39 May 2012 Bent Magazine

www.GayPimp.com

Nikki Exotika’s “Secret Girl” is an empowering coming-out club track. Nikki Exotika reveals herself as a proud transwoman and invites all to celebrate her fabulousness. “Secret Girl is a song I wrote for a guy I loved and who loved me but only conditionally,” says the artist from her home in New York City. “He couldn’t accept my living openly and honestly. I will not live my life in the closet – or stealth, as it is called in the trans community. I am not ashamed of my gender, and the man that chooses me had better be strong enough to love me in front of the whole world.”Nikki first realized she was a woman in a man’s body at five years old. She remembers sitting down to potty like a girl, putting on nail polish and makeup and dressing up in her mother’s clothes. She played with the neighbourhood girls and their dolls. Most particularly, she loved Barbie. Barbie was the image of female perfection to young Nikki. She would analyse the features on the doll: her beautiful almond cat shaped eyes, her silky blonde hair and tanned body. Barbie was everything the young boy hoped to become in real life… and with the help of plastic surgery, he has. Nikki estimates she has undergone at least twenty head-to-toe surgeries. “Once you have gone under the knife five times, the rest are a piece of cake,” she laughs.It hasn’t been all smooth sailing, though. Nikki says at least a third of the surgeries were to fix

mistakes. She also isn’t finished. “I’m a work in progress,” she says. “The tune-up surgeries can be exhausting but when I think about how amazing, new and improved I will look afterwards, it motivates me to keep going.”The Nikki Exotika persona first emerged in 2005 when Nikki, now a performer in underground New York clubs, realized she needed a stage name. “Everyone in the club scene called me Nikki but I wanted a name that was sexy and seductive. I remember thinking I own two exotic cats, I love exotic flowers, exotic scents, exotic islands, exotic men and hell, I am pretty exotic. Why not name myself Exotica? The spelling was a little too boring and normal so I changed the c to a k and Nikki Exotika was born.” Now she is preparing to release her debut album. “Secret Girl” is the third single from the yet to be titled album. Her first two releases, “Manwhore” and “Electric Touch”, are dance floor favourites in Europe.She defines her music as “MAGAGANEY”: Madonna, Gaga, and Britney all wrapped up into one. It’s an electro-pop dance music sound, with catchy lyrics that are provocative, inspirational, and a little on the dirty side. “Dance music has always played a large role in my life,” she explains. “When I hear it, it makes me happy inside and all I wanna do is dance.”She says her ultimate mission as a performer is to break into mainstream and receive

the recognition and acceptance she has so desperately sought her whole life.She’s working hard to achieve it; wowing fans with her choreography and flashing LED lighted costumes. “Gaga is known for her futuristic looks, Ke$ha for her glitter effects, Nicki Minaj for her colourful wigs, and Katy Perry for her colourful corsets. I want to be remembered for my rhinestones and lights.”Her five-year plan includes finding her very own Ken, launching a perfume line for men and women, a jewellery and sunglass line, and a giant pink mansion in Malibu.

The Secret Girl

www.nikki-exotika.com

March 23, 2012TWITPg.

Nikki Exotika first realized she was a woman in a man’s body at five years old. She remembers sitting down to pot-ty like a girl, putting on nail polish and makeup and dressing up in her mother’s clothes. She played with the neighbor-hood girls and their dolls. Most particu-larly, she loved Barbie.

Barbie was the image of female perfec-tion to young Nikki. She would analyze the features on the doll: her beautiful al-mond cat shaped eyes, her silky blonde hair and tanned body. Barbie was ev-erything the young boy hoped to be-come in real life.

And with the help of plastic surgery, he has. Nikki estimates she has undergone at least twenty head-to-toe surgeries. “Once you have gone under the knife five times, the rest are a piece of cake,” she laughs.

It hasn’t been all smooth sailing, though. Nikki says at least a third of the surgeries were to fix mistakes. She also isn’t fin-ished. “I’m a work in progress,” she says. “The tune-up surgeries can be exhaust-ing but when I think about how amaz-ing, new and improved I will look after-wards, it motivates me to keep going.”

In the meantime, she has become an entertainment powerhouse, appear-ing in movies, ad campaigns, and even reality TV. Last year, Nikki appeared on the popular Style Network reality series, Jerseylicious.

Now she is preparing to release her debut album. Defining her music as “MAGAGANEY” (Madonna, Gaga, and Britney all wrapped up into one), she presents an electro-pop dance music sound, with catchy lyrics that are pro-vocative, inspirational, and a little on

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34

March 23, 2012TWITPg.

the dirty side. Her first two releases, “Manwhore” and “Electric Touch”, are dance floor favorites.

