SassySays.com - Drag History Month - January 28, 2012 – Andrej Pejic

Andrej Pejić (pronounced An-DREY PEJ-ick ) (born August 28, 1991 in Tuzla, SR Bosnia-Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia) is an Australian androgynous male model.

Pejic was born in Tuzla. He has one older brother Igor. Their mother, Jadranka Savić, is Serbian and their father, Vlada Pejić, Croatian. The parents divorced shortly after Andrej’s birth. During the Bosnian War, he fled to Serbia with his mother, brother, and grandmother, settling in a refugee camp near Belgrade. When asked if he found his childhood difficult, Pejic said:

No, I was happy. The camp was a community. We went to school and I had lots of friends – mainly girls. Everybody played outside. My memories are very carefree.

After refugee camp, the family settled in Vojska village near Svilajnac. Andrej met his father for the first time when he was four years old. His mother wanted him to have a relationship with his dad, so he and brother Igor would spend a month every summer with their dad.

After the 1999 NATO bombing of Serbia, Pejic’s mother felt unsafe and decided to initiate immigration process for Australia. In 2000, the family moved to Melbourne, Australia as political refugees when Pejic was eight years old.

It has been reported that he was scouted just before his 17th birthday whilst working at McDonald’s, but he has also stated he was scouted at a swimming pool whilst still in high school in Melbourne, Australia.He is notable for his extreme androgyny and his ability to successfully model both male and female clothing.

In the Paris fashion shows of January 2011, he walked both the men’s and women’s shows for Jean-Paul Gaultier and the men’s shows for Marc Jacobs. In May 2011, Pejic’s magazine cover for the New York-based magazine Dossier Journal — in which he is pictured taking off his shirt with his long blond locks in curlers — was ruled too risqué by US bookstores Barnes & Noble and Borders, which covered the image with an opaque sleeve. Concerns were expressed that customers would mistake him for a topless woman.

As of September 2011, he ranks no. 18 on the models.com Top 50 Male Models list, and he was ranked no. 98 in FHM magazine’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2011, an “award” that caused controversy with a transphobic subtext that was removed from FHM’s website.

SassySays.com - Drag History Month - January 27, 2012 – Tula

Caroline “Tula” Cossey (born 31 August 1954) is an English model. She is one of the world’s most well known transsexual women, having appeared in a James Bond film and been the first to pose for Playboy. Since being outed by British tabloid News of the World, Cossey has fought for her right to legally marry and to be recognized by the law as a woman.

Cossey was born Barry Kenneth Cossey in Brooke, Norfolk, and raised as male. Through puberty, Cossey was distinctly feminine in appearance due to an intersex condition known as Klinefelter’s syndrome, where, instead of having the XY male chromosome pattern, she possesses the genotype XXXY. In Cossey’s autobiography My Story, she describes an unhappy childhood, where she suffered confusing feelings and bullying by peers due to her femininity. At sixteen she moved to London and worked at a variety of low-wage jobs.

Cossey started transitioning after befriending a post-operative transsexual woman. By seventeen, Cossey was receiving hormone therapy, living full-time in a female gender role and had begun a career as a showgirl at a London nightclub. Despite initial shock, Cossey’s parents were eventually supportive.Following breast augmentation surgery, Cossey worked as a showgirl in Paris and as a topless dancer in Rome to save up for sex reassignment surgery (SRS). After years of hormonal and psychological treatment, and legally changing her name, Cossey had her final surgery on 31 December 1974 at Charing Cross Hospital, London.

Cossey now began an active social life as a woman, concealing her past as a male. Asked about her dating life, Cossey replied, “I’m afraid I went a little wild”. She told tabloids she had a romance with Des Lynam, though Lynam says he does not recall it. Cossey worked as a model under the name “Tula”. She appeared in top magazines such as the Australian Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and worked extensively as a glamour model. She was a Page Three Girl for the British tabloid The Sun and appeared in Playboy in 1981.

In 1978, Cossey won a part on the British game show 3-2-1. A tabloid journalist then contacted her, revealing he had discovered she was transsexual, and planned to write about it. Other journalists researched her past, attempting to interview her family members. Cossey dropped out of the show, convincing the producers to release her from her contract. After this incident, Cossey maintained a lower profile, accepting only smaller assignments.

Cossey was cast as an extra in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. Shortly after the film’s release, the tabloid News of the World came out with a front page headline that read “James Bond Girl Was a Boy.” By her own accounts, Cossey was so upset she contemplated suicide. However, she continued her modelling career. Cossey responded by releasing I Am a Woman, her first autobiography.

