Lamar is a muse for the ages, a lens through which we can explore the love within both our hearts and others'.
Check out the video and photos below.
Can you introduce yourself to the readers at office?
TRANNILISH—My name is Trannilish Delicious. I’m an artist, whether it be through modeling, fashion, or music, you name it.
Ms. Boogie—I'm Ms. Boogie, and literally the same. You’ll begin to see we’re the same person. I’m an artist in whatever form is made available to me. Fem Queen itself is an artistic form, we bring fantasy into reality.
Tell me about fantasy, what does that mean to you?
TL—For me, before I transitioned, I used to watch T.V. and see the girls—the dolls—like Britney Spears and Lil Kim. I saw this femine expression that I wanted to channel but couldn’t in my conservative Jamiacan household. My fantasy was about becoming the girl in the magazine, going to the places I wanted to go, wearing the things I wanted to wear. Fantasy is building your ultimate euphoria.
MB—Fantasy for me is reality. That’s been my artistic challenge all my life: bringing the world in my head into reality, into my day-to-day in a way that’s not just escape. For me, things like drag are an escape. Fantasy is reality. I’m just trying to find the line where they both can meet.
What does Fem Queen mean to you?
MB—Fem Queen is a descriptive term for the joy of our being. Think of it like a new church.
TL—The FEM QUEEN Gospel!
MB—The FEM QUEEN sermon!
TL— we might need to shoot our next video in a church.
If everyone could embrace the Fem Queen within, the world would probably be a much better place.
MB—Exactly. Feminine energy runs the world. We all have it.
TL—Some don’t embrace it. That’s the problem. But you know, in every high society, there’s a Fem Queen somewhere keeping it together.
MB—Fem Queens are anyone and everyone. We’re mothers, we’re rappers, we’re nurses, we’re doctors, we’re nuns, we’re lawyers. You name it.
Imagine four years in the future. You've achieved your dreams. What does it look like? What does it feel like? Paint us a picture.
MB—Honestly, I’m in a really good place right now. I’d like to see things going the way they’re going four years from now. For me, it looks like having the freedom to create art when and wherever I feel like it. I’m such a hood girl, I can’t see myself leaving New York in four years.
TL—I see myself on a new continent. Maybe somewhere like South Africa or Amsterdam. I’d love to bring Fem Queen to a global audience. Spread that femine joy.
MB—Yeah, I’m gonna add that to my answer. I wanna see Fem Queen joy spread around the world.
How and when did y’all meet?
TL—In like 2008 or 2009. I was a shy little gay who hadn’t figurered herself out yet. I was modeling and stuff, and then Ms. Boogie hit me up on myspace of all things, asking if I wanted to do her makeup for a ball. At this point, I’d never been to a ball—it was a latex ball— but we met up. I did her makeup, and that was my first introduction to a space that’s so radically accepting of gay, black femmes. We’ve been friends ever since. We been making mischief around town ever since.
MB—We were inseparable. We bounced off each other, she inspired me, I inspired her. We were each other’s dolls. We helped each other discover our womanhood, and still to this day, TrinniLish is that voice in my head like, “bitch, get your sexy on.”
What do you look for in a lover?
TL— [screams]
MB—Me.
TL—It’s been four years since I’ve been in love. But, the next lover needs to be supportive, nurturing, and financially stable. I want to be woken up with breakfast in bed. Cater to me like the queen I am.
MB—I just got out of a relationship where I kinda had that pampering, and I wasn’t 1000% happy. Something was missing. Right now, I’m looking for a free-spirit that can handle the chaos of my career. They need to be down with me traveling constantly for work and art. My craft is where I can access freedom and self-love, so they need to nurture that aspect of me.
What does freedom mean to you?
MB— On a surface level, being able to do what I wanna do when I wanna do it. On a deeper level, it’s just the right to live. To simply walk down the street, and live. There’s an epidemic of violence against trans women. We will forever be…
TL—In danger.
MB—Exactly.
TL—Freedom isn’t just having the right to exist, but having the right to exist ALL the time. I know so many people, who have to alter their authentic self depending on what block they’re on. Freedom to be yourself, in whatever space you choose to be, without having to worry about your life jeapordized.
Are y’all joint girls or blunt girls?
TL—I’m a classic fonto and a raw kind of girl.
MB—Joint for sure.
When you guys become millionaires, where will your vacation home be?
TL—Hmm… Jamaica probably.
MB—Either the Dominican Republic or Paris.
What’s next for you guys? What should we put on our calenders?
MB—There’s a remix of our track Fem Queen dropping on sunday.
TL—We have a lot of stuff in the works. Let’s just saw stay tuned, you won’t want to miss the Fem Queen movement
MB— I just wanted to add that we have no intention of being the best, but we do welcome the best to come forward, because expressing yourself through creation is a beautiful feeling we all deserve. I know some extremely talented rappers that are Fem Queens. I'm excited for the world to meet them.
The world really isn’t ready…
MB—They’re really not. I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it.
