowning nationally known Ivy White, who in turn crowned Danielle Revlon, who crowned me in June. 

Kevin:  What other titles do you currently have?

Bianca: At the moment I am currently Miss Roanoke Pride FI, in addition to Miss Unlimited At Large. I'm a former Miss Gay WV United States,  (the first)Miss Gay WV United States At Large, Miss Red Ribbon, & Miss Gay Roanoke At Large just to name a few.

Kevin: Who is your biggest inspiration in the world of female illusionists?

Bianca: I would have say its two people Jessica Raye, Miss Unlimited Classique & Jennifer Warner, Miss Gay United States ICON. If you ever have the opportunity to sit down with either of these ladies, you will leave the conversation with a greater respect for this artform!

Kevin: What began your interest in being a female illusionist?

Bianca: Actually I went to my first drag show at The Grand Palace NYE like 1999/2000 I was amazed!! I watched local legends deliver an great show, that started it all for me!!! I later attended a couple more shows in Bluefield at PAUSE formerly known as The Legendary Shamrock Lounge. There I met Tasha Michaels, Alexis Karmichael, Shea West, Kieli Kincaid, Anastasia Paige, & Daphne Divine. I knew I had to try this myself. So Bianca was born!! I am celebrating my 10 year anniversary as Bianca next month! :)

Kevin: Do you have one city where you primarily perform or do you travel around the state to perform?

Bianca: Charleston WV & Roanoke VA are the cities I call home!! But I've entertained throughout both Virginia's & down the east coast.

Kevin: If one woman could be mentioned as a role model for how you model your performance as a female illusionist, who is this woman and why do you admire her?

Bianca: I would have to say Marilyn Monroe. She was beautiful, blonde & just wanted to be loved! I carry that with me everywhere I go. She never allowed her success to define her & she always wanted to learn more in all that she done. I feel that if I get to a point where I stop learning then it's time to hang up my heels! I can really relate to that presence she gave, we all want to be accepted!

Kevin: Are there any other titles you are wanting to obtain in the future whether locally or nationally?

Bianca: To be honest I live my life one step at a time. I have just started my journey as Miss Unlimited At Large 2013. I do not have any other systems on my radar right now!! But I'll keep you posted!

This is what lead Bianca to her current title reign! Check it out by clicking link below.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=594745363901904&set=vb.100000993367530&type=2&theater

Kevin: Are you a single lady?

Bianca: I am, by choice! I don't feel I've met the one just yet! I have never been one of those people who casually date 20 guys. (LoL) It takes a lot to get my attention!

Kevin: What are your thoughts of the progress we have made in the community in marriage equality?

Bianca: I think its wonderful that Marriage Equality is progressing. However I have never been one to need nor want a piece of paper to validate my love for another. I will attend functions in support of marriage equality because I have many friends who want to right to say "I do" & it be recongnized by law. However it's a bit too traditional for myself.

Kevin: Are you surprised our equality has progressed into a world wide issue?

Bianca: Surprised, not really! Looking back through history, look what African American's & women went through just to have a voice. Granted this is a bit different, we are still fighting for our rights just as they did!

Kevin: Will you ever plan on having a commitment ceremony or are you happy without the marriage certificate?

Bianca: I'm sure if or when I meet my soul mate I will have one of the biggest ceremonies ever. However I will not need that certificate, I can deliver my own love in words to that special someone in front of my family, friends, & the rest of the world. That my friend will be enough in my book!  

Kevin: What do you do in your spare time when you are not performing?

Bianca: I travel visiting friends. I volunteer at my niece & nephew's school functions. As well as working my day job & finishing up my psychology degree! In addition to that I embellish a lot of pageantry gowns, formal wears, props, & so on.

Kevin: What advice would you give to the next generation of performers who are just getting started or have not started yet but have the desire to do it?

Bianca: Remain humble! Every chance you get to practice your art, DO IT!!. Don't worry about everyone else, if your practice pays off they will be worried about YOU!

Kevin: Do you ever regret doing drag or are you happy with the decision you made to entertain?

Bianca: Doing drag has opened up so many doors for me that I probably would not have been given the opportunity to experience. I am more open with who I am because in a sense you have to be. Being on stage is much like a popularity contest, as long as you keep people talking you are good to go!!

Jonny McGovern, Gay Pimp

Jonny McGovern

The gay pimp from LOGO turns heads with his brand of comedy and music as he entertains many gay viewers with his highly unique music videos. Many of us know we are not represented in most music videos even performed by openly gay singers which makes Jonny McGovern a much-needed pioneer in the entertainment business. I noticed the uniqueness of the gay pimp after one of his videos was banned by Youtube for being too inappropriate to be aired. All of us groundbreaking individuals have to be censored at some point in our lives but the censorship of our talents just makes us fight back even harder to claim our rightful place as we prove to the rest of the world “We are here! We are queer! Just deal with it!”

I have to admit when I was initially asked to do this piece on Jonny McGovern I had no idea who the man was or what his story was. I do not get the LOGO channel so I do not have access to entertainers like him who are breaking down barriers. He has a wicked sense of humor and sort of reminds me of rappers and male singers who exploit their sexual wants and needs in a video with naked girls jumping around acting like eye candy for anybody viewing the video but Jonny puts his own twist on the art of making a music video by including his comedy routine in the song and video. Jonny makes sure that there are plenty of beautiful men in his videos who are willing to shake their manliness for all of us to see which is shocking to a lot of individuals especially those who are firm in their homophobic ideas. I applaud Jonny McGovern for his individuality and his creativity because it is just another example of how gay people are not just going to keep our mouths shut about our lives.

I like Big Dicks  

I would have never expected videos like this being on Youtube because gay people are still breaking down the walls of our bigoted society so I am happy we are finally getting the recognition we deserve as the heterosexuals have throughout human history. We are equals no matter how many people try to hold us back from our rights as citizens as well as human beings. People like the gay pimp may make many insecure people cringe with scenes of men making out, penises shaking in short shorts, or a gay man who has the ability to give straight male entertainers a run for their money but many of us enjoy the sheer value of this man's talent. If it is good for a straight man to have naked women in his videos then Jonny McGovern should be able to have nice, large penises shaking in his videos. Thank you Jonny for providing us with your humor and may you continue to be blessed in the future with your talented inspirations.

The Gayest of All Time