Cossey became engaged to Count Glauco Lasinio, an Italian advertising executive, who was the first man to date her knowing of her past. He encouraged her to petition for changes in the British law concerning transsexuals. The engagement ended, but her legal efforts continued for seven years, eventually reaching the European Court of Human Rights.

In 1985, Cossey appeared extensively in the video for The Power Station’s “Some Like It Hot”. After breaking up with Lasinio, Cossey met Elias Fattal, a Jewish businessman, who was unaware of her history until he proposed marriage on Valentine’s Day 1988. When she told him, rather than rejecting her, he merely asked if she would convert to Judaism. She agreed. They were married on 21 May 1989, just weeks after the European Court of Human Rights decided legally to recognize Cossey as a woman. They returned from their honeymoon to find that The News of the World had published a story on their wedding. Fattal’s family was angry and persuaded him to have the marriage annulled.

On 27 September 1990, the European Court overturned their decision on a British government appeal. (Later, the Gender Recognition Act 2004 was passed, giving transgender people in the United Kingdom means to change their legal sex.) Cossey returned to modeling, which she had given up for four years

In 1991, Cossey released My Story, her second autobiography. In it she gave details of her transition and her unsuccessful battle with the European Commission. She was featured in the September 1991 issue of Playboy, in a pictorial, “The Transformation Of Tula”, as an acknowledged transsexual.

Cossey married Canadian David Finch in 1992. They live together in Kennesaw, Georgia near Atlanta.

SassySays.com - Drag History Month - January 26, 2012 - Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton Is a transgender model turned television actress. This year Jamie can be seen playing “Kyla” on Season 3 of the hit HBO series “HUNG” alongside Thomas Jane.

In 2010 Jamie co-hosted and was the on screen Makeup Artist on Vh1′s first makeover show, “TRANSform Me”.

The show quickly became a breakout hit and was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award. 

For More: www.jamieclayton.net

SassySays.com - Drag History Month - January 25, 2012 - Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is an actress, producer and transgender advocate who made television history when she became the first African American transgender woman to appear on an American reality show with her appearance as a finalist on VH1’s “I Want to Work for Diddy.  “I Want to Work for Diddy” won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Reality Program.

 Laverne’s popularity subsequently led her to star in, co-create and co-produce her own show called “Transform Me,” making her the first African American trans woman to produce and star in her own television show.  “TRANSform Me” was nominated for a GLAAD media award for Outstanding Reality Program.

 As an actress Laverne has had guest starring roles on “Law and Order”, “Law and Order: SVU”, and HBO’s “Bored to Death.” She can be seen in the forthcoming  independent films “Musical Chairs” directed by Susan Seidelman,  “Carl(a),”  “Grand Street” and “The Exhibitionists.” Her other film credits include “Uncle Stephanie”, “Bronx Paradise,” “The Kings of Brooklyn” and “Daughter of Arabia. 

 Laverne continues to be an advocate for transgender representation in the media.  Laverne is passionate about telling stories in the media that reflect the full depth, diversity and humanity of transgender experience.

For More: www.LaverneCox.com

SassySays.com - Drag History Month - January 24, 2012 - Jazzmun

Jazzmun An American actor and nightclub performer specializing in female impersonation in the Los Angeles area. Originally from San Diego, California, Jazzmun made her first national television appearance on the talent variety show Puttin’ on the Hits in 1984 in which she split her body half in male drag and half in female drag, lip synching as a “duet”. Finding work immediately after that appearance for his theatric and modeling talents, she moved to Los Angeles and secured an agent. Since then Jazzmun has performed all over the world performing as either “Jazzmun”, his trademark Whitney Houston which she performed as in the female stage revue La Cage, Grace Jones or any number of other characters. In the late 1990s Jazzmun co-starred in the stage play Ask Any Girl as the character Mahogany Saint Ross, a name play-on-words to singer Diana Ross. Latina singer Gloria Estefan hired Jazzmun to perform in the music video of her remake hit Everlasting Love after seeing one of Jazzmun’s performances. Later, drag icon RuPaul hired Jazzmun to also perform in her music video A Little Bit of Love which spoofed drag queens as aliens out to conquer the world. Jazzmun then released two of her own dance singles in 1997 on the Aqua Boogie label: “I´m Gonna Let You Have It” and “That Sound, That Beat”. And Later produce another hit 2 Tired 2 B Shady later to be featured in Patrik-Ian Polk highly anticipated and accomplish show “Noah’s Arc.”

Jazzmun has been featured in the following films: Dreamgirls , Studio 54, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, HellBent, Punks, Blast from the Past, Puff, Puff, Pass; The Big Brass Ring.