If you find yourself chanced with the opportunity for good conversation, at office we recommend dropping the composure. Get weird, because hey, everything else is. So, to inaugurate the future of small talk, we gathered some of our favorite artists, models, and all-round icons for a fever-dream interview sesh.
The next time you find yourself at a [Zoom] party making eyes with a babe across the [virtual] bar, hit ‘em with this survey.
Alees, artist
What have you learned about yourself this year?
That my passion for the arts is rooted in craftsmanship not showmanship.
Minimalism or Maximalism?
I’m a hybrid—I don’t need much but I need a lot.
Escapism or Realism?
I dont tend to subscribe to just any reality. I’ll “escape” to my own based on the resonance of what I’m experiencing.
What Icons have influenced your practice/work?
If I had this question a couple years ago I probably would have had a name to offer. But today I see everyone as human.
How do your internal fantasy worlds influence your external reality?
I am always envisioning and expanding my fantasy world until I am able to exist there completely.
If you could choose what animal you’d be reincarnated into, which one and why?
Black Jaguar—ceremonial ties.
How do you make isolation sexy?
By not trying to make isolation sexy. Every individual must do the work, patiently and persistently.
Fuck, marry, kill: Anthony Fauci, Azealia Banks, Martha Stewart.
Marry Azealia and let Martha handle Anthony.
Who is your mortal enemy?
I don’t know anyone with the power to be.
Influencers: love ‘em or hate ‘em?
Love them—normalizing entrepreneurship.
If you could be a sex toy, which one would you be?
Double sided ding dong.
Elisa Malavasi, model
Coral, model/artist
What have you learned about yourself this year?
Identity. I am nonbinary. That was a huge one, learning and understanding my identity truly transpired into much more. Personally, I believe identity is sacred. It’s one of those things we as individuals have that we can hold as 100% our own. I learned I like being loud, I actually fucking love being aggressively present. Being called "it" as an insult due to my "confusing" fluidity. Having "too much" shoved in my face. I learned you can transform an insult into what makes you so fucking beautifully YOURSELF. I learned those two things: identity & taking up space. They're lovers in the emotional plane. I hooked them up together and they have been in love with each other since the first kiss.
What do you do?
23 years on this Earth and all I do is fight and smoke cigarettes. As far as for keeping my lights on, I started modeling two years ago. In the beginning, I most definitely did not take it seriously. It was fun, but I never fully believed the world was ready for me. I fought for my peace and existence living in a small east Texas town who refused to accept me or my self expression for years. I got signed as a model last year, but there is absolutely no rest for the wicked. I fight hard for my place in the world where all eyes are on you and a lot of brands choose who doesn't "belong." I fight for the outcasts within the outcasts. I am a body modification artist. I fight for people's right to express themselves. I write. I paint. I create. I cry. I scream. Some will say, "I am effortlessly That Bitch." I respect and love that. However, I fight to be That Bitch every single day not only for a check but to be truly alive.
Minimalism or Maximalism?
MAXIMALISM. I want people to experience all five senses of me. Maybe not taste, we're in a pandemic after all.
Escapism or realism?
Escapism. I often fight between the two because I adore the fact that you can flirt with fantasy... oftentimes it can get you in trouble when you are in a relationship with reality. It works better if you can maintain a polyamorous approach. At least I've heard, I haven't asked if they'd be into that yet.. fingers crossed!
What icons have influenced your practice/work ?
Icons to me range everywhere on the spectrum of bad bitch. The fab homeless woman I see next to the train station everyday who never repeats a look or allows her misfortunes to define her fierceness.. or her sharp ass lip liner. The fourteen year old kid wearing perfectly blended eyeshadow and tight jeans walking a 5 foot distance from their homophobic parents, ashamed of their talented child that should be wearing a football uniform instead. The shy group of alternative girls who don't think they aren't "Goth Gf" material because the illusion of followers clouds their confidence and worth. The black girl wearing her 4c pattern crown accompanied with vividly bright clothes and makeup just to the bodega. My accepting father, the black sheep of 12 heavily-baptist children who will steam his satin button-downs and pleat his pants perfectly while blasting Metallica just for a beer run trip to Walmart. My crazy ass mother, the hippie free-spirit surf instructor who allowed me to be whatever I wanted to be, which got me bullied, but also gave me the rage I have today to fight back. My otherworldly partner, who wears their non-gender conforming expression as royal, tattooed regalia. All of these people, these actual people who think they aren't seen, those are icons. They influence my work because when I look at them, they are a reflection of myself. I was the fab homeless woman 2 years ago, sleeping in our Kia Soul, but I damn sure had eyeliner to my edges each day. I was the gay kid who did have supportive parents but did have pure Hell and judgement everywhere else. I am those shy girls who still struggle with self-worth. I am the black person who is proud of their skin, proud of not following stereotypes. I am my extra ass father and my bad ass mother. I am my partner who stands solid in who I am. In this digital world, we as humans create and control our stage/spotlight. With that, we create anything. We are honestly, truly, all icons. Heroes, muses, famous, etc.
How do your internal fantasy worlds influence your external reality?
