Grizzly Kiki

She's a very busy woman and she hasn't got all day!! Ginger Minj is a self-proclamimed "chain smoking cross dresser for Christ" and "Glamor Toad." Since competing on Season 7 of RuPaul's Drag Race, Ginger has been on a whirlwind tour of every city, state, and country you can think of. Aside from her own independent gigs, she was also on the Battle of the Seasons tour, which went to over 50 cities around the world. We caught up with Ginger while at home in Orlando, just after she was announced as a cast member on RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race Season 2. Ginger's life in drag began many years before she was cast on Drag Race. A native of Florida, she grew up in the theatre and pursued a career on Broadway before becoming a full-time drag queen. And, what a queen she is! For Ginger, drag is not merely a means to an end. Rather, it complements and enhances her multiple talents, which include singing and acting. As can be seen during her season, she takes the art form very seriously, in her words, "sometimes too seriously." At the end of it all, however, Ginger is a queen's queen and is just as much a fan and admirer of drag as she is a drag queen. During our interview with Ginger, we talk about her upcoming album, the recent tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, her performance of "I Am What I Am" for Harvey Fierstein, and her deep love of Tina Turner!

Charles Busch is the queen of the worlds he has created. The underground sensation Vampire Lesbians of Sodom; Psycho Beach Party (a dark parody of 60's beach films); and his Broadway hit, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife (the all-too-real depiction of an Upper West Side matron) are among the standouts of a career spanning nearly forty years. In his work, he has almost always cast himself in the role of the leading lady, using drag to bring his creations to life. For Charles, the art of drag is a vehicle for his characters to become fully realized and to surpass the limitations placed on male actors. He is the Grande Dame of queer theatre. Although he spent his early years in Westchester, he came of age in Manhattan. After his mother's death, his aunt, Lillian Blum, took charge of his upbringing and education, both scholastically & culturally. It was through her that he became immersed in the fine and performing arts. In many ways, his life mirrors that of young Patrick in Auntie Mame. It is without a doubt that Aunt Lillian planted the seeds for what would become a lifelong admiration and obsession with the Hollywood leading ladies that so often influence his works. It was a privilege to be welcomed into Charles' home for this interview. Surrounded by the Gigi Red walls of his living room and collection of exotic artifacts, we were immersed in the environment within which he creates pieces that inspire and shape the lives of his audiences.

Charles Busch is the queen of the worlds he has created. The underground sensation Vampire Lesbians of Sodom; Psycho Beach Party (a dark parody of 60's beach films); and his Broadway hit, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife (the all-too-real depiction of an Upper West Side matron) are among the standouts of a career spanning nearly forty years. In his work, he has almost always cast himself in the role of the leading lady, using drag to bring his creations to life. For Charles, the art of drag is a vehicle for his characters to become fully realized and to surpass the limitations placed on male actors. He is the Grande Dame of queer theatre. Although he spent his early years in Westchester, he came of age in Manhattan. After his mother's death, his aunt, Lillian Blum, took charge of his upbringing and education, both scholastically & culturally. It was through her that he became immersed in the fine and performing arts. In many ways, his life mirrors that of young Patrick in Auntie Mame. It is without a doubt that Aunt Lillian planted the seeds for what would become a lifelong admiration and obsession with the Hollywood leading ladies that so often influence his works. It was a privilege to be welcomed into Charles' home for this interview. Surrounded by the Gigi Red walls of his living room and collection of exotic artifacts, we were immersed in the environment within which he creates pieces that inspire and shape the lives of his audiences.

Pickles is the creation of photographer Michael Wakefield. A native of Michigan, Michael moved to New York in the mid-1980's and immediately immersed himself in the nightlife scene. He frequented venues such as the Pyramid Club and Palladium, toting along his camera at all times. Provided with subjects who were anything but shy, Michael was able to create a time capsule of the era via photography. In 1993, Michael began "It's a Wonderful Life?," a public access tv show that ran for nine years until 2001. During this time, he documented the downtown nightlife scene. Some of the most compelling footage is that of Wigstock and rare glimpses into the lives of Lady Bunny, Mistress Formika, Jackie Beat, Candis Cayne, & many others. After years of living on VHS, the footage is now being revived through the weekly webseries, "Throwback Thursdays with Pickles," on Sherry Vine's YouTube channel. Michael created Pickles over a period time, bringing her out for competitions at nudist retreats and private sex parties. Unlike Michael, who can be quiet and reserved, Pickles is a loud & eccentric lady. Her stark white beehive, red lips, and high-pitched voice are reminiscent of Carol Channing. She is witty, ditzy, irreverent, & above all, positive! Join us as Michael provides a journey through New York City nightlife history, and an introduction to Pickles!

