Photo by Stacy Atwell
Name: Glam Gamz (Rachel Horne)
City, State: Washington, D.C.
Age: 32
Profession: Burlesque Dancer and Nurse
Website: facebook.com/gamzikins
In a few words, how would you describe yourself?
Ambitious, compassionate, funny, sarcastic, sassy, mischievous, stubborn, and happy.
Your favorite hangout spots.
I love hanging out at local queer events: The Black Cat for Bodywork and local burlesque shows, Dodge City for the Overeasy Ladies Tea Dance, and Hank’s Oyster Bar for the Ladies Tea. I am happiest at any day parties where I can enjoy the company of my amazing queer friends. Location is less important to me than the people around me.
Favorite guilty pleasure.
I love binge watching on really, really bad horror movies when I need to have a quiet night to myself.
Favorite quote.
“Personality is the glitter that sends your little gleam across the footlights and the orchestra pit into that black space where the audience is.” – Mae West
Who is your biggest influence? And why?
The person who has had the greatest influence on my life is my wife, Jessie. She helped me to learn to love myself even with my flaws. She helped me to see the humor in every day life. She helped me to gain the confidence to take the stage for the first time. She spends countless hours critiquing my performance to make me better, driving me all over the country to perform in festivals, and gluing hundreds of rhinestones on my costumes. She knows how to cheer me up like nobody else can, tells me when I need to slow down and go easy on myself, calls me out when I’m being too much of a diva, and is my rock every single day. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her, personally or professionally.
Favorite event.
I love the shows I co-produce, like Best of Burlesque(er),with the darling Dainty Dandridge and Under the Sheets Comedy Burlesque and Variety with my lovely wife, also known as Dutch Oven. It brings me so much joy to put so many incredibly talented performers on stage and to see an audience having a wonderful time.
Do you have any regrets in life?
Every mistake made is a life lesson, and a chance to grow. Of course I have regrets in life, but I always try to reflect on them as a way to develop myself.
Favorite lesbian celebrity.
I adore Tig Notaro. I’m a complete sucker for a funny lady.
Any fun facts or anything else you want our readers to know?
I grew up in an extremely small town in East Texas. Moving to the east coast was a real culture shock for me, but it was the best decision I have ever made. Also, I drive a Fiat named Ladybird Johnson.