 Her television credits include: “Big Shots” “Desperate Housewives” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” “CSI: NY” “Nip/Tuck ““The John Larroquette Show” “The Shield” “NYPD Blue” “Roseanne” “ER “ “The Cleaner” “The Wayans Bros.” “Sons of Anarchy”

SassySays.com - Drag History Month - January 23, 2012 - Jimmy James

Jimmy James. UNABASHED. UNASHAMED. OUTRAGEOUS. All can be accurately used to describe the persona of one Jimmy James. For years, Jimmy James has delivered one of the most unique experiences on the entertainment scene, but you knew that right? Well just in case, maybe a little history lesson is in order. OK, let’s make one thing clear: history is one thing Jimmy has plenty of. Who else could boast of talents that have been called upon to perform for major celebrities such as Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Patti LaBelle, David LaChappelle, Luther Vandross, Debbie Harry, Boy George, Cyndi Lauper, Desmond Child and more? Jimmy James can make that claim….loved and revered for his unique impersonation talents the world over. But yet still, a yearning..

Yes, Jimmy’s talents have always been recognized by his peers and audiences alike, and for that he is grateful. Who wouldn’t be? Yet, deep inside this talented man was a desire to be seen differently, a desire to deliver a different entertainment experience than that for which he had become so well known and adored. A desire to share with the whole world the musical calling that has been burning up inside of him. Call it… a yearning.

Enter top-shelf producer Markus Moser, world-renowned himself for his many dance/pop hits and chart topping records. Markus meets Jimmy, Markus studies Jimmy and Markus gets Jimmy. Oh don’t get it twisted, everybody gets Jimmy for what he does. But Markus gets Jimmy for what he is yet to do, what is his destiny, what is his… yearning.

Together Markus and Jimmy tackle that desire head on to create a musical collaboration with JAMESTOWN that transcends all of the repetitive and recycled sounds of todays dance/pop scene. An amazing culmination that can only happen when talent and desire meets opportunity and vision, when a yearning becomes a reality.

Warming things up for the clubs, first single FASHIONISTA teased dance floors across the world. Is that the same Jimmy James they asked? And a funny thing happened with a song that was meant solely as an introduction - a Billboard Club Chart smash.

Now comes the full-length release of JAMESTOWN that finally showcases Jimmy James stunning vocal prowess and performance abilities. With an uncanny ability to transform himself visually and vocally into many different persona’s, James is set to establish himself as a dance and pop icon.

As Billboard Magazine recently stated, “Jimmy James is so damn clever, it is hard not to offer a howling squeal of approval before clicking replay again and again.”

No longer just… a yearning.

For More: www.JimmyJames.com

SassySays.com - Drag History Month - January 22, 2012 - Brini Maxwell

Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950’s nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves her show was picked up by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform.

 SassySays.com - Drag History Month - January 21, 2012 - Flotilla DeBarge

Flotilla DeBarge, the Empress of Large, has long been a popular figure within the New York City nightlife scene. She has been cast in several movies such as To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything Julie Newmar, Marci X, and the miniseries version of Angels in America. Flotilla appeared on Broadway in The Threepenny Opera as well as performing an Off-Broadway one-woman show, The Flotilla DeBarge Minstrel Show.  DeBarge would garner considerable attention in 2005 when PETA featured Flotilla, as Star Jones, in an anti-fur Ad. Jones reportedly threatened to sue both PETA and Flotilla as a result of the ad. In 2006 DeBarge was arrested for assault with a high-heeled shoe during a bar fight in NYC. Though several witnesses said that Flotilla did not start the fight, it was clear that with the aid of her shoe, she finished it. Flotilla originally plead not guilty but later changed her plea to guilty and served time. Shortly after her release DeBarge would create a new solo show based on the experience, Flotilla DeBarge: Freshly Released — Black, Blessed & Free. Of her time in jail DeBarge would later say, “It certainly wasn’t OZ, honey. There was no Chris Meloni in sight.”

SassySays.com - Drag History Month - January 20, 2012 - Sweetie

Sweetie, an accomplished entertainer, hostess, and whore, Sweetie is New York’s “big-titted honkey soul momma.” A daughter of the unforgettable drag houses Pyramid and Boy Bar, she has enjoyed success as an iconic club performer, cable television star, stage and motion picture actress, and mother of the infamous tranny fest QUEEN BEE.

She is the hostess for the Off-Broadway hit show: The Ultimate Drag-Off.

SassySays.com - Drag History Month - January 19, 2012 - Chi Chi LaRue 

@DJChiChiLaRue

Sassy & Samara interview Chi Chi LaRue in New York City