related items
Claims to fame: Socialites, bloggers for www.raannt.wordpress.com, scenesters and “we like to think we dictate what is hot and sexy.”
Who are the boys of raannt?
Alex/Peter: We were born from laughter and an idea of bettering Indianapolis’ social scene, over salads at Bazbeaux Pizza a year ago this week. We have interviewed tons of celebrities from comedians, porn stars, beauty queens, drag queens, club promoters and DJs.
Where’d you guys come from?
Alex: My claim to fame would be dancing for the Fever. I did it while I was in high school and a couple of years after — it gave me a taste for the spotlight and confidence to do what we do now. Currently I’m getting ready to head back to IUPUI and I work full time in a salon in Carmel.
Peter: I’m a John Deere-hat wearing, private-practice psychotherapist who dreams of having his memoir made into a movie. Carmel graduate…this year is our 20-year class reunion. I've been sober for over 15 years, worked on the adolescent unit at Fairbanks Treatment Center for almost 13 years and have been in private practice focusing on teenagers and women for five years.
OK, what’s with all the extra letters in “raannt”? Is it pronounced any differently? What does it mean?
Peter: To rant means to enthusiastically speak in a satirical form. Excess is beautiful, so why not more As and Ns?
What’s your favorite local hangout in Indy?
Alex: That totally depends on the season and day, I guess. Definitely Mondays at Landsharks! We host our very own Pride night. Wednesday, if it’s not raining, we really like Champps. On the weekends we bounce around downtown, but lately you can find our faces at Hyde, connected to Blu. Sunday’s fun day! In the summer you’ll see us for sure at Rehab at Bella Vita — a must-go this summer!
What’s in your Netflix queue and iPods right now?
Peter: My Netflix queue has “Saving Grace,” Season 2, “Love Boat,” Season 1, “Thirteen” and “Slaves of New York.” In my iPod I have Willie Nelson and Family Live, Middle Eastern Dance remixes, The Smiths’ “Louder than Bombs,” The Psychedelic Furs, Mary J. Blige and tons of country music...which drives Alex crazy!
Who’s your favorite local celebrity?
Alex: Would I be lame if I say us? Just kidding! I like McKenzie from RadioNow…we actually interview her for our blog!
Peter: Vicki St. James, the female illusionist at Talbott Street. Really, she should have a cameo in a David Lynch movie, with her swaying back and forth on a stage framed by a blue, velvet curtain. As a performer, she’s amazing. As a person, she’s undeniably endearing. Marco from The Marco Show on i94 is quite endearing, as well.
How’d you meet?
Alex: This is an awesome story, I think! Peter saw me out at Talbott Street one night and the next day sent me a message on MySpace, telling me that he thought I was handsome and that I had “kind eyes.” I sent back a message letting him know that I was far from kind, and that’s how we started talking.
Peter: Did you have to say MySpace? Actually, I think I canceled like four dates before we went and an hour prior to our first date I told my friend I didn't even want to go because I didn't ever want to be in a serious relationship again. When I picked him up, he walked in front of my car and made some cute wave and I took a deep breath. I knew I was in trouble. Two years later we were in the Crate and Barrel Ultimate Wedding Contest and every night since, hearing him breath next to me...I get butterflies.
Serious question: Although can’t be totally sure from reading your blog, it seems like you two are in a committed, loving, same-sex relationship <insert sarcasm here>. What does pride mean to you, and are you happy with where this state is related to same-sex civil rights?
Peter: We are in a committed relationship and have been engaged for a year with plans to get married in August 2011. To me, pride is a sense of knowing who you are, being confident and not ashamed of who you are without the need to flaunt it in other people’s faces. I am NOT happy with our rights in Indiana but Indianapolis is a safe city to be gay. My mother, who passed away two years ago, always told me to hold my head up high and not become a victim of other people’s oppression. She also taught me to not value the opinion of someone you don’t value to begin with. I just smile, hold Alex’s hand and know we can make it through anything together. That’s pride.
Indianapolis: Love it or leave it?
Alex: Hmm I will miss it once we leave it… it’s a great city but I need my sun and beach! I’m originally from Venezuela and I really like the heat of summer and Florida would be perfect for us.
Peter: Love it. It's amazing to be able to walk around all of the lights of our city and 20 minutes later be driving out in the country jamming to Bob Dylan on the car stereo.
