He was a cheerleader and in a fraternity while in college, was in Camp Fire USA when he was a child and likes performers like Lady Gaga: is he gay?

Questions like these were asked of five panelists recently at the, “Guess Who’s Gay,” event as part of Respect Week outside the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at Cal State Long Beach. The event, sponsored by Associated Students, Inc. and hosted by KBeach manager John Trapper, asked participants to decide who was gay. Participating students had to figure out which panelist fit each description based on appearance and wrote their answers down on a piece of paper.

Based on Jeffrey Klaus’ appearance, which included a big fiery-red wig, a magenta and black-colored loose dress, dark heels and bright makeup, he could be mistaken for gay.

But he isn’t. In fact the director of Student Life and Development is actually a gay-ally who has fought for gay rights ever since college, where he made friends with gay men and eventually let go of his homophobic ways.

“In college, it was a real eye-opening experience to have friends that were gay and see the lens from which they are having to experience the world… and when you know someone, I think it really does change the experience,” Klaus said during the panel.

Because of his affiliation with others and his comfort with his sexuality, Klaus said he has been assumed gay more than 50 times.

“I think part of it is the things you affiliate with. I am very comfortable being around people that I enjoy,” Klaus said. “Being a college cheerleader certainly led me down a certain path. I mean how many guys can say they were in Camp Fire Girls?” Klaus said sarcastically to the crowd.

“Now you may be asking why. My mom had all friends that had daughters. I was the only son of the crew so I just got lumped in.”

Based around the “Jeopardy” theme song and style, Trapper asked students questions and gave answers, resulting in shocked expressions and wows from the crowd.

Gay and lesbian participants included Henry Fradella, chair of the criminal justice department; Micky Small, who worked as a production manager for “In the Life” television and currently works for the CSULB theatre department; and Isai Valdez, who graduated from CSULB last year and was involved in student government and a fraternity. Last but not least was Vic Carmona, also known to many on campus as “Lady Vajayjay.”

As Trapper described their likes, skills and interests — which included working out, using power tools very well and playing competitive soccer — students were shocked to see who these people were despite what their appearance might say otherwise.

Aside from Klaus’ somewhat deceiving appearance — possibly because of his hairy legs and sloppy makeup as clues to his heterosexuality — the other surprise was that Carmona came as himself, not as his alterego, Lady Vajajay, who is always in drag and uses a different voice.

In addition to dressing in drag to help fund raise for causes such as AIDS and autism, Carmona also served two tours of duty in Operation Desert Storm, in the ’90s while in the Navy.

Unfortunately, because of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy he was kicked out.

“I did what I had to do,” Carmona said. “I ate, I slept, I didn’t bother anybody.”

“I was discharged because of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ … I told!” Carmona added in his Lady Vajayjay high-pitched voice.

Aside from free pizza, students also entered a raffle to win free passes to the rec center for this summer.

Boris Benavides, communications major, was happy to be one of the winners for a free rec center pass, but was also happy to have attended the event in general.

“You shouldn’t be judging anybody based on how they dress or anything like that, or just because they are wearing a dress,” Benavides said. “They might be straight but just doing something to help the community.”

Story By: Stephanie Rivera

Where do I start? Well this is “The World According to Lady VaJayJay” so let me tell you all about it! I’ve been BUSY these past few months and have lots to catch you up on: from Drag Queen Gangs, Fundraisers, Drag Shows, love making in the strangest places, interviews, Drag Queen Bingo and death threats! You name it & well it most likely happened to me this year!

I have about 1701 friends on my FaceBook page and I would say 1701 know that I am the worst writer and the ones that know me very well know that I will jump from one subject to another and it just SEEMS to coincide with one another but see that is where you are wrong. It’s my world and it all make sense to me and that’s all that matters.

For my readers I will do my best to make this as simple as possible.

So your one and only Lady Vajayjay has been making the rounds on blog/talk radio.  First,  I was approached by Swoop’s World which an Internet radio talk show based in Long Beach that broadcasts on the BlogTalk Radio Network. Each week Swoop and Peter, tap into the arts, culture, politics and lifestyle of Southern California. Refusing to be locked into a specific category, the duo keeps the show fresh through variety. They’ve interviewed politicians, citizens, musicians, community activists, celebrities and even an Academy Award Winner. Their primary goal is to keep the conversation insightful and entertaining.   As many of you know I LOVE ME SOME FACEBOOK and they connected me there and next thing you know we were meeting in an undisclosed location in Long Beach for a one on one interview. We talked about many things but to find out more check them out at www.swoopsworld.com

Shortly after my interview with Swoop’s world, I got all dolled up for Cal State Long Beach’s talk radio called KBeach which I have had the honor to be interview twice by Isabelle Noack and a sweet and hot College Student! No need to worry nothing happened on air! (Hint hint…I’m still waiting for the link to post my interview from both shows FYI!!)

Let’s start getting juicy shall we? Sometimes things happen in your life for a reason.  What would a drag queen world be without a little drama, right?  Sometimes accusations fly, un-truths are told, panties get all in a bunch and what not….but those who know me know that Lady V don’t play like that.   To prove that everything happens for a REASON, that reason is the Executive Suite in Long Beach!