So, the throuple I got going on with fantasy, reality, and myself is actually going well. Growing up an only child, my imagination has always been a huge part of my brain and my life. In another sense, I perceive this really as manifestations. My internal fantasies are my manifestations and my external reality my personal successes.
If you could choose what animal you’d be reincarnated into, which one and why?
I have always been and forever will be completely captivated by dolphins. Not only are they one of the animals that display homosexual behaviors, but they also have sex for fun not just the sole purpose of reproduction. They also choose lifelong partners and I mean who the fuck just doesn't get happy seeing a cute ass dolphin? Ironically, my name being Coral, I do love the ocean with all of my heart. If I could travel the seas with my gay dolphin life partner in the next life, I would be content as fuck.
How do you make isolation sexy?
Usually, isolation isn't really viewed as sexy. Just like pretty much everything else, sexiness is perceptive. We really do need to be completely alone sometimes and find ourselves. A big part of self discovery is what makes each of us feel hot. Taking really good nudes, learning which angles you feel most comfortable. Exploring which porn categories you didn't know existed and actually like. Especially the golden ticket to lifelong pleasure palace: Masturbation. Toys. Adding a finger or even not any at all, self-sex is damn near limitless.
Fuck, marry, kill: Anthony Fauci, Azealia Banks, Martha Stewart?
Kill Anthony for obvious reasons. Fuck Azealia Banks for honest feedback. Marry Martha Stewart, unfortunately.
Who is your mortal enemy?
Anyone who confidently says the word, "Jorts."
Influencers: love ‘em or hate ‘em?
OR? I love the community influencers create, I hate when it becomes robotic if you know what I mean.
If you could be a sex toy, which one would you be?
A Rabbit vibrator. Not really for any deep reason, they're just my favorite.
Horse Tranquilizers: Yay or Neighhhhhhh?
LOL...... Ketamine???????
Jessika, model
What have you learned about yourself this year?
Ahhhh, too much. I learned that I overthink absolutely everything, I'm terrified of people and that I have a lot of work to do. Childhood trauma and 'shadow work' are new concepts to me that I'm beginning to understand. I have learned not to take everything so seriously and also how to control my wild tendencies…
What do you do?
I post naked pictures online. And occasionally make films.
Minimalism or Maximalism?
MAXIMALISM.
Escapism or realism?
Escapism or can't relate.
What icons have influenced your practice/work?
My mother Monibelle is the most talented artist I know... I learned everything from her. David Lynch, my ex-boyfriend & John Galliano at Dior.
How do your internal fantasy worlds influence your external reality?
It's more than influence, they seep through into my reality so much that sometimes I find it hard to tell the difference. I like to think I'm telepathic and can control radio waves for example. Even though I know it can't be real…
If you could choose what animal you’d be reincarnated into, which one and why?
A cat. I believe they live on a higher plane.
How do you make isolation sexy?
I am OBSESSED with lingerie so I enjoy dressing up, listening to Iggy Pop and old blues music, and film myself doing strip teases.
Fuck, marry, kill: Anthony Fauci, Azealia Banks, Martha Stewart.
Fuck Azealia, marry Martha Stewart (?), kill Anthony Fauci because I just heard of him…
Who is your mortal enemy?
Myself.
Influencers: love ‘em or hate ‘em?
Boring, but not to be trusted.
If you could be a sex toy, which one would you be?
A horse tail butt plug, so CUTE.
Horse Tranquilizers: Yay or Neighhhhhhh?
Neighh for me.
Adato, a documentary photographer, had been living in Manhattan’s Chinatown since 2019 before he met Zeiger, a creative director and stylist with a background in fashion and a passion for storytelling. Upon meeting, the two realized that collaborating was only a matter of time. Fusing Adato’s affinity for questioning societal norms and Zeiger’s attraction to the esoteric and fantastical, the two poised themselves to reshape the status quo.
To start, Adato and Zeiger looked inward and thought about how as foreigners to a new city, they presented an unfiltered version of themselves to others. The duo felt that the new decade, 2020, offered a chance to do something different. To put forth something intimate. The pair decided to produce a project that touches on the past, present, and future in relation to their hopes, and dreams. They blended identity and melted internal boundaries via a series of questions asked to a cast of creatives.
Zeiger and Adato began casting friends and strangers to take part in this quasi-social experiment for their short film and photo series. “We wanted to observe what naturally happens between strangers brought together by chance,” Zeiger shares. Curious about why self-conscious behavior and overthinking is less likely to occur between strangers, and in this scenario, evaporates entirely.
Their cast, a melange of strangers of varying ethnicities and gender, gathered one afternoon on a rooftop in Chinatown. When asked how participants were chosen, Adato, smiling, explained, “We were drawn to the people whose inner beauty, energy, and aura was able to touch us in a unique way.” For Adato, the group of people mirrored the culmination of his time in New York, a mix of chance encounters, memories, and intimate moments with strangers and ultimately, himself.
Strangers, with their respective dimensions came together and created a new reality. A kaleidoscope of intention pushed the limits of the subconscious while new found truths slowly reached both individual and collective surfaces. The result, a finetuning and in some cases, a reimagining of perspectives.
