Meet Ziggy Banks, our go-go dancer for the month of June, just in time for Pride Month. He’s just a small time boy from the woods living the dream in Los Angeles. Here he explains why out of all the bars in West Hollywood, Fubar is the place he calls home and loves the most.
Where are you from?
I live in L.A., but I’m from outside of Chicago. I’ve lived in Los Angeles about seven years. I love this city. I like the opportunity. The people are very easy going, but the more you search for opportunities, the more you’ll find them.
What do you think about the City of West Hollywood?
It needs some work (laughs). No, I’m just kidding. Everybody that you meet in West Hollywood is very open. They’re there to party and they let you know that it is a very safe place.
What’s your sign?
I’m a Taurus
What do they say about Tauruses?
That we’re stubborn. But they only say that we’re stubborn when they are wrong.
What’s your relationship status?
Oh, single. Single-single. Always single.
How long have you been a go-go dancer?
Oh wow. Nine years? Yeah, I’d say nine years.
What’s it like up there on the box?
If you have a true passion for it and an artistry behind it, and you have a talent for it, it is very freeing. It’s hard to explain. It’s not about the attention. It’s not about the money. Of course anybody who has a good business mind is going to make sure that they get paid for what they offer, but the main idea is to uphold and deliver what you have to offer.
What’s it like dancing at Fubar?
Fubar is my home. I started dancing at Fubar when I started go-go-ing in L.A. The guys that work here are absolutely like family. I’ll never leave Fubar. I love them.
How would you describe yourself?
Personally, I see myself as an entertainer. I’m here to have a good time. I’m here to make you stay. And more importantly, I’m here to make you come back.
What do you consider your hottest feature?
Me? My eyes, because I pay attention to who is watching, what they want to see. Who’s interacting? Who’s having fun? Who’s not having fun, which is very important. I like the way my eyes look.
What’s your favorite drink to get your dance on?
Fireball shot. Everyone is going to hate me, but I don’t like that vodka soda. I don’t like that clear shit. I like something with flavor. Fireball has a nice little ting to it. It’s cinnamon sweet, but it has a nice whisky taste to it.
What goals do you have for yourself?
I want to find a movement to stand up for that effects the community in an aggressive way, so I kind of want to search for that. I love the idea of finding who works for your city, bonding with those people, creating art and creating a movement. I really want to dig deep into that.
What are people surprised to learn about you?
People are surprised to learn that I actually grew up in the woods. My nearest neighbor was four or five miles away. It was definitely a different type of lifestyle.
Does your mother know you dance?
Uhhh… Nooo (laughs). No!
Follow Ziggy Banks on Twitter under @ziggybanks and on Instagram under the handle @theziggybanks. He’s also on Facebook under Austin Watie.
