Tobygo.com (Where the Boys Are)

Where are you originally from?

I grew up on a farm/ranch in Oklahoma about 3 miles west of the nearest small town. I have to say that I loved growing up in the boundaries of my tribal nation. I had never lived in a town or a city until I went to the University of Oklahoma.

What made you move to San Francisco?

While I was in the Navy and stationed on the USS Flint, I had met this guy at Esta Noche and we had hit it off. After I completed my active duty, I moved in with him and we were together for about 12 years. But, the real love of my life didn't even enter the picture until about 6 years ago.

Who is Landa Lakes and what is she all about?

Landa Lakes is about having a good time and teasing along the way. She is usually more about fundraising and bringing attention to her community whether that is the Native American community or the organizations that are benefited by the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. And I would say that she is a camp queen if I were to categorize.

What made you start drag?

Haha, I started drag to get into Oklahoma gay bars while I was still under age. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. I think I still ended up at the Wreck Room (an 18 and over club) performing ballads and dancing, it was all about pretty when I was Autumn Westbrook.

How long have you been doing drag?

Gurl, you never ask a lady her age. You know some math genius is just sitting there ready to calculate how I am. I will however say that I started drag in the 80's, did a little in the early 90's and then just stopped altogether until around 2002 when the local Native LGBT organization needed funds to host a large event. Since my drag persona had changed, I decided it was time to change my drag name. I chose Landa Lakes as a satirical reference to the use of Native American mascots… ohmigosh, I just got all political.

What and who are some things and people who influence you?

I would have to say that my biggest influences come from my family and partnership. I like the phrase that iron sharpens iron because I think that is really true. I am opinionated to the point of stubborn and sometimes I need someone that is willing to oppose my view so that I can see sensibly.

Can you tell me about roller derby?

Oh, yes. I remember it back when it was televised in the 70s. My parents loved it and soon I was rooting for the SF Bay Bombers. I remember being completely swept up when I went to my first banked track practice. I was ever more jazzed when I was invited to scrimmage but less excited when I was thrown into the penalty box. And no, the referee didn't put there I was literally thrown into it. Although Midnight Mass has a Drag Queen Roller Derby night inside the Bridge Theater, I would love to actually have a real roller derby team on the banked track someday. I think it would be wild.

Favorite movie?

My favorite movie is "Wind Walker" which most people have never heard of and I force people to watch it. It is able an old Native guy who keeps trying to die and is unable. Ultimately, it is about finding peace, righting wrongs and undying love.

Favorite party in SF?

I like bearacuda. I certainly realize that I am not a bear, an otter, wolf or cub. Is there a hairless overweight land mammal?

Favorite drink?

Diet Pepsi! I haven't ever actually had an alcoholic drink but I love me some soda! I will drink almost any diet cola, but I stay clear of energy drinks.

Guilty pleasure?

Battlestar Galatica… oh, fine, fine… almost any sci-fi/fantasy show. I try to keep that hush hush because I don't want people to think I am a nerd, even if I might very well be one…

Favorite celebrity?

Angelina Jolie! She is a little crazy, but it is a good crazy. Sure she used to carry Billy Bob's blood in a vial… I think people do ridiculous things all the time like keeping Elvis's band-aid or cremating a loved one and turning them into jewelry. I think it is creepy, but it isn't like she stole his blood or did it while he was unaware. She is concerned with the world and is trying to make it a better place, and she has great style and perfect breasts.

What tips can you give to future Divas?

Whatever you do, have fun doing it. Don't get too caught up in your local celebrity because that will just make you unlikeable. People will talk about you once you are on stage, you will love the good things but don't get hung up on the negative comments.

Why is it important to you to give back to the community?

Be a good person and give back, play square with others and you establish relations within your community so that when you need that added push, your community is there to help you as you were to help them. My grandfather put it in far more philosophical way saying that everyone was both important and unimportant but sometimes what we do will have ripple effects around us. I just want my ripple to reflect the rainbow.

What are some charity events you've worked on?

Oh, my. I have worked on many. I think what is rewarding is probably what I am working on now as the Grand Duchess of San Francisco. I have opportunity to give back the community in a big way for things I believe in and that is what I have been doing. I want some bigger and bigger events to increase the awards to local organizations.

Do you have any parties or events coming up?

Yes, I do! Do you want to see my calendar?

Saturday Jan 31st - Marlena's Introduction of the candidates for Emp

Sunday Feb 1st-Encore Imperial Gala by Tiger Lily and J. Michaels

Monday Feb 2nd- RuPaul's Drag Race Premiere Party

Tuesday Feb 3rd-Court Meeting at Deco Lounge at 7:30 (Please come if you can)

Wednesday Feb 4th-Deco Lounge at 7:30 Ducal Council Meeting

Friday Feb 6th- Charlie Horse: HoG takes over the stage!!!!

Saturday Feb 7th- San Jose Tinker's Dam Fetish Ball at 7pm

Friday Feb 13-CellSpace Roller Disco Party 8pm

Saturday Feb 14-Deco Red Part at 4-7

Saturday Feb 21-Townhouse in Vallejo at 8pm Solano LGBT Fundraiser with HoG in the house

Thursday Feb 26- In-town Show at Marlena's at 8pm

Saturday Feb 28- The Gift Center 6pm Imperial Coronation