I was very fortunate to meet Anglea VanBuren who hosts karaoke on Tuesday night at the Executive Suites and we immediately hit it off. Even though our intention was to have a drag show on Tuesday,  I was offered a chance to have it on Friday which honestly is a blessing in disguise!   I was given a new show and three months to prove I can bring people in and only after two months the owners decided that Lady V was not going anywhere.  Our show called Tossed Salad is a SUCCESS!
You can catch us EVERY FRIDAY before Boy’s Room at the Executive Suites starting at 9pm! My Co Host Jayla D. Foxx is my left hand Drag Queen ( prefer the left hand ). The owner made the perfect statement, “ Good things happen to good people.” I said,” It may take longer for us to get there but when we get there we will cherish the moment!” Well it’s here and our new show is a HIT with special appearances from Drag Artist like Tammie Brown, Tyra Sanchez, Venue D-Lite, Raven and the list goes on!
So to all those who said it couldn’t be done…you can wait in line with the rest of them at the door honey!

You can also catch me every Tuesday at Proof Bar which is call Stiff Tuesday, I assure there is no way can I be stiff in my outfit from 10:30pm-2am in Santa Ana.  Mike Orin and Zach Moss who are the resident DJ’s spins the 1’s & 2’s like no other and they have been so nice and welcomed me in like I have ALWAYS BEEN THERE the entire time!!

Feeling like traveling to the desert? Hunters Palm Springs -Tossed Salad is another drag show that I run along side Jayla D.Foxx & Landon Cider our Drag King of ALL DRAG KINGS IN MY EYES! He placed 4 in a Drag King Pageant which he went against a mess loads of dudes through out the US! So congrats to you dude! Come check us out at Hunters Palm Springs if you are ever out there it’s every other Sunday starting at 9pm hosted by Hunteres, promoter Outwerx Entertainment & www.ladyvajayjay.com.

As many of you know Long Beach Pride is around the corner and 10 times out of 10 you will see me either in the parade or walking around. Plans for OCEC is to promo OC Pride at Long Beach, LA & San Diego Pride and I plan to be at every event to support them! I will also be on or walking next to their float I enjoy getting into the crowd and talking to people! I will also be on the Executive Suite’s Float in Long Beach Pride!

Boredom setting in on Sundays? Why don’t ya check out Drag Queen Bingo at The Center in Long Beach California! OMG, I had a blast hosting the event, you have to come check out this event! You have heard of Pool Sharks, HONEY these are BINGO SHARKS!!! You bes call out that number before they punch ya with that red dot in your eye! What they don’t know is that I have mace hidden away in a very special place! Go check them out EVERY SUNDAY STARTING AT 12:30!!

Traveling to Orange County shortly to Golden West College GWC’s G.L.A.S.A Club (Gay Lesbian Alternative Straight Alliance) they are having their first Pride Event Drag Show and I am so honored to be apart of this wonderful event which is on Monday, The Pride Festival is from 11-1pm and the Drag Show is 5-7pm
There will be activities, games, photo booths, snacks, and many forms of entertainment. It is open to everyone! They need proud, beautiful people to support us by helping G.L.A.S.A. demonstrate to GWC and conservative OC our PRIDE and CELEBRATION for their unique culture!

For more info, ask me, or go here https://www.facebook.com/GLASAGWC

I am currently working on many other projects that I can not disclose at this point in time but when it happens I assure you, you will hear about it! Please find me on facebook Lady VaJayJay or go to www.ladyvajayjay.com to book me for your next event!!

My last comment about the Drag Queen Drama!  Girls,  don’t waste your energy hating or even disliking others.  Most likely they’ve done nothing to actually hurt you or your family. What we’re all just trying to do is called simple honest hard work.   I went out and worked hard to get everything that I currently have. I’m still learning how to live by The Secret but at least I am making that effort and that effort is paying off.  Always think about what you say and who you talk about because you may just have to work with that person one day. Think about your faults before you pick on others. I know I am not perfect and far from being ” flawless ” but I know I will keep on trying and will stay positive all the way!

For my friends who read this take this with you, “LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST IN EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO!”

Story by: Sue Cassidy

A couple of weeks ago, I headed up to Beverly Hills for a photo shoot with Drag Queen Extraordinaire, the fabulous Lady Vajayjay. Our goal was to have some fun on Rodeo Drive, taking pictures and spreading a bit of drag queen fabulosity on the unsuspecting public. It seems we got a little more than we bargained for!

The first part of our shoot went without a hitch. Dressed in purple satin majesty, she dazzled in diamonds at the Hotel Beverly Wilshire. Recreating the “Pretty Woman” walk up Rodeo Drive, she sashayed to cat calls from tour buses, and received applause from the store owners. “Is that RuPaul???” “Work it, Girl!” The tourists were thrilled to see this elegant Lady Boy, working her purple stilettos with her diva attitude in hyper drive. Three different Rodeo Drive stores invited us in and allowed her to pose in their store front window displays. The Judith Leiber Store actually gave her a $4000 clutch purse to pose with, and Judith Leiber shopping bag to take home. So many people were clearly thrilled with the theatrics of it all. For a tourist from the mid west, short of a Tom Cruise sighting, this was AWESOME. It got annoying at one point because so many people wanted their pictures taken with her and we were losing light! It was during her second costume change that things went South….

