XEX MAGBroadway Performer, Big Brother 16 Standout, Social Media Influencer & Glitter Aficionado
Photo Sailey Williams
Wardrobe Chad Groom & Llewellyn Jenkins for The Stylemonsters
Mua: Yukie Ara
Hair: Justin Arrellano
Location: The Out Hotel . XL Nightclub
Interview: Chris Cali
You’ve been performing in musical theater since childhood. What initially drew you to performing?
I believe it was the magic of it all. The fact the people could fly, and sing and literally transform into someone completely different right before my very eyes made me think, I want to do that and I and really want to wear that!!
Obviously performing seems to run in your family. Was your family always encouraging and supportive of your desire to work in show business?
I have always loved academics and been successful academically which made my family very happy since education is one of their core values. We Grandes have a strong work ethic engrained in us and since I did so well with my schooling they were very supportive of my extracurricular pursuit of the arts which let me to a triple major in college. I ended up majoring in biology, theater and dance. I know, it’s a strange mix but I am equally passionate about all three.
Social media has played a big role in your success over the last couple years. Can you describe your social media strategy?
Tell the truth, say what you feel, make people smile, don’t apologize, and when people throw shade, SHINE BRIGHTER! 
Is it hard to juggle a public persona with a private one in today’s climate of 24-hour social media?
Absolutely, I feel like everything I do has to be in the public eye. I am always snapping, posting, and filming. Even when I have my phone down, the people around me are snapping, posting, and filming pics of me so there is no privacy. Oh yes, it has been something that has taken some getting used to. In all honestly, once I embraced it fully, it got easier to deal with and this is just how my life is now.
Your stint on “Big Brother 16” really upped your online visibility and has even been described as “controversial.” What did you take away from that experience?
Well, I walked away with the knowledge that I am a kickass competitor with the strategic know how to make it to the very end of one of the most difficult and demanding social experiments ever created without losing my mind or hurting anyone and created a very loving a devoted fan base in the process. So I’m basically indestructible!
The Zankie “bromance” was one of the most discussed topics surrounding Big Brother 16. Do you think straight guys and gay guys can actually have close relationships without romance coming into play?
ABSOLUTELY!!! I am living proof of that fact!!!
You’ve worked as both a performer and a producer on Broadway. What attracted you to working on the production side?
With titles like Mama Mia & Rock of Ages on your resume can we expect your return to Broadway anytime soon?
I did not actively seek out producing, instead it was something that fell into my lap, literally, and I really loved doing it and was very successful. Producing helped me to see that my true love is the stage and I realize that I need to be onstage. I yearned for it then and I still do, so yes, you can expect more Broadway from me in the future and the sooner the better if you ask me!
You’ve been active with non-profit organization buildON, in particular some of the work they’ve done in South Africa and Malawi. Can you describe your experience with them and why you wanted to delve into this kind of work?
I believe that everyone can offer something to those less fortunate especially the people who are extremely fortunate in their lives and have experienced success and talent in their field should give back. Once I became one of these people, I realized the importance of this and started to give back. I knew it would be a lifelong passion of mine to help those who would otherwise be completely ignored of it wasn’t for the dedication to an organization like buildON that works to help with the problem at hand. Being in the position I am in gives me a platform to spread the word/message about what is going on in the world and the fact that I am able to actually change their lives for the better and bring awareness to what is needed and chart their progress is an indescribable feeling. I believe that I will continue to make an effort, describe, and get the word out as I continue to do these kinds of projects for the rest of my life.
As an openly gay performer, do you feel a sense of responsibility to be seen as a “role model” of sorts for young LGBT people?
No, I do not feel like I am obligated to be a role model. However, I do hope that by living my life as openly, happily and free from judgment as possible that I will inspire others to do the same. I want to be I’m a positive role model, but I think if it is your goal to be a role model you are setting yourself up for failure. You need to be true to yourself and love yourself and the rest will fall into place. Like my saying, “Shine bright like a FRANKIE!” I say this in the hopes that it helps people smile and get through their day and realize that happiness comes from within!
You were a judge on the new season of “ABDC All Stars”. What were some of your favorite moments & routines?
I ADORED when Quest Crew did the gender bending performance of BANG BANG!! I mean this is a show about DANCE CREWS, which are notoriously very masculine and heterosexual and to show such a celebration of gender and sexuality was a real great moment for me, especially on MTV! That performance never would have happened in any of the past seasons of the show so I was honored to be a part of it. Oh and they actually mixed my voice into the song so I was ALSO a part of it in that way…which was FANTASTIC!!!!
If you and your sister were doing a karaoke duet, what song would you choose?
Suddenly Frankie (actually called Suddenly Seymour) from the Broadway show, Little Shop of Horrors. We were and are both Broadway babies!
How would you define your personal style?
Sparkly, forward, bold, GRANDE, unapologetic, and expensive.
We caught you out and about this NYFW season. Any collections catch your eye for upcoming red carpets?
Yes! I am always a huge fan of Malan Breton and his bold use of color for men’s suits so don’t be surprised if you see me in one quite soon!
What makes a social media post the worst post ever?
Over-hash tagging. We get it, you’re #blessed and its #sunday and your #tired but #excited…but…enough already.
You travel between NYC & LA sometimes weekly. What are some of your travel essentials?
I have this great waterproof suit that I brought to Malawi for the rain but discovered it’s the perfect thing to throw over whatever you’re wearing to insulate you from the subarctic airplane temperatures! Oh…and a Tempur-Pedic neck pillow!
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