Tag Archives: Transsexual Lifestyles

GAY CULTURE IN NASHVILLE

Posted on 2011/12/05 | 2 Comments

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook then you’ve surely seen that I’m back home in Nashville visiting Mom, friends and making new ones. Life here, rather gay culture, is starving to many degrees in Music City and times have changed considerably since the fond days of the Warehouse 28, then the Warehouse 2, The Chute, Juanita’s, Pyramids (after my time) and Connection, for that matter. On Church Street there’s really all there is, PLAY and Tribe. Both are gay nightclub/bars catering to all the baseball cap, Polo shirt wearing gay men “NashVegas” and surrounding towns can handle on a given night.

PLAY (not sure if it’s all CAPS but I like it like that) has the only dance floor in town with good DJs and is Tranny-ville in the spacious show bar. Gorgeous female impersonators entertain lesbians, straight folk that have gotten lost and extreme drag worshipers. The PlayMates include Deception whose man-made rack is quite spectacular to see; Sara Andrews who is Katy Perry’s twin, dead-on; Nichole Ellington Dupree who brings in the flavor to the cast; DeeRanged who is as twisted and talented as the name sounds; and new cast member Aurora Sexton who is a bombshell goddess who is the pure Tea and I live for. Loved seeing the show and BIG THANKS to Aurora for the guest list placement for me. She turned out Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You dressed in naughty red Santa wear, knockers knocking me out as I threw money at her on the stage. I danced a short while in the disco but have been recovering from a fractured rib so I was just happy to be on the floor for a bit.

Tribe is next-door and a video bar that plays show tunes, has hot bartenders and has some unique spacing inside. Suzy Wong’s House of Yum is where I dined with dear friends Kristy and Eddy on Saturday evening located inside Tribe owned by Top Chef contestant Arnold Mynt. Afterwards, Eddy and I sat and had a cocktail, cruised men and giggled at who was on Grindr and Scruff on our iPhones until Krispy Kreme’s called me back to the room.

Other than those two locations, there are a few others including Vibe, Stirrup, Canvas Lounge, Purple Heys, Blue Jeans and Trax but I didn’t find myself there this weekend and will not be making it there tonight before I head out tomorrow. As you may expect from the Bible Belt, gay culture is minimal and precious when you have it. It’s been fun to go out and see strangers in their own habitat. I used to be one of them and now find home life so much more appealing. Luckily I’ve had a great time and look forward to getting home to Palm Springs safely to my Husband and Kids. I’m starting to get slightly homesick and it’s time to return. If I’ve missed anyone this trip, I ‘ll catch you next round. Love you all! This will always be home.

More of the story to come in Steven Spills very soon! Good Night.

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Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, HERE'S THE TEA, OUR BIG GAY LIFE

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MY “DANCING WITH THE STARS” EXPERIENCE

Posted on 2011/11/09 | Leave a comment

STEVEN SPILLS © 104

DANCING WITH STEVEN

When ABC’s rating juggernaut Dancing With the Stars premiered thirteen seasons ago the skepticism began. I wasn’t sure how it would fare over time. The show’s UK predecessor Strictly Come Dancing was a smash over seas. However, entertainment transfers to our soil do not always transcend audiences into repeat viewing and support. If it doesn’t involve Kardashians, lip-syncing for your life or desperate public humiliation with a rose ceremony we’re not interested. But as we know now years later, DWTS has captured top spots in the Nielsen ratings becoming a huge success!

I contacted a few connections about getting tickets and luckily two seats were offered. Since the hoopla surrounding Mr. Chaz Bono was so fierce and Miss Carson Kressley was a contestant as well, I thought I’d make an effort to attend a live show in person. Plus, seeing celebrities when the camera is off them is interesting to me. Spoilers ahead so if you don’t want to know the inside scoop, please turn the page. Ah, ha! I knew you couldn’t go anywhere!

After a easy drive into Los Angeles with my pal and confidant John Lustenring, we ran through Japan Town for sushi to-go at Nijiya Market and quickly pressed it to CBS Studios at The Grove. We arrived and without discussion we parked, opened the doors and stripped down into our fancy show clothes. Time was of the essence and we knew that we were pushing it.

The email I had received prior to our arrival confirming the tickets gave the details, where to go, what to wear and the begging of “Please no cell phones.” Whoopsie! Not sure how that ended up in my pocket and not in the car safely. We scooted quickly up the street to Gate C6 and checked in at VIP. Perfect timing as our line proceeded not through the metal detectors where I assume they collected phones but directly between both screeners as a security guard shouted out to someone, “Who are these people?!”