She had changed into a bright yellow, mid drift showing, Carmen Miranda confection, complete with bright yellow hair, red trimmed ruffles, and red, high heeled ComeF**kMe pumps. Posing beside the lamppost on Via Rodeo, I got ONE shot away when a Russian security guard named “Anatoli” pounced on us and with derision and disgust in his eyes, said “You can’t shoot here.” HUH? I looked around at the 7 groups of tourists also taking photos and I said “Why not?” Barely able to contain his obvious dislike of a man dressed in women’s clothing, he replied “Because this is private property. You have to leave.” We calmly and politely pointed out the groups of people doing exactly what we were doing and asked why he was asking US to leave. He simply replied again that Via Rodeo was “private property” and we had to leave. That’s when all hell broke loose because hell hath no fury like a drag queen scorned. Lady Vajayjay is part Thai and part Puerto Rican and her Puerto Rico side exploded all over his Russian ass. “ARE YOU DISCRIMINATING AGAINST ME? You are seriously discriminating against me?? This is the fucking UNITED STATES OF AMERICA in 2011 and you can’t discriminate against me!” To that he replied that a permit is required for a commercial shoot and this was private property and he wanted us to leave immediately.

As a photographer, I know my rights and obligations, and I happen to know that he was 100% correct. I didn’t have a permit and I don’t have the right to shoot on private property if they don’t want me to. I was ok with that, my objection was with the fact that he didn’t even ask if I had a permit before he accosted us so rudely. We certainly didn’t look like we were commercial photographers. I wasn’t using strobe lights, reflectors, large lenses. I didn’t have a stylist with me, make up people, assistants. We looked like every other tourist group taking pictures in Beverly Hills, except that I was taking pictures of a man in a dress. CLEARLY, this homophobic manly man was reacting to that element and his enforcement of the “rules” were very obviously based on that fact. I still cringe when I recall the way that man looked at Lady V, with so much contempt and THAT is what put the fire in MY belly.

Needless to say, it wasn’t pretty. As we left to move to the public sidewalk (while everyone else was allowed to continue taking photos ), Lady Vajayjay was spitting fire and venom. Her drama queen mouth was flappin’ and her hands were flyin’, she was PISSED! As she teetered up the cobblestone roadway, spouting off about discrimination and having served in the United States Navy and how she’d like to kick someone’s ass, she yelled out, “Don’t let the dress fool ya, FUCKER!!” When we got on to the public area of Rodeo Drive, out of site of the Russian Mafia, we waited to see if they would follow us. Sure enough, in the absence of the liquid courage a bottle of Stoli would provide, Russian Security had called for “back up” and TWO guards came to make sure we were not taking pictures on the perimeter. This was the final indignity, as if the fact that Lady Vajayjays false eyelashes falling off in the middle of her tirade against the Russian guard wasn’t enough. We marched over to the new Goon, and I said, “I understand that you didn’t make the rules and you are only trying to enforce them, but what I DON’T understand is your selective enforcement of the rules. Explain that to me, because it certainly looks like discrimination against this drag queen, disguised as rule enforcement.” Refusing to be baited into a discussion, he asked if we would like to talk to the Via Rodeo management and then proceeded to escort us up Rodeo Drive and into the Management Offices.

The rest of the story doesn’t need to be told in so much detail. Lady Vajayjay demanded to only speak to the top person in charge and then asked that we sit in their boardroom because “we need to DISCUSS THIS!!” As we played “good cop/bad cop”, I was the voice of reason, and she was full of righteous indignation at her homophobic treatment. After some spirited discussion that involved me being calm and reasonable and Lady Vajayjay being hysterical and offering up an apology every time she said “FUCK”, we left. We told them we wanted to file a formal complaint against the Russian security guard because we wanted his behavior noted in his file. Whether this was an “event” or a “pattern” would show up over time, and we just wanted it noted for the record. I found it quite interesting that the second security guard who escorted us to the offices, had a completely different demeanor. He treated Lady Vajayjay with respect during our “lamb to the slaughter” walk up Rodeo Drive, and didn’t give off the homophobic vibe that Mr. Moscow Manly Man had.

By the time we finished registering our complaints, it was too late to take any more photos, so we headed back to the relatively welcoming arms of life behind the Orange Curtain. Who knew that conservative Orange County would be a welcome respite after that experience? Still, I’m glad that we didn’t just roll over and take it in the a**, bad pun intended. Sometimes you have to stand between evil and innocent and perhaps our rather loud objections to being treated so shabbily will resonate with that security guard. I doubt he will ever change how he feels when he sees a man in a Carmen Miranda Clown Suit, but he may learn to treat that person with the respect he/she deserves as a human being. Thank you, Lady Vajayjay for taking such a vocal stand. It is the little battles that win the war.

Photos By: Sue Cassidy

Sunday September 26th marked the very first California Aids Walk at the Greek Theater in L.A. It was a record breaking hot day, but that didn’t stop those who raised money for such a good cause to walk.

I was very surprised to see the very diverse crowd who took part in the event. There were family’s with children of all ages, gay, straight, and all different walks of life.
I was very happy I took part in the very organized and well run event. Walkers were treated to free food, and beverages. Prior to the walk local bands kept the crowd entertained.

After the walk was completed several bands took part in a concert on the main stage at the Greek. The show was hosted by Wanda Sykes and Blair Underwood.
I look forward to taking part in the event again next year.

Thank you!  Gary Larsen

Dawn is a blond bomb shell & yes she is smart and I think she is a real blond. Still trying to confirm that. If anyone knows… call a girl!! Well let’s not waste anytime cuz this is gonna be a long interview process. She has a lot to say and I ain’t got much time….  a girl needs to go get her hair did after this interview it’s been a long day at the sweat shop makin them LV bags for LA and all.

Lady V: What’s your full name?

DL: Dawn Marie Logue

Lady V: What is it that you do for a living when you’re not out being all activist and all?

DL: I work for a commercial brokerage firm we secure financing for investors who want to purchase or refinance commercial real estate.

Lady V: Why do you fight for Equality?

