Category Archives: Gay Orlando
Zakar Twins with Drag Queen Christmas Tour and More!
I can’t remember exactly how I stumbled upon the Zakar Twins, but I found them on Instagram and have been a loyal follower, watching their careers soar for over 1 year now! Their best-selling book “Pray The Gay Away” came out in the Fall of 2017. That’s probably about the time I first discovered them.
These young gay models, writers, entrepreneurs, leaders in the LGBTQ+ community, and lovable goofballs Michael and Zach Zakar are known not only for their identical good looks but for trailblazing a path forward for queer people who come from Near and Middle Eastern cultures. As smart as they are funny, their memoir last year is a dual-account tragicomedy about growing up with deeply religious Iraqi immigrant parents.
“Mom knows.” A simple text that would change two twin brothers’ lives forever. Coming out is hard. The struggle is ongoing, a daily part of life whether to a new friend, a co-worker, or most importantly yourself. Pray the Gay Away chronicles Michael and Zach as they face awkward sexual encounters, drug-fueled escapades, coming out to each other, and their biggest foe – Mom, a woman who not only gave birth to what she calls one regret – but two.
The memoir hilariously and poignantly explores what it’s like growing up as gay, Iraqi twins in modern America. Pray the Gay Away was inspired the night Mom snuck into their bedroom and force fed them “holy grapes,” determined to “de-gay” them. She threw Holy Water on them as well!
The Zakar Twins are new voices speaking out against generations, particularly within the Iraqi culture, who look down on being gay. This book is not only for the LBGTQ community, but for young adults, looking to achieve normalcy.
“The book started kind of as a hateful thing. We wrote it because we were angry that our Mom reacted in such a demeaning way,” Zach said. “Then, over time, the project, it really resulted in kind of a beautiful thing. We were growing with the book, it was growing with us.”
Currently they are on tour with Drag Queen Christmas – The Naughty Tour! 37 cities now through Dec 29th! Presented by Murray & Peter. They will be heading South and West in the coming weeks. Get specific city and tour info at www.DragFans.com.
Their Mom has come a long way to acceptance and actually attended the show in Detroit! Her first drag show ever!
I am told that the producers, Murray and Peter are helping to bring their book to Off Broadway, hopefully in time for Pride 2019!
Recently the brothers relased a calendar for 2019. Defiance: taking a stance on changing the world’s conservative view on what it means to be gay in the Middle Eastern world. Shot by Dexter Brown.
“Everyone has their own unique story. Fortunately for us, we just wrote ours down,” Zach said with a laugh. “The book is done, but it’s not finished. We’re writing two more books about different things.”
Buy the BOOK and CALENDAR Here.
Get to know Michael and Zach with their great YouTube videos!
ZT on Instagram
ZT on Facebook
ZT on Twitter
ZT My Twin Chat App – a way to communicate with others who might be struggling with coming out or just needing someone to talk to. Many people coming out usually feel like they are the only one. So this app is a support system for those scared to talk to a stranger or a close friend.
“You cannot forget the bigger picture. It feels like life is caving in to a lot of people when it first happens. I think that’s one of the scariest things. Because all I was worried about, was when you grow up, there’s so much involved in the bigger picture,” Michael said. “That’s what I tell people, just realize there is light at the end of the tunnel even if it feels almost impossible.”
STK Steakhouse Meets Lounge
Sexy chic lounge meets modern steak house. STK.
(Chicago location in side photo)
The ONE Group, based in New York, has positioned STK as “women friendly,” trying to break the conception that steakhouses are only meant for men. A DJ booth brings a curated playlist to diners, creating more of a nightclub vibe, hoping diners opt to party after their meal, or even while they’re digesting their wet-aged beef. No need to bar hop, as STK’s other spots haven’t been as concerned about the menu as they are in developing a trendy, and sexy, scene to draw the clientele who would normally roll their eyes at the notion of dining at a steakhouse.
From Forbes to Zagat to Facebook, dinners are loving this place!
Locations AROUND THE WORLD!
Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Ibiza, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Milan, 3 locations in NYC, Orlando, South Beach, Toronto, San Diego Puerto Rico, and 2 locations in Dubai!