Once inside we were instructed to look for our names on gold chairs. The awe of the studio with the bright lights takes you back because it is quite grand. I looked and looked for our names. And there they were pressed up against the stage, literally. Our seats were next to all of the action and about a chair or two away from the dance floor. And yes, you know I strutted my stuff on that floor. I had to for every dancer who wishes they could. I simply strutted out, posed down, turned and repeat. Just saying.

(Love this photo I snapped of Chynna’s final moments. Brooke and Tom on the side with the entire cast in support of her and what she had accomplished!)

Sitting behind us, I saw where actress Garcelle Beauvais had her Blackberry in tow texting so I figured celebrities were exempt from the no phone rule. I bravely snapped a few pictures during the show considering how close we were but I couldn’t resist. Even before taping began I mistook a bomb-sniffing dog that was being led around the studio as a possible cell phone-sniffing K-9 tattletale. Plus this bitter chick in front of us had her phone grabbed up as she came in and couldn’t get over it. We kept ours on the DL. It was sheer luck we actually got them in by the looks of the circus after the show of people claiming their phones. Pure chaos.

Now here come the true Hollywood stories. The show I attended was the Results Show when Chynna Phillips was excused from her duties after a complete blank-out breakdown the night before. She is gorgeous in person and sat quietly watching from above in Brooke (ultra-petite) Burke’s lounge for the judges scores. After voting Chynna couldn’t “Hold On” for one more day. Rob Kardashian’s ass is equally stunning. Man, he is smoking hot and I hate that expression. Susan Boyle was prerecorded at another time and edited in. No big loss according to the lack of expression from judge Bruno Tonioli who sat rolling his eyes during playback.

The Footloose production with DWTS alum Julianne Hough was really fierce and actually recorded twice before the show began its “live taping.” The set breakdown for that number was quite extensive. Country crooner Blake Shelton performed the title track as dancers tore up the floor scooting boots across wood. Chaz Bono looked more masculine in person and sadly Cher wasn’t there but Adam Shankman, William Baldwin and Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Rubens were. Overall we had a blast and will love going again sometime maybe next season leaving our phones where they belong (wink, wink.)

2011 © PULP

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STEVEN SPILLS #95

Posted on 2011/06/24 | 2 Comments

STEVEN SPILLS © 95

GOING HOME

So maybe there is something to what Beyonce says as she croons about girls running the world during her erratic neck-thrower “Run the World (Girls).” During my recent visit back to Nashville not only did I unknowingly schedule my adventure during the Country Music Awards festivities (Kimbol and I sat next to Sugarland at lunch at Noshville delicatessen!) but also during an outbreak of cicadas. As you may know or not, these buzzing females breed quite loudly with the males and then they die while the girls head back down into the ground dropping eggs in twigs and bark to hatch for the next round. All along the grounds were the crunchy carcasses of males gone to a better place.

I arrived in Tennessee after American Airlines delivered me safely back south via a painless layover in Dallas/Ft. Worth. They knowingly schedule flights with definite space between since the airport is so spread out and a transit monorail is necessary for moving along to other terminals. Calling it out for what it is… traveling makes me horny. There was no easy way to put it so if you’re an adult you can handle the truth. Maybe it’s all the strange men that I don’t know, many traveling alone or with business buddies. Nonetheless, I’ve always got whiplash by the end of my travels and a full camera phone.

The Hyatt Place Brentwood housed me once again and generously provided me a media rate when other hotels in the area reneged on original offers. I won’t even go down that road but after a certain hotel found out I write for a gay magazine my rate mysteriously and unfortunately shot up $40 overnight. Their loss. The Hyatt Place has a great pool, big suites and large screen televisions. Having stayed there before I immediately asked if the view was the front or back lot once I got my room key and politely asked to be moved since I would be there four days. Travelers tip: Don’t ever be afraid to nicely ask about something you’re interested in or desire.

My first night’s finale was quite interesting. Mom and I did our traditional southern barbeque with cornbread at Bar-B-Cutie before I dropped her back off with her new HP laptop that I took for her all set up and ready to go. At a very excited sixty-eight it will be her first personal computer. Having it locked and loaded before my arrival saved a lot of time allowing us to be doing other things like the continual cleaning out of excess in her house providing me time to visit good friends and also take her out on the town.