DL: Why I Fight for Equality?

Lady V: Ok Dawn put down the beer please.

DL: Just the fact that we live in a society that everyone is not treated equally should be answer enough.

Lady V: Obviously by that comment it’s not…..

DL:I remember exactly what I was doing on that fateful night when my life changed forever. I was living in Texas at the time sitting at my desk in my home office working and listening to the TV when it was announced that Barack Obama had been elected as the 44th president of the United States of America! I was elated and was so affected by the outcome that I burst into tears of happiness.

Lady V: So you burst out into tears because we finally elected a President that could possibly be um “gifted”…if you know what I mean?

DL: Um, No, the thought of our nation finally being progressive enough to elect an African American President, I was proud to be an American. But as I continued to watch the local poll results on the television screen, I was shocked to see that Proposition 8—the controversial proposition that eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry—was passing by more than a few percentage points.

Lady V: And how did that make you feel like?

DL: I remember the exact feeling.

Lady V: I’m sure you do and I am sure you will tell me. ( I’m kinda regretting this whole interview right now).

DL: Lady V are you listening??

Lady V: Oh yes of course I am my love. You were saying something about your feelings?

DL: I remember the exact feeling that I experienced when I saw the result on the screen; it felt like my stomach had dropped to my legs and I instantly started to choke.

Lady V: Sounds like a gag reflex issue to me. Go on.

DL:As I was saying. I instantly started to choke up again but this time with tears of sadness. I just could not believe the outcome and everyone that was affected by the decision.   I was extremely excited about the fact that we as a nation had elected Obama, but at the same time I was deeply saddened about California’s decision to pass Proposition 8. The only thing that comforted me was the possibility of a dramatic change in percentage points. But as the night went on, Proposition 8 was on its way to becoming official. And by the next day, it was done. On the radio the political pundits were trying to explain why Proposition 8 passed. Some said it was the minority vote, some said it was the Mormons, some said it was a homophobic version of the “Bradley effect.”

Lady V: And do you blame them????

DL: I cannot blame any of these groups. They fought for what they believed was the right thing, just as I try to do.
A whole community of people are being treated unfairly and are being denied their right to express their love and protect their families legally.

Lady V: Now at that point in time what did you decide to do besides figuring out what new tool to buy at Home Depot?

DL: Dude is this an interview?

Lady V: Dude, it’s The World According to Lady VaJayJay. What did you decide to do?

DL: I knew I could not just simply sit back and do nothing any longer.

Lady V: And LesboMan was born!!!

DL: NO, my faith in humanity had been cracked to its very foundation and I had to take action.

Lady V: Did you go to the local bar and kick back a few cold ones, go play base ball, build a new city?

DL: I made the decision to do all I could do to help with the fight for equality although I had no clue how to get involved or what it would entail at the time.
I moved back to CA in January 2009 and that was when I became a LGBT activist. In the grand scheme of things, that’s not very long, but considering I’ve been more active in that time than some have been in five years, I think I am doing pretty well.

Lady V: Well I hate to say this but I’m not impressed, YET. Give me a list of reasons why you fight for equality.
DL:
• I fight for equality because everyone deserves equal rights.
• I fight for equality because separate is NOT equal.
• I fight for equality because no one should be treated like 2nd or 3rd class citizens.
• I fight for equality because everyone deserves the same level of dignity, respect and inherent values.
• I fight for equality because Love is Love.
• I fight for equality because it is what is right and is not a choice
• I fight for equality because LGBT people are denied 1138civil rights that heterosexual married couples are given.
• I fight for equality because it is a human right issue.
• I fight for equality because we are talking about people lives, happiness and well being.
• I fight for equality because LGBT people should not have to be subjected to deal with the cruelness and hate that comes from ignorant people just because they don’t understand it.

Lady V: Ok I’m impressed kinda. What else have you done or who have you done?

DL: Some of the things I have done since I have become an activist include; being an active and effective member of the core leadership team for Courage Campaign’s equality program “Team Courage OC”. Our team has tabled at various event’s including Long Beach Pride, OC pride, Scouts Honor, OC AIDS Walk, Annual Tet Festival in Garden Grove.

Lady V: I am not familiar with this Tet thing. Is it and Egyptian thing?

DL: No silly this event is the largest Asian new year parade and festival outside of Vietnam.

Lady V: So you have a thing for Asian chicks?

DL: This event is the largest Asian new year parade and festival outside of Vietnam.Annual Tet Festival in Garden Grove. Being part of the leadership team includes; organizing, volunteer recruitment and training, building coalitions with other progressive organizations, identifying leaders in the community and attending other organizations meeting to see what is already being done so we do not duplicate our efforts in any certain area. We also attend seminars, workshops, host canvasses, phone banks, rallies, do press releases and Radio interviews.

Lady V: And have you done Annie Mae Tripp? It’s a Christmas shelter by the way.

DL: Lady V our team volunteered at the Annie Mae Tripp Southwest Community Center in Santa Ana when it burnt down just before Christmas. They were scheduled to have their annual Christmas party the weekend after the fire. They decided to go ahead with the party and hold it in the street since they had no other place to have it. They unfortunately lost all of their food in the fire that they had been stock piling to feed the needy. We helped with promoting the event, getting food donations we sorted countless toys, clothes and separated and labeled as well as help pass presents out to the needy families who otherwise wouldn’t have had a Christmas if it were not for kindness of the community center.

Lady V: Well duh I was out there working my butt off too. You obviously didn’t know who I was at that time. Go On what else have you done?