Recently we had the chance to sample some of their new recipes from their Fall menu in Chicago, being unveiled in October. But first, we started with their Strawberry Cobbler Martini.
Fresh strawberries, Belvedere vodka and a graham cracker rim.
Another classic that I could live on is their signature tuna tartare!
Besides what they are known for we got a sampling of some excellent new dishes!
*NEW Roasted Root Vegetable Salad: Squash, parsnip, celery root, living water greens, brown butter vinaigrette
*NEW Roasted Slagel Chicken: Celery root purée, celery salad, jus
*NEW Roasted Rack of Lamb: Charred broccoli, huckleberry vinaigrette, black garlic jus
*NEW Grilled Branzino: Roasted thumbelina carrots, kale, carrot purée, grilled lemon
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: Apple, cranberry, aged goat cheese, marcona almonds
Potato Bar: Creamy yukon potatoes and sweet potatoes, bacon, scallion, sour cream, cheese, marshmallows, candied pecans, short rib. TO DIE FOR!
How about finishing your meal with fresh warm doughnuts covered in various toppings?
Or perhaps their signature Chocolate mousse layered cake?
WHAT ABOUT BRUNCH? STK has a monthly brunch – Dare to Brunch – that features STK’s take on the traditional weekend meal. Offered on the last Sunday of each month, Dare to Brunch will be complete with a specialty STK brunch menu, mimosa stations that includes a variety of freshly squeezed juices and all-day DJ performances.
The Dare to Brunch menu favorites include Gold Leaf French Toast, Market Vegetable & Truffle Omelet, STK n’ L’eggs and more. The monthly Sunday event will offer three seatings (2PM, 4PM and 6PM).
Their menu features a nice variety of re-imagined classic American cuisine with signature dishes. STK defines the modern fine dining experience with incredible food, world-class service and the perfect atmosphere.
Aside from steak, signature items also include Parmesan Truffle Fries, Lil BRG’s, and sweet corn pudding. Incredible food and a wonderful hip atmosphere!
This is not your daddy’s steakhouse!
Visit their site for all locations and phone numbers for reservations.
all photo credit goes to the incomparable Matthew Mitrick of Mitrick Photography!
Ru Pauls Drag Race Tour
IT’S ABOUT TO GET REAL BITCHES!
RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of The Seasons “Condragulations” Tour in a city near YOU, featuring a night of show-stopping performances by the world’s most talented drag performers, including winners and fan favorites from Logo TV’s hit series “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Over 40 cities in the US, Canada and Europe. The largest drag tour in history!
Adore Delano, Alaska 5000, Ben Dela Crème, Bianca Del Rio, Courtney Act, Darienne Lake, Detox, Ivy Winters, Jiggly Caliente, Jinkx Monsoon, Manila Luzon, Pandora Boxx, Phi Phi O’Hara, Raja and Sharon Needles. Plus Special Guest Cary NoKey and host Michelle Visage. (Lineup varies by city and is subject to change.)
February 1-April 13, 2015. CHECK CITIES AND TICKETS!
WARNING: Gays at DisneyWorld in Orlando!
This is so funny – and tragic!
The Florida Family Associations spends about $20,000, to fly planes over Disney World, warning potential heterosexual visitors about gay people visiting the park for the annual Gay Days. (this photo is from last year).
The FFA writes:
Florida Family Association has received
many, many (really?) letters and emails from people across the country who
patronized Disney World in Orlando to find themselves in the middle of
one of the annual Gay Days at Disney. The most recent letter we
received was from Willis in Sarasota who wrote “Just a note to let you
know that about 18 years ago my wife and I and our 2 year old
granddaughter were at Disney World when it was ‘Gay Day.’ It was the
most deplorable sight that we ever saw. I thank you so much for the
vision of the airplane banner warning people.”
We want to warn
families before they expose their children to Gay Day’s same-sex
revelry, before they pay money to Disney for parking, admission,
novelties and food. We also want to send a message that Gay Day’s
public promotion of homosexuality to a captured audience inside the park
is wrong.
They have nothing better to do with their money?
