2015 Echo Reader's Choice Award for Drag Queen

By KJ Philp, May 2015 Issue. Meet the other winners here.

This award makes a dirty dozed for Barbra Seville in this category; Richard Stevens has also taken home a Service by a Man Award.

Echo caught up with Seville following the April 9 awards ceremony and here's what she had to say:

Echo: This was a big year for you, can you recap some of the highlights of your reign as Miss Phoenix Gay Pride 2014?

Seville: This was an incredible year, between representing Phoenix Pride, working with the Pride contestants and educating our community about the incredible (and year-long) work that Pride does, I was also able to have a good time while supporting causes that are important to me.

Drag Queen 2015 makes Barbra Seville's 12th Echo Reader's Choice Award.

EchoNot many readers know you used to work on staff at Echo, what are some of your fondest memories from those days?

Seville: I worked there in the semi-early days of the internet, and at the time people would literally look to us for daily news and updates. I loved fielding calls and seeing our community rally at the last minute. Also, I loved doing Diva to Diva interviews. Craziest interview ever was Liza. Most awkward, in hindsight, was declining an interview with some singer named Lady Gaga. Best interview: RuPaul.

EchoWhat's the best advice you've ever received?

Seville: As a man the best advice was from my father: We should not let our mistakes decide our future. As a queen: Be yourself and do what you can do to be different.

EchoAny advice for community newcomers or the Susan Lucci's out there?

Seville: The "Susan Luccis" mostly have good attitudes about it, because it is an honor to be nominated. It really is. Be patient, if you do what you love the accolades will follow.

EchoWhere are the best places and stages to catch Babs at these days

Seville: The best place to see me is at the award-winning Barbra Seville Show on Saturday nights at The Rock. I may be biased, but I think it is the best show in town!

EchoIs there anyone you'd like to thank? Shoutouts you'd like to make?

Seville: My partner in crime this last year was 2014 Mister Phoenix Gay Pride Eddie Broadway. Without his enthusiasm, positivity and support this year would have been far more difficult. He kept me grounded and was a constant reminder of what we were trying to do. He is gonna be a huge star, and I will tell all of you that I predicted it!

Keep readingShow less
WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less