DL: We have done phone banks to help Maine with their battle for equality, we co-hosted the first TDOR (Trans-Gender Day Of Remembrance) event ever held in Orange County. We have gone to multiple protests and have even run the Westboro Baptist Church out of Orange County a few times. If you are not familiar with this group they are a Kansas based Baptist church who among other things picket military member’s funerals.

Lady V: Very admirable. Have you raised money for any other heart felt causes?

DL: We have helped raise money for AIDS / HIV research and services and have done many, many fundraisers. We are lucky enough to have some very specials ladies

Lady V: Special ladies? Who would they be? Do tell! Finally something I can sink my breast into!

DL: Not sure if she is special anymore but you Lady VaJayJay.

Lady V: Oh hehehehe you are too kind. Go on sweet heart so sorry to interrupt.

DL: We are lucky enough to have some very specials ladies here in the OC with hearts of gold you, Lady VaJayJay and Jizzona Straynger who have graciously been performing drag show fundraisers with proceeds to benefit Team Courage OC so we can buy the necessities that we need in order to continue the work we have been doing. You two are very selfless and never ask for anything in return, we are very blessed to have you two in our lives.

Lady V: Anytime babe and time at all. Well I am excited to do blast of a new fundraisers at a NEW VENUE in The OC!!

DL: Yes, Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn in Nov!!

Lady V: Alright enough of the political crap I need juice. WE NEED JUICE!!

Lady V: What are your stats?

DL: Blonde Hair, Blue Eyes, 5’5

Lady V: Are you single?

DL:  No, I am only interested in one person she knows who she is.

Lady V: Do you love me?

DL: YES, YES, YES!  Who couldn’t love you?!

Lady V: How did we come to meet?

DL: I met you last year when you contacted our team and graciously offered to do drag show fundraisers for us so we could raise much needed resources so we are able to do the work that we do here in Orange County.

Lady V: Who’s your favorite Drag Queen? Don’t worry I wont tell Jizzona.

DL: The one and only Lady Vajayjay of course!!

Lady V: Anything else you would like to add?

DL: You are BAD ASS!!! You are so giving, gracious, beautiful, caring and such a good person.  We really appreciate everything you have done for us and are forever in your debt.  Muahhhhh

Lady V: Well since you are FOREVER in my DEBT!!!!!!!!! Oh never mind we can talk about it when you get home.

Well there you have it! Well educated made of money and taken. Sorry ladies! I am such a lesbi-tease!

Photo Credit: Sue Cassidy

Hey girls and boys!  So a couple months back I over heard this 5’10″, 155lbs, auburn, hazel eyed man talk about this thing called Down Tag and it intrigued me.  For those of you all who know me when I’m intrigued I must know more!!  So sure maybe it was those hazel eyes that first caught my attention (but damn he’s straight!!) but I was really interested in this product that he created to save lives.    You know Lady V is all about making a difference and saving lives!   So I finally womaned up to ask Shane for an interview. Without hesitation Shane agreed and invited me over his place.  I would meet with him at his home for the interview making sure that I do not get excited whilst looking into his face.

Upon arriving to his place in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, I was taken aback by the attention to detail. Envision myself and Shane in a cozy room with intimate lighting, a bouquet of white Casa Blanca Lilies, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and lush, fluffy pillows on the living room floor.   Shane was a true gentleman as he looked deep into my eyes and says,“Are you ready Lady VaJayJay?”    My heart skipped then stopped several beats as I gracefully looked at Shane and asked in a womanly deep tone of voice, “Ready for what?” he replied with a hint of a smile,“ For the interview.”   (Ahhh snap…back to reality!!)

I took a deep breath and started with my intimate interview with Shane.

Lady V: What’s your full name?

MSH: “My full name is Michael Shane Hill, although starting back in high school, I’ve been going by my middle name…so Shane will do.”

Lady V: What is it that you do for a living?

MSH: “For about 10 months now, Downtag encompasses and drives everything I do. Most recently though, prior to Downtag, I was the Director of Operations for The Babb Group (www.TheBabbGroup.com) for the past three years.”

Lady V: What is Downtag?

MSH: “Downtag is the culmination of my passion for helping people and years of riding motorcycles.”

Lady V: How does Downtag actually help someone?

MSH: “Downtag, for all sakes and purposes, is a guardian angel that watches over you and steps in to help in case of an emergency. Whether you are journeying alone or traveling with a group of friends, should you find yourself in a life threatening emergency, the Downtag system is setup to not only recognize that situation but initiate the response of first responders like Police, Fire, and EMS to your location. A secondary and tertiary result of the system is that the medical personnel at the hospital will be able to access your pertinent medical information within the golden hour and our dispatchers will be able to contact you emergency contacts, allowing them to meet you at the hospital much sooner than with current available methods.”

Lady V: What’s the Golden Hour you just mentioned?

MSH: “The Golden Hour is defined as the time period of one hour in which the lives of a majority of critically injured trauma patients can be saved if definitive surgical intervention is provided. Only 60 minutes from the moment of injury to notify the police; dispatch an ambulance to the scene; transport the victim to a hospital; summon the appropriate surgical and support staff; and perform the necessary life-saving surgery. From an EMS standpoint, those 60 minutes pass very quickly. Time is, literally, of the essence!”

Lady V: Who are Downtag’s customers?

MSH: “Downtag’s current target clientele is motorcyclists, although literally anyone can benefit from the services Downtag will offer. Whether you are a backpacker, mountain climber, motorcyclist, or just your “average joe”, Downtag will make your life safer.”