Her next track, “Secret Girl”, is an em-powering club track about loving your-self for who you are. It’s a coming-out song, with Nikki revealing herself as a proud trans-woman and inviting all to celebrate her fabulousness.

“Secret Girl is a song I wrote for a guy I loved and who loved me but only con-ditionally,” said the artist from her home in New York. “He couldn’t accept my living openly and honestly. I will not live my life in the closet – or stealth, as it is called in the trans community. I am not ashamed of my gender, and the man that chooses me had better be strong enough to love me in front of the whole world.”

Are you hiding secrets in your closet? Nikki Exotika: Of course, but to find out, you will have to buy my book.

Besides the obvious, what are some of the biggest secrets you have revealed in your life?Going to jail… and I’ve been open about my botched plastic surgery.

Jail? What was that like? Three months of hell! Losing your free-dom for something you didn’t do is the worst feeling ever. I could have fought the conviction, but I would have had to stay in jail longer, and I was looking at a three-year prison sentence! So I de-cided to take the plea deal and get out with five years probation and outpatient drug rehab.

You’re also now forever branded a con-victed felon.l know, I know. I’m such a bad girl.

Was there any confusion on whether you should be placed in a men’s or women’s prison? There was! I got strip searched three times. It was the most horrible, humili-ating, awkward, uncomfortable ex-perience of my life. I felt like an insect being inspected under a microscope. They kept addressing me as “him” and even “it”. They didn’t want to believe I was a female. I asked, “Why am I be-ing searched so many times?” They said they had to make sure I wasn’t a male. I was mortified! I chose to be put in pro-tective custody because of my gender. Ultimately you went to a female prison, right?Yes, the women’s prison at Rikers (a no-torious prison in New York).

They say women’s prison is scarier than men’s. I did have one terrifying experience in my cell. Three girls circled me, taunting me with “Hey sexy”, “Hey Barbie”, and “Hey Blondie”. One said, “We heard you is a man.” I said I wasn’t. I walked away, took a shower and two minutes in, they pulled open the curtain and in-spected my genitals. I was so scared. I

36

March 23, 2012TWITPg.

felt raped without being raped, if that makes sense. They said, “We just need-ed to see if you had a penis, ‘cause if you did, we wanted you to fuck us.”

Was it all bad?I had to make the best of my time so I had some fun. After a week of getting to know the inmates, they become your sisters. Not only did I have them laugh-ing at my jokes, 99% of the time, if there was any drama, I was involved. Oh, and I would do runway shows down the tier and have everyone going crazy. They would say, “Oh girl, you gonna be a star one day!”

How has your experience behind bars shaped your life?I learned to be more responsible and to not surround myself with low life scum-bags and drug dealers. My ex boyfriend was a dealer and the reason I ended up in the slammer. I learned to never take the rap for anyone, ever!

Do you allow your time in prison to de-fine you? Hell no, it was just a chapter in my life

that has closed. New chapters have begun.

Including a singing career!Amen to that!

How has living out and proud impacted your music?Living in my own skin, and loving my-self for who I am, has allowed me to be myself. I’m not like every other female artist out there. I’m unique and isn’t that amazing?

You can inspire other unique people.I hope my music is inspiring to my com-munity and gives all little boys and girls born in the wrong body something to relate to.

Do you still feel all secrets should be re-vealed?That depends on how many enemies you have.

What are some secrets that people should keep to themselves?You have to be very careful who you trust with your secrets because I have

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trusted the wrong people in my life and they threatened to expose all my se-crets at the wrong time.

Has your family been supportive?My family…well…I would say its been a rollercoaster ride. We have our ups and downs, but at the end of the day, I’m confident they love me and that they support everything I do, most of the time. Where does Nikki Exotika go from here?I would like to say straight to the top (laughs). I would love to get into acting, maybe movies. I would love to be on a reality show and I hope to find an amaz-ing guy that will love me unconditional-ly. I want to get married, have a family, buy a home, travel the world… and live everyday like it could be my last. To learn more, visit www.nikki-exotika.com.

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39

!

inter Music Conference returns toMiami for its 27th season fromMarch 16-25. Largely regarded as

the pre-eminent platform on the global musicindustry calendar for launching new dance music,technology and trends, WMC delivers 10 non-stopdays of music programming in Miami Beach andMiami with performances all over South Florida.That's two full weekends of parties and events -- anadditional five days more than last year's event!Here are some of the top new dance talent that willbe showcased at Winter Music Conference 2012.

