Interview with a Jew: Chianti, Toronto
Shalom my beautiful He-brews, She-brews and They-brews! My name is Gila Münster and I am Richmond Hill, Ontario’s premiere Israeli Jewish drag superstar (by default!). While I haven’t been able to perform in person during the pandemic, I’ve been making my rounds talking to my fellow Jewish drag performers. In this new blog series you’ll find the T, the whole T, and nothing but the T(ruth!)
My first guest is fellow Torontonian and queer Jew, Chianti! Chianti is ageless yet aged to perfection. She’s sweet on the palette with a lingering aftertaste of sass and class. She goes well with Korean, Japanese, and Brazilian cuisine, especially when it’s spicy. The perfect pairing for an evening of debauchery, hanging out with your best Judy’s, or a socially distant video chat. She’s bold and beautiful, young and restless. When you’re finished your glass you’ll definitely be satisfied, but you won’t be able to resist buying another bottle. Enjoy irresponsibly!
You can find Chianti, including her new one-of-a-kind hand painted nails business, on Instagram at @drinkmechianti.
Gila: Hi, darling! The children want to know, what inspired you to start performing as Chianti?
Chianti: Hey girl! Oh, I bet they do! As a young (at that time closeted) Jewish boy I always loved to dance and lip-sync to any song I could get my hands on. That passion and love of dancing and pretending I was on stage translated into what you now see before you: Chianti! That was reinforced later on in my life when I discovered Korean pop music. I would watch the fierce ladies of K-Pop perform on stage and in their music videos and knew that was what I was meant to do!
Gila: Where did your drag name come from, and why an alcohol reference?
Chianti: As you know I’ve gone through my fair share of drag names… But finally I landed on Chianti for a few reasons: 1) I LOVE wine! While all the girls in the club are drinking G&T’s or Vodka Crans, you’ll see me by the bar sipping on a glass of red wine (with a shot of whisky, ‘cus why not?). 2) I like the fact that Chianti is international. My drag is inspired by the world and I love performing in different languages! And finally, 3) I wanted a drag name that didn’t have a last name. First there was Cher, then Madonna, and now, Chianti!
Gila: When someone comes to a Chianti show, what can they expect?
Chianti: When you come to a Chianti show you can expect a performance like no other! Lip-sync on point, dance moves on point, and jaw dropping fashion!
Gila: I know you are a beauty product junkie. What’s one skincare product and one makeup item that Chianti can’t live without?
Chianti: Thank you so much for asking me this! Yes! I LOVE skincare and makeup! When I was younger I was really self-conscious about my skin. I have a very oily complexion, which was always a sore spot for me. When I discovered skincare it really changed the game and I went from hating my skin to loving it!
My go-to makeup product is definitely Becca’s Ever-Matte Pore Perfecting Primer (Sephora, $51). It’s the best primer for people with very oily skin! I’ve used it for years and swear by it. Unfortunately, Becca won’t be around for much longer so make sure to grab it while you still can!
In relation to skincare, my favourite product would have to be Clarins Double Serum (Sephora, $132). After a night of drag when your makeup is all off, I love using this product! It hydrates as well as illuminates my overworked skin, which is essential after taking off so much makeup. Honestly, I could talk for hours about skincare! We’ll have to do this again and just talk about makeup/skincare products!
Gila: You and I went on an all-LGBTQ+ Birthright trip to Israel. What was that like for you?
Chianti: That trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I had been to Israel before as part of a camp trip for 6 weeks so it wasn’t my first time witnessing the beauty of Israel. But, it was my first time traveling around a country where I feel so safe and comfortable, with a group of individuals who made me feel that way. I met so many amazing queer people from all over Canada and the U.S. and made lasting friendships that I cherish deeply. I was able to be my true authentic self and instead of feeling like I should hide my flamboyance, it was celebrated! I wish that every LGBTQ+ Jewish person (and their allies) could have this amazing opportunity.
Gila: What is your relation with Judaism today?
Chianti: My relationship with Judaism at the moment is pretty positive. I wouldn't consider myself to be religious but I try my best to be a “good Jewish man” out of drag and a naughty Jewish woman in drag. It’s hard, though, being gay and Jewish. Your heart tells you one thing and your religion contradicts it. But, after doing a Specialist in Religion at the University of Toronto, it really shaped the way I look at and interpret other religions as well as my own. Through the years I realized that Judaism (just like all religions) is a belief. It isn’t the religion that gives it power, but rather peoples’ faith. My Judaism is the belief that everyone is equal, and as long as you are a good person and treat others with respect and dignity then that is enough for G-d.
Gila: When COVID is over, what’s the first song you’ll perform? Do you have any upcoming virtual shows we should tune in for?
Chianti: When COVID is finally over the first song I want to perform is Inna’s “Tu Si Eu.” I have been a fan of her since I started listening to Euro-Pop and her style and persona inspires my drag. I’ve had a dream since I started drag to travel to Bucharest, Romania and perform Inna’s song in any gay bar that will allow me to do so. I know it’s pretty random, but a dream’s a dream!
Actually, we have a virtual show coming up on Sunday, May 23rd 8 p.m. EDT called #FreeBritney! I will be performing alongside some amazingly talented Queens, one of them being yourself, Gila! I can’t wait for everyone to see us. #WorkBitch! The registration link is here.