Lady V: Why focus on motorcyclists and not backpackers?

MSH: “The reason for singling out motorcyclists for our launch is twofold; launching a new business is easier when you can target a single demographic and, as a daily motorcycle rider, I know the market and understand the need for such a product and service as Downtag.”

Lady V: What is the coverage area for Downtag?

MSH: “Downtag will initially only be available within the United States, although I already have emails coming in requesting we scale the coverage to the international level. Motorcyclists from Canada, the United Kingdom, Austria, and Australia have written in pleading that I bring Downtag to their areas right away, which will obviously happen the minute the business supports such a move.”

Lady V: How did you come up with the name?

MSH: “The term ‘went down’ is often used as a way of saying that a motorcyclist was involved in an accident. As unoriginal as the name may be, ‘Downtag’ is the tag that may save your life, should you ‘go down’.”

Lady V: What inspired you to do this?

MSH: “Due to the downed economy, a business partner and I were selling off a handful of investment properties in Arizona late last year. To facilitate the sales, I was literally living in both Arizona and California for about six months. This living situation required me to travel back and forth between Orange County and Mohave Valley, AZ, sometimes up to three times per week. I made the trip, every time, on my motorcycle. To cut down on traffic and construction delays on the interstate, I almost always made the trip in the middle of the night. Riding alone, in the dark, on desolate highways brings with it a very eerie feeling and lots of time to contemplate “what would happen if I crashed right now”. After searching for a product that would allow EMS workers to access my medical history and a tracking service so I wouldn’t “be alone” on my trips, I found that there isn’t a single product/service out there that allows for this. Necessity being the mother of invention, I decided that I’d step up to the plate. Granted, the original idea stemmed from a selfish need; but after doing market research, I found out that I’m not the only person out there that has wanted this problem solved. I’ve had everything from backpackers to scuba divers to motorcyclists to single parents that want to sign up as soon as we are operational.”

Lady V: How long did it take you to manufacture the product?

MSH: “Well, there isn’t a product quite yet. We’re still looking for funding to launch. The tag itself will be laser etched in-house and takes about 60 seconds to manufacturer. The tag, of course, being one small piece of the much bigger whole that is Downtag.”

Lady V: If I get lost and if I had this tag on, would you come and rescue me?

MSH: “If I was the closest emergency responder to you, absolutely!”

Lady V: What is your mission with Downtag?

MSH: “In short, to save lives. As broad and undirected as that may sound, that is exactly what Downtag boils down to – a product and combination of services that will allow people to enjoy their life with the peace of mind that should something happen, they won’t be alone, even if there is nobody around them when the situations takes a turn for the worse.”

Lady V: I’ve done some research and saw that you have applied to win some funds to launch Downtag. How is it coming along?

MSH: “Ah, you must be referring to the Pepsi Refresh Project. Unfortunately, we didn’t win the contest. Although the idea that Pepsi came up with is a novel one, it’s near impossible for the “little guy” to compete against the larger companies and organizations that are vying for the same grant. No matter how well received Downtag has been, it’s a near impossible fight for a single guy like myself to go up against entire cities, county school districts, or nationwide non-profit organizations. That didn’t stop me from trying, however; I knew what I was up against when I signed up. I’m considering not winning the grant as “part of the journey” and not necessarily a loss or hurdle that I had to overcome.”

Lady V: How can the community as a whole be of help to you in launching your product nation/worldwide?

MSH: “Imagine a racehorse, well trained, knowing what needs to be done, anxiously waiting in the gates, ready for door to open so it can take off down the track and blow the competition away. I am that horse! What’s needed to get that gate open is the funding to launch, which I am fighting against the current economy to find. If anyone out there would be interested in making a substantial return on their investment and wouldn’t mind helping me save some lives, I’d love to hear from them. Even just helping me connect to a potential investor or investment group would be an answer to many prayers!”

Lady V: What other potential uses is Downtag capable of?

MSH: “That’s a great question. Although a majority of future Downtag clients will undoubtedly be people who enjoy extreme activities, like riding motorcycles or mountain climbing, another group that would find tremendous benefit would be children and their parents. Without question, with today’s available technology, the traditional identification bracelets that are still sold in elementary schools are a bit dated; and dare I say ,even obsolete. Downtag carries the potential of revolutionizing what is considered standard identification for school age children. As an ex-latchkey child myself, I know what it means to be that child walking to or from school, alone, without any real identification, wondering how long it would take for an adult to contact my mother should something happen to me…wondering how they would even know who my mother was.”

Lady V: Does Downtag come blinged out or in variety of colors?

MSH: “The physical tag, again, being one piece of the full puzzle that is Downtag, will be available in various colors. I’m even entertaining the potential of having the option for gold, silver, and platinum tags, for those who want to be safe without giving up style.”

Lady V: What is the cost to the your customers going to be?

MSH: “Well, without being operational, I can only speculate as to how much this is going to cost the consumer. What I can tell you is that the cost will be considerably less than what most people spend a year on their Auto Club membership or even Starbucks, for that matter, and will carry a considerable amount of benefits beyond just towing your car or helping you stay awake for an additional couple of hours. Also, a goal of mine is to get motorcycle insurance companies to help mitigate the cost to the consumer by providing each person with a discount on their yearly premiums, equal to or greater than the out of pocket cost for a Downtag membership. In theory, if I can get companies like Geico and Progressive to provide a $60 per year discount on your premiums and our membership costs $60 per year, you’re not paying anything. If Downtag costs $40 per year, you’re saving $20 every year and are considerably safer than you would be without Downtag.”

