At the intersection of heritage and rebellion lives Issa Rashid, better known as Iranipapi, a moniker that captures the beautiful contradictions at the heart of their practice. Part performance artist, part community builder, part cultural provocateur, Rashid has mastered the art of turning tradition inside out while keeping its soul intact.
Rashid's Mexican and Iranian heritage collides with their queer nonbinary identity in ways that are both deeply personal and brilliantly subversive. Through events like Not Your Standard Lotería Night at The Standard, East Village's NO BAR, they've transformed a beloved family game into something entirely new. It’s a space where abuelita's warmth meets queer joy, where "La Rosa" becomes a Selena sing-along and "La Bota" gets called as "Boots! The House Down!"
Growing up in a matriarchal household taught Rashid about the power of gathering around tables. Today, they expand that idea into events that act as spaces for connection, where strangers become friends through laughter and the collective joy of shouting “LOTERÍA!” Rashid sees the experience itself as the art, blurring the lines between performance and party in ways that feel wholly transformative.
This Pride, they continue their mission of fostering radical joy through two special Lotería nights. Join them June 11and June 18 from 7-9 p.m. for Pride Edition games featuring prizes from The Standard, Future Method and Goodparts.
We sat down with Rashid to explore how they navigate multiple identities through performance, why nightlife has become their chosen medium for deeper conversations and what Pride means to someone building bridges between worlds that rarely meet.
Photos by Ryan Sides
I’ve been making so many new friends who share similar values with me, and it’s just been so heartwarming to make those connections! I’ve also been able to build partner relationships with some amazing brands that I admire. Example for Pride month we have a Future Method, who are really making amazing progress in sexual health and in helping individuals to explore their sexuality further. The Standard has been a positive and inclusive space, which has allowed Lotería to be so open in its collaborations.
They should expect to play to win! Yes, but also just a really great night to be present, with their friends, and with everyone in the room. A fun night to laugh, and scream out, 'LOTERIA!' (When they win, of course). I hope they feel it to be a safe space to be outrageous and unapologetically themselves!
I grew up with a very matriarchal family, so the table was led by my abuelita with all my aunts and cousins around the table. I remember a lot of joy, warmth and competitiveness around the game. I love to pull from that spirit, while also subverting the cards and the language around the game into something inherently queer. When I call the cards out in Spanish/English through the first rounds, you might catch me singing Selena’s 'Como La Flor' when I call out 'La Rosa' ('The Rose') or calling 'La Bota' ('The Boot'), 'Boots! The House Down!'.
Just every party is so insanely special to me because you will never get the same moment twice. I’m just inspired and completely in awe of the reception of this specific event. People come up to me after to express their thoughts and to share their personal stories. Every time it’s a reminder of why it’s important to host cultural programming in these spaces. It just reaches a plethora of creators, shakers and movers who also want to exist and have a place to make these connections in such a huge city that at times can be isolating. We’re a reminder that you have a place to make friends, and to be proud of your personal heritage and identity, whatever it may be.
Inclusivity is extremely important for me, and I love to use nightlife specifically to create spaces for all types of people to connect, explore and share space. With all my events I like to invent intentional moments where everyone can meet and mingle. Most times there are even prompts that allow for those conversations! I am very open with my beliefs, and views on the current issues we all face. I try not to make a world to escape that, but to push forward in reaching a collective that is more unified, in the belief that we all have the right to exist and coexist.
This year has hit a lot closer to home. I am a proud queer creative of Mexican and Iranian immigrant descent. I feel so much pride in being able to have the privilege to foster a space for all people to experience that joy. Pride is going out there and showing people that you matter, and that your friends and your family matter. That your identity is not singular, that it’s a culmination of so many parts, a celebration of what makes each one of us unique.
Go to your local library, and read queer books! Listen to music by LGBTQ bands and artists. Research queer art, go to museums. Participate in culture if you can, attend a Pride march!
Especially if they live in New York, there are so many great organizations with resources for LGBTQ youth. Wear what you want, write, draw, sing, dance, create. Your possibilities are limitless, and everything you learn in life will be a beautiful addition to your extraordinary identity.