Pickles is the creation of photographer Michael Wakefield. A native of Michigan, Michael moved to New York in the mid-1980's and immediately immersed himself in the nightlife scene. He frequented venues such as the Pyramid Club and Palladium, toting along his camera at all times. Provided with subjects who were anything but shy, Michael was able to create a time capsule of the era via photography. In 1993, Michael began "It's a Wonderful Life?," a public access tv show that ran for nine years until 2001. During this time, he documented the downtown nightlife scene. Some of the most compelling footage is that of Wigstock and rare glimpses into the lives of Lady Bunny, Mistress Formika, Jackie Beat, Candis Cayne, & many others. After years of living on VHS, the footage is now being revived through the weekly webseries, "Throwback Thursdays with Pickles," on Sherry Vine's YouTube channel. Michael created Pickles over a period time, bringing her out for competitions at nudist retreats and private sex parties. Unlike Michael, who can be quiet and reserved, Pickles is a loud & eccentric lady. Her stark white beehive, red lips, and high-pitched voice are reminiscent of Carol Channing. She is witty, ditzy, irreverent, & above all, positive! Join us as Michael provides a journey through New York City nightlife history, and an introduction to Pickles!

Bunny for President!! Lady Bunny is a Drag icon, nightlife staple, DJ & comedienne so rotten she could very well dethrone Divine as the filthiest person in the world! Known for her mile-high coifs, signature voice, & filthy jokes, Bunny has been entertaining/offending people for decades. From her roots in Chattanooga to her party days with RuPaul in Atlanta and New York, Bunny has always been able to remain current and tap into the "Now." She uses her comedy as a vehicle for socio-political commentary and to uplift her audiences. In today's world, where violence, discrimination, and hate are always around the corner, Bunny provides a much needed escape! Interviewing The "Lady" Bunny was a milestone for Grizzly Kiki and a dream come true. We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed our time with BunBun!

Bunny for President!! Lady Bunny is a Drag icon, nightlife staple, DJ & comedienne so rotten she could very well dethrone Divine as the filthiest person in the world! Known for her mile-high coifs, signature voice, & filthy jokes, Bunny has been entertaining/offending people for decades. From her roots in Chattanooga to her party days with RuPaul in Atlanta and New York, Bunny has always been able to remain current and tap into the "Now." She uses her comedy as a vehicle for socio-political commentary and to uplift her audiences. In today's world, where violence, discrimination, and hate are always around the corner, Bunny provides a much needed escape! Interviewing The "Lady" Bunny was a milestone for Grizzly Kiki and a dream come true. We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed our time with BunBun!

Crystal Lubrikunt is a Drag Queen who was borne out of the conservative world of academia. While at university in Brighton, England, she focused her studies on drag lip sync performance. During the course of her time at "uni," she fought to have drag recognized as a true performing art. The creation of Daniel Turrell, Crystal is the embodiment of what he strived to prove to his tutors. It took time, but the faculty was finally convinced and Crystal graduated with First Class Honours from Brighton University. While Daniel stayed at home on graduation day, it was Crystal who showed up to accept his diploma in full drag, sporting a bright green wig. Needless to say, she made a splash and appeared in local papers the next day. Now free from the shackles of Hogwarts, she has become a lip sync assassin, performing locally and internationally for Muggles from all walks of life. Crystal is a complex yet joyful queen who is a feminist, scholar & cake lover! Keep an eye out! She might be coming to a bar or cabaret near you!

Crystal Lubrikunt is a Drag Queen who was borne out of the conservative world of academia. While at university in Brighton, England, she focused her studies on drag lip sync performance. During the course of her time at "uni," she fought to have drag recognized as a true performing art. The creation of Daniel Turrell, Crystal is the embodiment of what he strived to prove to his tutors. It took time, but the faculty was finally convinced and Crystal graduated with First Class Honours from Brighton University. While Daniel stayed at home on graduation day, it was Crystal who showed up to accept his diploma in full drag, sporting a bright green wig. Needless to say, she made a splash and appeared in local papers the next day. Now free from the shackles of Hogwarts, she has become a lip sync assassin, performing locally and internationally for Muggles from all walks of life. Crystal is a complex yet joyful queen who is a feminist, scholar & cake lover! Keep an eye out! She might be coming to a bar or cabaret near you!

Ruby Roo is truly a Drag Queen Housewife. She is most happy when cooking, entertaining, & having long conversations with her BFF, Ruth (keep in mind that Ruth is a hefty Maine Coon.) This domestic goddess with a face that could launch more boats than Helen of Troy also uses her talents to spread joy, love, and cuntiness to all of the children in Brooklyn & the West Village!! We last spoke to Ruby almost two years ago when Grizzly KiKi was a baby podcast. Since then, we've gotten to know Ruby much better. In this interview, we talk to Ruby about her career trajectory; Meg (her loyal assistant); Drag Con; and how she and Ragamuffin kept "Mondays on Monday" at This n' That afloat after the she-devil herself, Thorgy Thor, left them to be on "RuPaul's Drag Race!" Not to leave any stone unturned, we also tried to find Ms. Roo true love by having her take a Cosmo Quiz. Listen to find out which dead "Grey's Anatomy" character is her one and only.