Title: Marina Summers
Collection: Pride
Artist: Dallas Lyn Miller-Downes
Created with color pencil on 8 x 10 Strathmore Drawing Paper
Marina Summers is a Filipina drag queen who gained international recognition after being a runner-up in Drag Race Philippines and competing on RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. The World. She is known for her glamorous and camp performances, often referencing her love for the beach and the Philippines. Summers also released her debut single, "I Have Arrived," in November 2020, followed by other releases and collaborations.
Title: Martin L Gore
Collection: Pride
Artist: Dallas Lyn Miller-Downes
Created with color pencil on 8 x 10 Strathmore Drawing Paper
Martin Gore, born Martin Lee Gore on July 23, 1961, in London, England, is a renowned English singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is a founding member and the primary songwriter of the iconic synth-pop band, Depeche Mode. After Vince Clarke's departure in 1981, Gore took over songwriting duties for the band, steering their sound towards a darker, more intricate path. His lyrics often explore themes of isolation, relationships, self-discovery, and social issues, reflecting his personal experiences. He is known for his captivating blend of synthpop and ambient techno, along with a theatrical stage persona.
Key aspects of Martin Gore's life and career:
Depeche Mode: As a crucial member of Depeche Mode, Gore's contributions have shaped the band's distinctive sound and achieved massive success with over 100 million records sold worldwide. He has written many of their most popular songs, including "Personal Jesus," "Enjoy the Silence," and "Policy of Truth," and occasionally provides lead vocals.
Musical Influences: Gore's music is deeply influenced by electronic music pioneers like Kraftwerk, along with bands like Human League and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). His passion for synthesizers and sound experimentation is evident in his unique artistic style.
Songwriting Style: Gore's songwriting is marked by themes of solitude, loneliness, existentialism, and cultural critique. While his lyrics often delve into darker topics, he believes there's always an element of hope present in Depeche Mode's music.
Solo Work and Collaborations: Beyond Depeche Mode, Gore has released solo albums, such as the instrumental electronic album "MG". He also collaborated with former bandmate Vince Clarke on the techno project VCMG.
Awards and Recognition: Gore's work has been widely recognized with prestigious awards like the Ivor Novello Award and the Moog Innovation Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 as a member of Depeche Mode.
Martin has stated that he identifies as heterosexual, his androgynous style and the band's overall image have led to assumptions about his sexuality, particularly among his LGBTQ+ fans. He has also expressed awareness of Depeche Mode's music connecting with gay youth, particularly during the 1980s.
Title: Jaylene Tyme
Collection: Pride
Artist: Dallas Lyn Miller-Downes
Created with color pencil on 8 x 10 Strathmore Drawing Paper
Jaylene Tyme is a celebrated Two-Spirit, sober Indigenous trans woman, and drag performer known for her impactful drag artistry and community advocacy, particularly within the 2SLGBTQ+ and recovery communities. She is a CBC Arts drag icon, a ATB Financial drag legend with over 30 years of experience, and a legend in Vancouver's drag scene and beyond.
A proud Two-Spirit individual, she embraces her Indigenous heritage and uses her platform to raise awareness about Indigenous issues, including the Sixties Scoop. Jaylene has been sober for nearly 20 years, using her own recovery story to inspire others. She has been a leader in the Vancouver 2SLGBTQ+ and recovery community, serving as a source of inspiration and support for many. Jaylene's work extends beyond Vancouver, as she has served as Empress 35 of Vancouver and Chairperson of the International Court Council.
Jaylene's appearance on Season 5 of Canada's Drag Race brought her further recognition and allowed her to share her messages of resilience, truth, and reconciliation in Vancouver's drag scene and beyond.
Title: Better Midler
Collection: Pride
Artist: Dallas Lyn Miller-Downes
Created with color pencil on 8 x 10 Strathmore Drawing Paper
Bette Midler is an iconic American entertainer known for her stage presence, powerful vocals, and comedic timing, often referred to as "The Divine Miss M". She has achieved success in music, film, and on stage, earning accolades including Grammy, Emmy, Tony, and Golden Globe awards. Midler's career spans decades, from her early days in New York's club scene to her roles in films like "The Rose" and "Beaches".
Bette Midler is a complex figure in the context of LGBTQ+ issues, particularly regarding transgender inclusion. She's been considered a "queer icon" and has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community, performing in gay bathhouses early in her career and amassing a significant queer fanbase. She has consistently supported LGBTQ+ organizations, including presenting awards at GLAAD and Human Rights Campaign events
While Bette Midler has a history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community, her comments regarding gender-inclusive language have sparked controversy and accusations of transphobia. She has clarified her position and reiterated her support for the broader LGBTQ+ community, but the incident highlighted a tension between some feminist perspectives and transgender inclusivity. She reaffirmed her commitment to fighting for her trans and nonbinary friends, family, and colleagues, emphasizing the need for cisgender women, trans people, and nonbinary people to stand together.