One of the most influential and respectedEuropean female artists of contemporary popmusic, Sasha Gradiva plays sold-out arenas abroad.MTV Russia even named her among their “Top 10

Artists on the Rise.” But it wasn't until herunforgettable Grammys appearance (clad in a pinkgown and a bizarre gun arm accessory) last monththat Sasha Gradiva and her music came to theattention of the American dance floor. Her latestelectrifying romp, “I'm on Fire,” displays the artist'sinnovative electro-pop that combines thoughtfullyrics with ultra-energized choreography, all ofwhich have become Gradiva's trademark. Sashawill be performing on Saturday, March 17 at 10p.m. at Bill's at 2209 Wilton Drive in WiltonManors with My Gay Radio and at 1 a.m. at Score at727 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.

Locals will recognize Faith Michaels from herweekly drag show at Aqua Night Club in Key West,but for those outside of Florida, she's better knownfor her kinetic club anthems. Her latest, “Neva EvaEva” is an oh-no-she-didn't bitch track about livinglife on your own terms. Penned specifically for

Sasha Gradiva

Faith Michaels

By: David Ernst

W

Some of the dance floor's top artists invade South Florida for Winter Music ConferenceSome of the dance floor's top artists invade South Florida for Winter Music ConferenceSo You Think You Can Dance?So You Think You Can Dance?

inter Music Conference returns toMiami for its 27th season fromMarch 16-25. Largely regarded as

the pre-eminent platform on the global musicindustry calendar for launching new dance music,technology and trends, WMC delivers 10 non-stopdays of music programming in Miami Beach andMiami with performances all over South Florida.That's two full weekends of parties and events -- anadditional five days more than last year's event!Here are some of the top new dance talent that willbe showcased at Winter Music Conference 2012.

One of the most influential and respectedEuropean female artists of contemporary popmusic, Sasha Gradiva plays sold-out arenas abroad.MTV Russia even named her among their “Top 10

Artists on the Rise.” But it wasn't until herunforgettable Grammys appearance (clad in a pinkgown and a bizarre gun arm accessory) last monththat Sasha Gradiva and her music came to theattention of the American dance floor. Her latestelectrifying romp, “I'm on Fire,” displays the artist'sinnovative electro-pop that combines thoughtfullyrics with ultra-energized choreography, all ofwhich have become Gradiva's trademark. Sashawill be performing on Saturday, March 17 at 10p.m. at Bill's at 2209 Wilton Drive in WiltonManors with My Gay Radio and at 1 a.m. at Score at727 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.

Locals will recognize Faith Michaels from herweekly drag show at Aqua Night Club in Key West,but for those outside of Florida, she's better knownfor her kinetic club anthems. Her latest, “Neva EvaEva” is an oh-no-she-didn't bitch track about livinglife on your own terms. Penned specifically for

Sasha Gradiva

Faith Michaels

By: David Ernst

W

Some of the dance floor's top artists invade South Florida for Winter Music ConferenceSome of the dance floor's top artists invade South Florida for Winter Music ConferenceSo You Think You Can Dance?So You Think You Can Dance?

midnight

N i k k i E x o t i k a d e f i n e s h e r m u s i c a s"MAGAGANEY": Madonna, Gaga, and Britney allwrapped up into one. Her past releases,“Manwhore” and “Electric Touch,” remain gems ofthe dance floor for their electro-pop dance sound,with catchy lyrics that are provocative,inspirational, and a little on the dirty side. Herlatest, “Secret Girl,” is a coming-out track, withNikki Exotika revealing herself as a proudtranswoman and inviting all to celebrate herfabulousness. Penned by the artist and producedby James Manno, it is a fun track that will have themanliest of men proclaiming themselves to besecret girls. For Nikki's schedule of WMCp e r f o r m a n c e s , v i s i t h e r s i t e a tA1230745.sites.myregisteredsite.com/NIKKIEXOTIKA

Pop-rocker Emii blew up on YouTube this monthwith the release of a super sexy music video for herclub track, “Stilettos.” It's the follow up to herSnoop Dogg collaborated smash “Mr. Romeo” andonce again, she shows off some powerhouse vocals

set against lively beats. Club boys will find it hard toresist Emii's anthem celebrating 7? designer heels.“Stilettos” has just the right kick to become a dancefloor favorite. For her schedule of performances,visit her web site at Emii.net

With an arsenal of remixes from superstar US andEuro DJs like Paul Goodyear and the legendaryKenny Carpenter, Taborah's “My Love For You”could shape up to be the smash dance hit thisspring. It's her third release with leading dancelabel, D1 Music. Last year, they paired her withGrammy-nominated percussionist SammyFigueroa on the remake of Renee Geyer's 1981dance classic, “Say I Love You.” Before that, shewas teamed with R&B maestro Darryl D'Bonneauon the hands-in-the-air remake of the McFaddenand Whitehead disco classic, “Ain't No Stoppin' UsNow.” If the third one is the charm, club goersshould prepare for a real treat. For Taborah'sperformance schedule, visit D1Music.biz

Winter Music Conference Week 2012 takes placeMarch 16 to 25. For more information, and the fulll i s t o f p e r f o r m e r s , v i s i t W i n t e r m u s i cconference.com

as part of Aiden Solis Production's“MyGayRadio.com.”

