Jan 22, 2005

VR: Who is Gage Gatlyn and what is he all about?
GG: Gage Gatlyn is just another name for myself really. Different of most performers, I don't change much when I get into face. I only change physically.. Although, I am actually a little more shy in drag than out of drag.

I am all about trying to keep my life exciting, but yet simple, at the same time. Staying as far away from drama as possible. Most people don't even know where I live. ;)

VR: Where are you living these days?
GG: *grin* Imagine that question being next... ;) (Florida)

VR: I know you always seem to be here there and everywhere, does that ever draw on you?
GG: Very much. The 16 - 18 hour road trips could tend to have a toll on anyone. Especially me, I think. I get bored so easy anyway. Once I get to my destination though, it is so worth it.

VR: I know this is a hard question, but can you tell us what your life has been about, say the last 5 or so years?
GG: Well, the last 2 years, all travel and drag. Before that, I was in the Military. I did 3 in the Army, and then 3 in the Navy, then some Active Reserve time. Guess I was meant to travel no matter what career I take...lol

VR: When you were growing up and each morning you would look in the mirror did you feel that was the wrong person looking back at you?
GG: I actually never thought about it, too much. Just grew up as a 'tom boy' and left it at that. It wasn't until I was 23 or 24 that I really thought about it. I have always looked like a boy, sometimes I just had longer hair. If I wore make up, I looked like a drag queen. Still do really... ;)

VR: Do you consider yourself a transman or drag king or basically just a person out having a good time?
GG: I consider myself a Male Illusionist and an Actor, as a trade or career. I am comfortable with who I am, to the point to where labels are no longer a part of my life.

VR: Who was your inspiration growing up?
GG: Unfortunately, I never was close to any of my family and moved too much to have any real close friends. I just got by in life the best I knew how. My older brother and my Uncle were as close to inspirations as I can think of, and my brother was killed at 16, my Uncle was killed when I was 10.

VR: How many titles do you hold now and about how many have you won over the years?
GG: I currently hold, 6. I held 8 at one time.

VR: Which one are you proudest of?
GG: Mr. Gay USA, FMI - I competed against 17 of some the best Kings throughout the US. What's not to be proud of?

VR: Is there any one place you like performing at better than others, a place where you feel you and the audience are one?
GG: I love performing at almost all the places I go. The audiences everywhere are always there to see me, and I adore them. There is no way I could say they are better in one place over another.

VR: What has been your biggest accomplishment, not just in the world of drag but in life so far?
GG: That I am living my dream. I do have quite a ways to go, but I am on the right path.

VR: Do you have any pet peeves?
GG: Too many! Let's see, to name a few - Repetitiveness, open cabinets/doors, yelling, dogs barking, mumbling, wrinkles, licking/sucking fingers, etc...

VR: Do you think you are a nice person or do you think you can be a bastard at times?
GG: I am diplomatic, regardless. There are a few things that would set me off to lose that, but not many. I normally send Brenda to be a 'bastard' for me. ;o)

VR: What do you think makes you stand out above others?
GG: My desire to be the best and not settling for anything less.

VR: Who do you admire these days?
GG: I am lost for words on that one. I try not to admire anyone, we are all human. I appreciate and have been inspired by a couple of young ladies in the industry. Miss Rhiannon Todd and Miss Coti Collins. And, Brenda, my partner for putting up with my crap for 2 years. :)

VR: Do you get nervous when you are asked to speak to a group or perform on stage?
GG: Perform, no. I haven't been nervous about performing since the 2nd time I got on stage. But, speaking, or singing live, is another story. I am usually okay after a minute or so, especially if it interactive.

VR: Are you in love now?
GG: My partner, Brenda. She is wonderful. It would have taken me a hell of a lot longer to get here without her love and support.

VR: Where do you see yourself in the future?
GG: In the movies.

VR: What do you think you have to offer the transgendered or gay community, anything at all?
GG: I hope to help open a public door for Drag/Trans community, especially for the Kings. Rupaul stepped up and out there for our Sisters, we now need someone to show that Kings are just as entertaining.

VR: Who is your favorite fiction character(s), in literature or in the movies, and why?
GG: Spock. From the Original Star Trek. Why? The obvious. He thinks logically and cannot lie. Could you imagine a world in where no one could lie, and everyone thinks logically? Logically speaking, it would be close to perfect, just like Vulcan.

VR: Can you recommend us a motivating or inspirational book that has changed your perception about the world?
GG: My life has changed my perception of the world like no book ever could.

VR: What words of wisdom would you give to someone who is reaching out for help?
GG: For draggers: "Practice will never make perfect. But it will make you a hell of a lot better!"

For TG/TS: If your comfortable with yourself, others will be comfortable around you.

VR: Do you have a final statement, for our readers?
GG: I want to say that without the fans, I would not be where I am. I appreciate you more than I can say. As long as you keep loving drag, drag will always be around! Man, I hope you always love drag.

Note From Vicki Rene: I have talked to Gage many times, I am proud to say we are friends. This is the most determined young man I have ever talked to. If you remember I asked him "Where do you see yourself in the future". His answer was "the movies"! All I have to say is look out Hollywood, Gage Gatlyn is on the way!