Almost over but you still have time
3rd Ever Diorama-O-Rama 4:00-8:00pm:  https://www.facebook.com/events/223164061116662/

Opening: Heyd Fontenot, Margaret Meehan & Stephen Knapp at Conduit Gallery 1626 Hi-Line #C, Dallas, TX 6:00-8:00pm: https://www.facebook.com/events/290233361059246/

SOLVENT: Working Title/ Second Generation at RO2 110 N. Akard, Dallas, TX 7:00-10:00pm: https://www.facebook.com/events/301931639882594/

HARAKIRI: To Die For Performances at CentralTrak 800 Exposition Ave., Dallas, TX 8:00pm: https://www.facebook.com/events/270471483043466/

It’s All Relative at Red Arrow 1130 Dragon St., Dallas,  TX 7:00-10:00pm: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Arrow-Contemporary/314315935277700

SURFACE PATTERN at Circuit 12 Contemporary 1130 Dragon St. Dallas, TX 6:00 – 10:00pm: https://www.facebook.com/events/219462178162779/

Gender identification is essential within our culture. Its importance is often unrecognized despite its major influence. We are required to identify as either a man or woman, because if not then how can we place you in our lives? Gender determines  more than sexuality, it illustrates power, acceptance, and function in society. When gender representation strays from its intended projection, people are both fascinated and disturbed.

Drag harmonizes this cognitive dissonance bringing forth transformative Queens who are a powerful spectacle with resounding affect too many and influential to chronicle in their entirety. I was lucky enough to meet such a Queen one night among the pretty girls and dance party lights. Confidence dripped with each step and I knew I was supposed to know him. As a writer, sometimes people are put in my path because they have a story I am supposed to write.

Growing up Matthew wasn’t like all the other boys. He didn’t want to be a fire fighter or superman, he wanted to be like the strong women in his life which happened to be his mother and sister. Superman isn’t as appealing as a beautiful woman mastering the universe in stiletto’s and lipstick one fierce moment at a time. Perspective is everything.

Matthew wasn’t accepted and he never fit in with the mainstream. Instead of imploding, Matthew exploded into being confident in his own identity; the third gender, Drag Queen. His older sister provided the framework to confidently be who you are wherever you go. Children are amazing imitators. She could have hung out with the popular kids and followed what society expects of pretty girls, instead she lived on her own terms and did not allow the Ophelia complexes of her peers to determine her intelligence. All grown and pretty having this very big brain she lived out loud. No wonder Matthew wanted to be a girl.

When you grow up and your choices are consistently questioned, opposition transforms into motivation. Tell me I can’t do something and not only will I do it, but I will do it well. This has become Matthew’s mantra. The only obvious feminine trait Matthew has are delicate hands. He has the lovely lady hands. Otherwise, he is all man. He was just a baby cub in the gay leather subculture known as bears. Eventually working his way up to the biggest title of the day, MR. Bear several years ago. Did everyone cheer and congratulate? NO! Unfortunately, the bear community turned their backs on him. The bear culture like many gay subcultures operates under a strict code of conduct.

This experience was hurtful because he felt accepted and shared friendship among these manly leather clad men. Again, he found himself on the outside. The spurn of opposition brought forth opportunity once again. At a drag show one evening Dallas’ infamous drag queen Jenni P. plucked him out of the audience and asked him how long he had been denying he was a drag queen. It was like she saw right into the heart of him, who was born to be. Onya Stereo was born that night.

When asked why she choose to be drag mother to Onya, Jenni P. remarked, “I picked Onya Stereo as my drag daughter because I knew she would interested in what it takes to be a true performer. I feel like she is eye candy. She is the most exotic, cool, pretty, current, and bitchy; she is not typical, predictable, boring, stale, or unsure of herself. When we met she listened to my advice and allowed me to show her some of my tricks with everything from hair and make up to a dance number.”

One evening, sitting among her pretty little make ups, talking about this world of performing drag I met Onya for the first time. Transformation takes time. “Listen honey everyone wears a mask, we are all born naked and everything else is just drag”, remarked Matthew while applying his blue eye shadow. As long as I can still identify Matthew we are good. Pink hair, robotic eyes, dangerous curves complete with fierce attitude, I am at once thrusted into Onya Stereo’s cool world. You  better buckle up honey. I sat there stuck. I had nothing to say. No more questions, no more feverishly writing in my little notebook, I was done.

Onya isn’t like all the other queens. Her story is not typical of what is found growing up in the world of glitter and sharp red fingernails. She had a successful show within a year. Audiences ate up her subversive act that serves to distort our perception of reality. She believes if we broaden our scope just a tiny we will discover a world of endless possibility. Instead of going along with your peers regularly, every once in while go against the grain. Even better steal away and go see her perform. She is not your typical glamour act found in Dallas, but she will mind fuck you so good you will never forget it.

This was a collaboration between Matthew Vela, Onya Stereo, Dylan Hollingsworth [photographer, all photographs are © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED], and StealingKitty.
Our full-page printed ad can be found April 2012 issue of A+C North Texas. [pg. 44][Ad designed by Joey Seeman]

Check Onya’s Facebook Page for upcoming performances and booking information: FACEBOOK
Dylan Hollingsworth is a conceptual, editorial, portrait and documentary photographer and artist. You can contact him here to learn more about his artistic services: CONTACT

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The fascinating thing about this infograph is the reach CentralTrack.com has had in just the few months. CentralTrack promotes heavy on their knowledge and interest in music, however, it is not translating as such when you look at the numbers. In contrast, D Mag is the rocker. Let’s be fair, Front Row has had a lot more time to establish itself and more experienced staff. This infograph reveals a lot of interesting information when considering maturity of each brand, brand stated focus, and topics. The fact that CentralTrack is so young and yet has this kind of reach is something to note. Never underestimate a group of young, hard partying internet obsessed individuals.

As for CentralTrak, Artists in Residency, you have a big place in my heart. During an interview for A+C Magazine with  Ruben Nieto, I discovered that art, really beautiful art that has been considered and taken seriously by the artist, can completely get inside of you and never leave you, the viewer. What you are doing is important and incredibly valuable. Thank you.

CentralTrak UT Dallas Artist in Residency can be found here: CentralTrak.net

CentralTrack Dallas Culture Blog can be found here: CentralTrack.com

My version of knitting or skydiving or any other typical hobby is researching and analyzing. There is real beauty in data.