Lady V: Is Downtag currently a product and service available to the public?

MSH: “Not yet, unfortunately. Once I am able to secure funding to launch, it will take about 90 days to get all of our systems developed, the dispatch center operational, have all of the security measures put into place, etcetera before we will be officially ‘open for business’.”

Lady V: How do we go about ordering them?

MSH: “Once we are up and running, the quickest way to sign up will be by visiting our website, www.TheDowntag.com. There isn’t much need for a physical store for a product and service like Downtag, so online, mail order, and phone orders will be the primary methods of signing up. We are accepting pre-orders at this time.”

Lady V: Alright enough of the strawberries are hitting me now! Let’s get into some real Q&A!

MSH: “Strawberries? I love strawberries! Wait, we are talking about the fruit, right?” [laughing]

Lady V: What are your stats?

MSH: “Stats? Wow, this interview is taking me back to the days of AOL chat rooms. I’m 28, going on 45, 5’10” and 155 lbs., with auburn hair and hazel eyes.”

Lady V: Are you single?

MSH: “Currently I am single, if we’re talking about another physical person being in my life. I don’t know if my mistress, Downtag, would allow me the time to actually go out and date anyone though.”

Lady V: Why are you stalking me so much?

MSH: “How am I supposed to keep you safe if I don’t keep my eye on you?” [laughs out loud]

Lady V: Anything else you would like to add?

MSH: “Outside of badly needing to find investors to turn a life saving idea into a life saving reality, as a shameless plug for a pet project that I started, I am heading a walk-a-thon team for Autism Speaks. Your readers can learn all about it by visiting www.BlakesWarriors.com.”

My closing remarks about this interview is that I wished I was at his house and he was feeding me strawberries. Oh well that’s why it’s The World According to Lady VaJayJay.   Please make sure to look Shane up and see watch for the upcoming release of the DownTag product!  Who doesn’t love a guy trying to save lives….

It’s Showtime! (almost!) Yes I have The Ho Must Go On at Hamburger Mary’s in Long Beach, Tossed Salad & Green Eggs & Drag at The San Clemente Inn in Adele’s & High Octane at Hamburger Mary’s in West Hollywood but why not just ONE MORE!!!

Rick has arranged a lunch meeting with the manager of Hunter’s Palm Springs, and it looks like we are going to get a show date for the Official Alterna-Talent.com Palms Springs Launch Party, to introduce ourselves to the area and showcase some so-cal talent! We have the entertainment lined up as A-T members Lady Vajayjay and her gurls from “The Asiancy” have generously agreed to come and strut their hot stuff on stage. We are also lucky enough to get the sultry Holly Deville, also a member, from San Francisco to come and MC the show.
As it looks, the show is going to be somewhere between the 8th and the 16th of October. I just have to work out the details with Lady, Holly and the club manager. It’s going to be a great fun show as we finally get to introduce Alterna-Talent.com members and their talents to the local community here in the Coachella Valley. As soon as we get a date I will be sending out invites, so be on the lookout and
hope to see you there!! WooHoo!

This is Just The Beginning!

Right now Rick is only announcing this in “ The World According to Lady VaJayJay & Alterna-Talent”, because this is about you! But we have some secrets we have been holding out on you, lying in wait until we saw which way Alterna-Talent was going to go, and we are really loving our member list! This first show is going to be our foot in the door to begin taking it on the road. Our road show will be entitled, “Alterna-Talent.com Presents: Live, And On Stage!”, showcasing members of Alterna-Talent.com- whether dragsters, singers, dancers/models, musicians, etc. Of course we are starting out small in Southern California, but I have big dreams that I am going to make happen for all of our Alterna-Talent members that want to participate, nationwide; while traveling to cities across the US to showcase their talents in their own areas. If that doesn’t get attention to our members, I don’t know what will! So if you know of any talents, get ‘em in here and tell them we’re going places and we would love to drag them along!

For Rick you see, on a personal note and from his heart, he had huge plans when he did drag himself back in the 80′s- and at the risk of sounding like he’s tooting his own horn, he had a very imaginative talent. He had many ideas for doing shows that he wanted to perform himself that would not only take drag, but lgbt entertainment itself to the next level. He could (and still can) listen to a song and get an entire theme to go with it in his head, that could turn it into a mini production- He’s talking costumes and choreography, “I’m an entertainment drama queen,what can I say!. But I was cut short and held back by my own environment, time, situation and then my health. So I know what it’s like to have big dreams. I realize this may sound a bit exorbitant and exaggerated and I know I have said it before, but this is the real purpose of Alterna-Talent.com and the type of shows and showcasing your talent, as well as your own numbers, I hope to morph this entire thing into.

So with a last note on this, as a member, if you know of any venues where we can hold a show in your area in the future with some great talented friends, let us know and we’ll talk with you and get the ball rolling! I’m so excited, I could just spit!”

Story Credit – Lady VaJayJay & Rick from Alterna-Talent.com

This is Lady V’s interview with Vic Carmona about his experience regarding to DADT.

Lady V: Tell us your story.

Vic: Where do you want me to start?

Lady V: What made you tell?

Vic: Well to start off I lived in California City, CA in Kern County after graduating from Adult Education in Tehachapi, CA at a young age of 20 I knew I needed direction and the only way out of my little town was to join the armed forces or to commit suicide.

