THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU
With the exception of the 9 works on paper in the back lefthand corner of the studio, and the work on canvas as you walk into the space, all of the works in the studio have been made here, and each work references a photograph that I have taken. These people are my friends.
La Shell Wooten : I met La Shell at a dear friend’s wedding. I wouldn’t stop talking about a project I wanted to do. At a certain point she pulled me aside and said ‘Stop talking about the project you want to do and just do it.’ It was the exact kick in the pants that I needed.
MUR: MUR is a magical creature - Mr. Rogers meets Blues Clues. He is a brilliant composer and lyricist, and it is one of my greatest pleasures to collaborate with him. We have an opera called G coming out in July—you should come see it! MUR also has a pet rabbit named Chortle.
John Riddle: John is a star, one of the most exceptional singers I have ever had the pleasure of seeing perform. I am humbled to be able to call him a friend.
Scarlett Diviney: Scarlett has the poise of a seasoned pro. Her performance at the Metropolitan Opera’s production of X: The Life and Times of Malcom X left me excited about what’s to come for her.
Leah Hawkins: Leah has the voice of an angel - it’s no surprise to see her grace the stage at the Metropolitan Opera on the regular. I also LOVE her rings.
Nile Harris: Nile is one of the most important theatre makers of our time. I was lucky enough to collaborate with him on costumes for this house is not a home.
Cooper Terry: I met Cooper on Grindr in Barcelona, he was in town performing in a Jean Pau Gautier show. He came over to my hotel and we took pictures. No, we did not have sex. Yes, I did make that top. Yes, you can buy it!
Samhita Mukhopadhyay: Samhita is the author of The Myth of Making It: A Workplace Reckoning—she is an incredible editor/writer and we have been friends since our days at Gawker (RIP).
Cooper Terry: I did not make this top AND I am a top.
Crackhead Barney: I believe Crackhead Barney is the most courageous and important performance artists in New York City. She does her own makeup and I love it.
Cooper Terry: Hamstrings!
Journey Streams: Poet, intellect, activist, and artist. You should be so lucky to journey through the stream that is Journey Streams.
Emolsa Haasacha: Emolsa always looks fabulous. His eye for style is ingenious and you will never look as put together as he does, period.
Justin Vivian Bond: Vivian is an icon. She is an exceptional singer/actor/performer and a dear friend. If you ever get the opportunity to see her perform, do it!
Jacolby Satterwhite: Jacolby and I probably met on a dance floor fifteen years ago. It has been so fun to watch his rise to the top of the art world. Go see his work!
C Prinz: C is a director and choreographer. She and Jeremy Pope made God is Good, one of the most inspiring films I’ve seen this year. Go see it!
Jen Statsky: Jen is the Emmy award winning co-creator/show runner of Hacks. If you haven’t seen it, get a Max membership (and share the password with me). Jen is also an excellent dancer.
CK Swett: CK is a world class auctioneer and one of my closest friends for over two decades. I have never met someone with so much enthusiasm for life and love and I am so grateful for our friendship. He also knows how to put a look together.
Jeremy Pope: Jeremy is a Tony-nominated actor and singer. I took this photo of him at a screening of his most recent film project God is Good. Everyone should see the film.
Genevieve Aniello: Genevieve is writer for TV and an incredible wedding guest.
Mr. Paul Downs: Paul’s dad at he and Lucia’s wedding. Sharp and classy dude.
Ava Rose Bysiewicz Donaldson: Ava basically (kind of) invented the Google Pixel AND she always has the best fingernails in a room.
Mr. Mauro Aniello: Lucia’s dad at her and Paul’s wedding. Also, a super sharp and classy dude.