Title: Liza Minnelli - With a Z
Collection: Pride
Artist: Dallas Lyn Miller-Downes
Created with color pencil on 8 x 10 Strathmore Drawing Paper
Liza Minnelli is an American actress, singer, and dancer, known for her commanding stage presence and powerful alto voice. She is the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli. Minnelli is a multi-award-winning performer, having received an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and four Tony Awards. She is also recognized as a gay icon.
Liza Minnelli's career spans various mediums, including film, television, Broadway, and live concerts. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Sally Bowles in the film Cabaret (1972), for which she won an Academy Award. Other notable film roles include New York, New York and Arthur. She also starred in the Emmy-winning television special Liza with a Z. Minnelli's Broadway credits include The Act, Chicago, and Liza's at the Palace, for which she won a Tony Award. She has also released numerous musical albums and performed in numerous concerts, including Carnegie Hall and Radio City.
Liza Minnelli biography and career timeline:
Minnelli's talent and charisma have earned her a place as a living legend in the entertainment industry. She continues to be a source of inspiration for many, and her performances continue to captivate audiences.
Liza Minnelli is widely considered a gay icon due to her long-standing support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, her close ties to queer culture, and her visibility as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Her life and career have intersected with queer culture, and she has been a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS research and gay rights.
Liza Minnelli was awarded the "Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award" on the Season 17 finale of RuPaul's Drag Race. She received the award in recognition of her "dazzling contributions to entertainment and sharing her irrepressible joy," The award was presented by RuPaul.
Title: Alexis Mateo
Collection: Pride
Artist: Dallas Lyn Miller-Downes
Created with color pencil on 8 x 10 Strathmore Drawing Paper
Alexis Mateo (born in 1979) is a Puerto Rican drag queen, fashion designer, and reality television personality, known for her appearances on RuPaul's Drag Race and its All Stars spinoffs. She was a contestant on season 3 of Drag Race and seasons 1 and 5 of All Stars, also returning as a Lip-Sync Assassin on All Stars 6. She is also a drag mother, known for nurturing Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.
Beyond drag, Alexis is a fashion designer, having won the 2001 Inter Fashion Award for Best Fashion Designer. She's also an AIDS awareness activist, having appeared in an ad for a biopharmaceutical company featured in an advertisement titled "Red Ribbon Runway" for Gilead Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company that develops medications for various diseases, including HIV. Gilead Sciences is known for developing treatments for HIV, Hepatitis C, and other viral infections.
The "Red Ribbon Runway" ad highlighted AIDS awareness, and the dress worn by Alexis Mateo in the ad was later auctioned off by Logo to raise funds for the National Association of People with AIDS.
The Devil in Sister George.
George, Porgie, Stars in the Sky
Kissed the girls and made them cry
When the boys came out to play
He fell in love
They Ran Away
Title: Boy George
Collection: Pride
Artist: Dallas Lyn Miller-Downes
Created with color pencil on 8 x 10 Strathmore Drawing Paper
Boy George, born George Alan O'Dowd, is a British singer-songwriter best known as the flamboyant and androgynous frontman of the new wave band Culture Club. He rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" and "Karma Chameleon," becoming a global icon and a symbol of self-expression. Beyond music, Boy George has been a prominent figure in challenging gender norms and exploring various artistic avenues, including acting and DJing.
Boy George gained international recognition with Culture Club, known for their blend of pop, soul, and reggae influences. He also pursued a solo career and fronted the band Jesus Loves You.
His signature androgynous look, featuring elaborate makeup and flamboyant clothing, helped him stand out and influenced fashion trends.
Boy George has been open about his past struggles with drug addiction and legal issues, including a prison sentence in 2009.
Despite challenges, Boy George has demonstrated resilience, continuing his musical pursuits and exploring other creative outlets. He has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
He recently appeared in a documentary about Culture Club, "Boy George & Culture Club," which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. He is also embarking on a Culture Club tour. And has been in musicals.
Title: Raja Gemini
Collection: Pride
Artist: Dallas Lyn Miller-Downes
Created with color pencil on 8 x 10 Strathmore Drawing Paper
Raja Gemini, whose birth name is Sutan Ibrahim Karim Amrullah, is a highly acclaimed drag queen, makeup artist, and model. She is best known for winning Season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race and later returning to compete on the all-winners season, All Stars 7, where she won the title "Queen Of She Done Already Done Had Herses". Beyond drag, Raja is also recognized for her makeup artistry on America's Next Top Model.
Raja's victory on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 3 solidified her status as a prominent figure in the drag community. Her appearance on All Stars 7, where she won the "She Done Already Done Had Herses" title, further cemented her legacy.
Raja is known for her unique and avant-garde fashion sense, often described as a chameleon for her ability to transform her looks.
She has worked as a makeup artist for various high-profile clients, including Tyra Banks, Dita von Teese, and RuPaul.
Raja has also appeared on The Simpsons and worked as a model for David LaChapelle. Raja has inspired many, particularly younger performers, to embrace their individuality and express themselves freely.
Share this post