After taking the ASVAB exam and passing it, the second time around I decided to join the US Navy. I enlisted for 4 years. I went to boot camp in Great Lakes which everyone know in boot camp called it “ Great Mistakes” after graduating I was sent to 32^nd Street in San Diego, CA for Mess Specialist School & fire fighting school. Upon completion I chose to get as far away as possible from the United States and was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan on board the USS Hewitt DD966. The first 4 years in Japan was amazing I meet my very first boy friend who was an Aussie no less.

To move the story on at age 24 I decided to come out to my mother.

Lady V: Why did you come out so late?

Vic: I was not comfortable with who I was.

Lady V: How did you come out and what was the experience like coming out?

Vic: Well I came out when my mom called to talk to me when I was still stationed in Japan and at that time the Aussie was my “ friend”. I just hated when my mother called and my boyfriend would pretend that I was in the other bed room and he went to get me. I believe it was on a Sunday when my mother called me and I was in the kitchen and my Aussie handed the phone to me we talked for a little then I said, “ Mom.” I paused then I continued on toe say, “ I have something to tell you.” My Aussie looked at me and made a face as to say NO! He ran in the bath room and shut the door as if my mother was going to jump through the phone and kill the both of us. She didn’t. “ Mom, I’m gay and Aussie is my boyfriend.”

Lady V: What the hell did you mother say??? Tell me girl!

Vic: My mother said that as long as I love someone and as long someone loves me is all that matters and that she hopes that I am happy and that she loves me.

Lady V: Well that’s no fun. Where’s the drama in that. Mothers, you’ve got to love them.

Vic: I do very much so. She is my mother and my father since my father left me when I was 6 years old.

Lady V: So lets move on to the next phase of your life.

Vic: Well after completing my first enlistment I decided to stay in Japan with my Aussie and become and English teacher.

Lady V: So you have a degree?

Vic: Um, no not really.

Lady V: How the hell did you become an English teacher without a degree?

Vic: My Aussie made a fake degree for me then I made a copy of it and I had connections in the Navy and had it stamped as a copy of the original degree.

Lady V: Very cleaver. Just looking at you, I wouldn’t have though you were smart enough to do anything like that.

Vic: Thank you, I guess.

Lady V: So you taught English then where does the extra year come in.

Vic: Well after being out of the military, having my ups and downs of my first relationship (and not being faithful to my boyfriend) we ended the relationship and I moved back home to California City, CA. After only staying with my mother for a short time I decided to reenlist back into the Military for another 4 years.

Lady V: Finally it gets juicy!!

Vic: Once I enlisted I decided once again to go back to Yokosuka, Japan. By then I was in my second tour and my second war.

Lady V: Wait so you’re a Vet?

Vic: Yes, I was in Desert Storm and Desert Strike.

Lady: Did you get any booty in the Navy?

Vic: LOL well they managed to get my booty.

Lady V: Bottom!

Vic: As I was saying. During my second enlist I had been out to myself and I was confident about who I was and who I was about as a person and a human being.

Lady V: So where did it come to you telling someone that you were gay?

Vic: Well this one time as I walked past the chow line to go into the kitchen someone in the line yelled, “ Faggot!” I turned around and everyone was silent. I simply replied, “ Yeah and what are you gonna do about it?” I was a popular gay boy on that ship after that. Everyone wanted a piece of me.

Lady V: Ok honey get your head out of clouds.

Vic: Right, so during the second tour to the Gulf as they say “ What happens at sea stays at sea…..”  So I had my fun with two Sailors.

Lady V: What did you do with them?

Vic: That’s another story lets keep with how I got the boot.

Lady V: Fine, what got you to the point where you felt you needed to tell?

Vic: I felt out of place. I felt as if I was in the closet even though I was already out to everyone.

I decided that I needed to come out and well…I told my supervisor.  After reveling to my immediate supervisor I had to talk to the Executive Officer.  Then after telling him that I am gay, he requested that I write a letter to the Admiral of the base.  Whilst I was writing the letter to the Admiral I felt very empowered and knew what I was doing was something that needed to be done. After disclosing my not so secret, secret, “Admitting that I was GAY”,  I was transferred to a military jail for 30 days in Japan then from there I met others that also were being kicked out for the same reason.

After my 30 days I was transferred to 32^nd Street San Diego, CA for my final extraction from the military. As they went over my paper work I noticed that my evaluation was dropped from 3.8 to 1.8.  The administrative guy looked over my paper work and noticed that I’ve never gotten in trouble and I was always a 3.8- 3.6 sailor and 4.0 being the highest score you could get at the time. He increased my evaluation to 2.8 and I was able to keep my benefits.

The first thing that came to my head was “ FAMILY”! He was either taking care of me or he was just a good guy with a good heart.

Lady V: Well that was a pretty damn boring story. Um you got anything else to say?

Vic: Well now in my free time I have gotten heavily involved in activism for over a year now.

Lady V: How are you involved?

Vic: Well I am a Drag queen activist.

Lady V: Oh wow just like me!

Vic: Well actually Lady V, Vic is Lady VaJayJay you stupid bitch!  So I’m telling my story so you will all HELP  ME sM*A*S*H  DADT! We should have rights as the straight people do damn it! I’m a human being and I deserve that right and respect!

I’ve fought in two wars for your rights. What about mine?

Photo/Graphics by Sue Cassidy and Jewelry by Absolutely Fabulous

ABOUT LADY VAJAYJAY:

Currently you can see Lady VaJayJay at Hamburger Mary’s in Long Beach, Adele’s at The San Clemente Inn, Hamburger Mary’s in WEHO starting September, at many fundraising events through out Orange County and LA county and at OC Pride on August 14, 2010