Nikki Exotika

Emii

Taborah

Winter Music ConferenceMarch 16 – 25Various locationsin South FloridaWintermusicconference.com

! MARCH 15, 2012 – HOTSPOTS MAGAZINE

I vividly remember coming down to vacation inSouth Beach 17 years ago, less than a year after Icame out of the closet, and sitting at the Palacehaving breakfast with my good friend Jimmy.While eating I was thinking how wonderful itwas to have a gay establishment right acrossfrom the beach. A wave of content and love ofwho I was took over my body. One can onlyimagine the tens of thousands of other storiespeople have about their experience(s) at ThePalace, which recently celebrated their 24thanniversary. About 6 months ago they hired anew General Manager in Jerry Torres and it wasa pleasure to sit down with him for this exclusiveHotspots Interview.

We are all very proud of what we'veaccomplished over the past 24 years. As the

longest running gay bar in Miami Beach, ThePalace has been here when South Beach wasjust getting its footing as one of the mostfabulous gay destinations in the world andwe've worked hard to continue to be the onlyplace on Ocean Drive that the gay communitycan call home. It feels great!

Like the gay community and South Beachitself, The Palace continues to evolve; however,we've always stayed true to what makes ThePalace so unique. Our drag performances arestill the heart and soul of what makes us sounique. That and our location. Over the years,we have only increased the quality of ourprogramming and the quality of our food. Withthe exception of Tuesday, you can see amazingshows by our fabulous drag divas every night ofthe week.

How does it feel to be the oldest gay bar in South Beach?

How has the Palace changed in the last 24 years?

DJ Theresa Mya Simantov

By: Scott Holland

Nikki Exotika

THE LONGEST RUNNING GAY BAR IN MIAMI BEACH

What is your current line-up?

What is your favorite thing about working at the Palace?

What have you changed in your short Tenure?

What are your plans for the future?

The Palace seems to get more mainstream mediaattention than any other gay bar, why do you think that is?

We kick off our weeks withour weekly Monday night,RuPaul's Drag Race ViewingParty hosted by Season 4contestant Latrice Royale.Wednesday nights, NoelLeon hosts a cabaret partycalled Elite Wednesdays.Thursday nights, MissyMayakie Lepaige hostsStiletto Nights. Friday nights,Latrice is back to the stage tohosts Drag Madness, and onSaturday nights we haveTiffany Fantasia hosting Drags Gone Wild.Sundays at The Palace are just huge. Ourweekly Sunday brunch is always packed.Hosted by Noel Leon, the brunch includessome pretty outrageous shows, unlimitedmimosas, and delicious food. Sundayafternoons at The Palace are unlike any otherplace in Miami Beach as we host our weeklySunday T Dance. We have something big in theworks for Tuesdays keep an eye out for it.

My favorite thing about working at ThePalace is our dedication to the community.Over the past few years, The Palace hassupported the community by donating time,energy, and money to a number oforganizations, including Miami Beach GayPride, The National Gay and Lesbian TaskForce, Care Resource, Equality Florida, SAVEDade, and so many others. It is great to be a part

of something that is greater than yourself.

Since I became the General Manager of ThePalace, it has really been about refining thealready great formula here at The Palace. Wehave added Elite Wednesdays and RuPaul'sDrag Race Viewing Mondays, not to mentionamped up all of our regular weekly parties, aswell as created bigger productions for our bigevents like White Party, Winter Party andMiami Beach Gay Pride. We are constantlylooking for ways to provide our customers andregulars with something new and exiting!

I'm a very creative person and always havenew ideas floating in my head. Palace gives methe opportunity to explore my ideas and createnew ways to entertain our guests and make surethey have an exceptional experience. My planfrom the beginning was to have shows sevendays a week; we are already working onsomething for Tuesdays, which I think, will be agreat addition to our weekly events. Renovationis in our plans for the end of the year. My goal isbigger productions for our special events withinternationally known DJs and artists.

The Palace is one of those really uniqueplaces that appeal to so many types of people.Yes, we are and will always be a gay bar, but weoffer something that a lot of people – gay andstraight are looking for… A GREAT TIME!