About RKK
Ryan Killian Krause is a writer and producer living in Brooklyn (but, like, stroller Brooklyn, not trendy Brooklyn).
He’s currently the executive producer on The Fire Upstairs podcast, which details the events leading up to and following the tragic arson at a New Orleans gay bar in the summer of 1973. Previously, he was lead producer and editor of V Magazine’s podcast, V Wanna Know, and producer of Shut Up Evan, a podcast that fuses LGBTQ+ culture, pop culture, and Internet culture into long-form discussions with celebrity guests.
RKK got his MFA in Journalism from the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University, where he specialized in literary journalism.
His writing has been featured in V Magazine, VMAN, The Body, L’OFFICIEL USA, Bedford + Bowery, Soft Punk Magazine, and Queerist.
You can follow RKK on Instagram and Twitter if you’re interested in unabashed narcissism and lukewarm takes on the career of Hilary Duff, respectively.
Podcasts
The Fire UpStairs
In the early seventies, The UpStairs Lounge, a little known queer Oasis in the French Quarter of New Orleans, was a second home to its patrons, a place where they felt safe and free to be themselves in the world that was rampant with discrimination.
Then on the night of June 24th, 1973, someone doused the entrance of the bar in lighter fluid and lit it on fire, causing a blaze that would kill 32 people. Until the tragedy at Pulse Orlando in 2016, the fire at The Upstairs Lounge was the single deadliest attack on the queer community in the US on record, and it remains one of the deadliest fires in modern New Orleans history.
The Fire UpStairs Podcast is a miniseries about the 1973 UpStairs Lounge arson, exploring its lesser-known history and present-day themes. Over the course of the season, we'll be joined by notable members of the queer community to discuss the story of the UpStairs Lounge; its role in the larger arch of queer history, and themes that are just as relevant to the queer community of today as they were fifty years ago.
V Wanna Know
A podcast from V Magazine - Think Masterclass, but inverted. Instead of famous teachers, we bring on famous guests as students and connect them with a specialist in their area of interest. Some of the biggest names in pop culture join us to interview these experts on topics including cults, black holes, gun control, aliens, and more!
Shut Up Evan
SHUT UP EVAN is a bi-weekly podcast fusing LGBTQ+ culture, pop culture and Internet culture into longform discussions. Each week, host Evan Ross Katz is joined by a celeb guest to discuss their early life, career and to get their take on a number of topics ranging from thirst traps to their thoughts on Sarah Michelle Gellar's filmography.
Published Work
Image courtesy of Ladanifer via iStock
These Meme Accounts May Be Contributing to COVID Stigma and Public Health Misinformation
What has felt absent from the conversation swirling around GaysOverCOVID are the potential public-health implications of an anonymously run Instagram account that has taken a hardline stance on complex topics.
Image courtesy of dusanpetkovic via iStock
Why Aren’t more queer Men Getting anal pap smears?
Very few people access -- or even know about -- the test that can help detect whether you have HPV in your anus. But it should be a staple of gay and bisexual men's health care.
Image courtesy of Ben Chabanon
HOw ludovic de saint sernin married fashion and sex
The French designer and his muse, porn star Sean Ford, are breaking down industry barriers with their steamy, homoerotic collaborations.
Image courtesy of Marcus Cooper
WELCOME TO 'CAPE GOD': THE NEW ALBUM FROM ALLIE X
A surreal sliver of avant-garde Americana awaits.
Image courtesy of Julian Cassady
In conversation with Hamed sinno
The Mashrou' Leila frontman opens up about what's next for the band, his problem with identity politics, and why it's important to find the joy in activism.
Image courtesy of Nisian Hughes
James Whiteside: Principal Dancer and Fashion Muse
As he prepares for another season at the helm of the American Ballet Theatre, a look at how the acclaimed dancer and choreographer dazzles far beyond his field.
Listen Up, Stacy: Trixie Cosmetics Has Arrived
Drag queen and veritable skinny legend Trixie Mattel has released a new line of products that inspire a playful confidence just in time for RuPaul's DragCon NYC.
Scott Griessel / Adobe
Healthcare is Failing Queer Youth & the LGBTQ Community at Large
Insufficient training on LGBTQ healthcare needs, inaccessible mental health, and inadequate sex ed among barriers to care for Queer youth.
Image courtesy of Matthew Takes
In Conversation with VINCINT
With the release of his new music video for Be Me, VMAN caught up with VINCINT to chat all things Queer Eye, Pride, Black Lives Matter, and Celine Dion.
Image courtesy of Patrick Donovan
The Queer Utopia of Bushwig
Step backstage at the weirdest, queerest, and most inclusive place in New York nightlife.
QUEENS IN QUARANTINE: THREE DRAG RACE WINNERS TALK LOCKDOWN
Ahead of this weekend's Werq the World: Battle Royale fundraiser, Aquaria, Violet Chachki, and Yvie Oddly tell us how they're managing during these uncertain times.
Image courtesy of Kit Williamson
The unapologetically queer world of eastsiders
It's time to say goodbye to our favorite group of beautifully broken Los Angelenos.
Image courtesty of Sami Drasin
Nesta Cooper Knows Confidence is Key
With upcoming roles in 'See' and 'Bliss,' the actress is entering an exciting new phase starring alongside world-famous talents.
Introducing Supergreat: The Beauty Review App Where Everyone is an Expert
In a world overflowing with #SponCon, Supergreat aims to create a community of real people (not influencers) reviewing beauty products that work for them.
Illustration by Lucia Gaia
I See London, I See France
An exploration of self through underwear.
Image courtesy of AIDSVu
New Orleans emphasizes Education as HIV infection rate decreases
For years, New Orleans has held a spot among the American cities with the highest numbers of new HIV infections. That may be changing. Last year, for the first time in a decade, the city reported a decrease in the number of new HIV infections.
Kesha Paves her own way on ‘high road’
The powerhouse just dropped her fourth album, High Road, and it's already atop the iTunes charts. If you don't already have it on repeat, I'm going to need you to change that immediately.
Image courtesy of Portis Wasp
Portis wasp reigns as instagram’s king of collage
Chances are you've already seen his collages (and we're willing to bet that they've made you feel some type of way). Now, dive into the mind of the artist behind one of the most unique and unapologetically titillating accounts on Instagram.
RALPH is going to change the world
Is there anything the Canadian singer-songwriter with heart (and hair) of gold can't do?
Image courtesy of Sami Drasin
Sylvia Hoeks Lives Through Love
With roles in films like 'Blade Runner 2049' already under her belt, the actress is on the brink of a breakout moment when Apple TV+ launches in two weeks.
Image courtesy of Andrew Tess
Meet andrew tess, New York City’s polaroid prince
The first-generation American and Tri-State native photographer takes us behind his viewfinder and, in doing so, let's us see him in focus.