On my way home from having a drink at Tribe (ugh, they closed at midnight!) I sadly saw a deer that had been hit and was laying on the side of the road. I called 911 but was informed I should call the non-emergency number. As I whipped home in my KIA Spectra rental car I tapped Google on my iPhone, got the number myself and called to report poor Bambi’s demise. Always the reporter, that’s me! I didn’t figure anyone else would have taken the time it was so late at night and I felt compelled to do something so I did.

The stifling humidity in Nashville was about as thick as comedian Tracy Morgan’s nerve with temperatures reaching above 90-degrees. I was able to visit with friends that I don’t always have the luxury of doing. It was wonderful having dinner with Shanda, Stacey and Cathy from my dancing days at CDS. They’re my family. Seeing Ron and Dolly was definitely like “old school” times! Thanks Loves! Kristy, my BFF from high school and born one day after me, dished about old friends, her crazy trip to the plastic surgeon and seriously brilliant daughters. At eight and ten years of age they sound smarter than many adults. We enjoyed a variety of small plates at Arnold Myint’s Suzy Wong’s House of Yum on Church Street. Afterwards I stopped by Play to catch the drag show. My lovely friend Nichole Ellington Dupree served up chocolate decadence while transsexuals Sara Andrews and Deception made me question my love for masculine real men. Their bodies are right on point and their man-made racks perfect.

With all that said, going home is emotionally draining. If you’re like me, in doing so we are faced with decisions that we’ve made in life and the consequences that have become. Sometimes we must answer for things. Other times with real family everything is understood and there’s no need for discussion. I love returning but by the end of the trip my system and soul is yearning for the comfort of my home here in Palm Springs. I’m blessed to have come all this way because the only option I’ve ever really had was to keep going. Growing up is really the only thing any of us can and must do. I have and continue to.

2011 © PULP

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STEVEN SPILLS #81

Posted on 2011/04/03 | Leave a comment

STEVEN SPILLS © 81 (From the BEST OF “Steven Spills” for PULP archives)

STEVEN TAKES HOLLYWOOD 

Give me a seat on a judge’s panel and I’ll give you honest adjudication and heartfelt encouragement for the contestants. On a recent trip to Los Angeles, I judged the Pacific Coast Continental pageants held at the Circus Disco for former Miss Continental and reigning Miss Black America, Domanique Shappelle. When she asked I jumped on her offer because any rare chance to see great drag in an area that for some reason doesn’t care enough or know enough to support competitive female impersonation is an attractive opportunity for me.

After getting into West Hollywood around noon, I soon pressed it down Sunset out towards Venice Beach for the afternoon to catch some sweeping views and saltwater air. The drive is a path I love curling through when I have time because it takes you through Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and all the gorgeousness in between and presents you to the awe-inspiring ocean. 

Planning ahead, I had reserved a ticket to The Talk, the new talk show trying to oust The View from its throne. But when I found out the guest I opted for skipping it. So sorry that hosts Sara Gilbert and Sharon Osborne couldn’t get me out of Palm Springs through the morning commute into Studio City to CBS to catch special guest Natalie Cole. Now if it had been Nadine Coyle from U.K. pop-group Girls Aloud, you can count I’d be there. But sadly it wasn’t.

Once arriving at the beach, the waves crashing below sounded strong and peaceful under the cloudless blue sky. A muscled hunk was retreating from the water with his surfboard. Anticipation grew steady as he climbed the rocks to his truck parked feet from me. After a dozen or so lifts of the board over his head he turned around towards me. The next few minutes were a blur as he tossed a towel around his waist, dropped his board shorts from underneath and dried his ass. I almost fell off the rock I had climbed out upon as he slid wet transparent jockey shorts back on before departing. For some reason the view facing me was more curious than any other view to him and I appreciated the attention. 

That evening I strutted down Santa Monica Boulevard and caught Raven, Morgan McMichaels, and Sonique from RuPaul’s Drag Race performing at Micky’s. Great seeing them in person! After a stiff cocktail and a few tips to the girls, I strolled down to Here Lounge to catch the “Continental Preview” show including Tommie Ross, Tasha Long, Mercedes, Chevelle Brooks, and the four reigning national title holders for the Continental system: Mokha Montrese, Nick Gray, Roxxxy Andrews, and Electra, who were in town for the pageant.

The next day I grabbed breakfast at Mel’s on Sunset and headed over to Circus Disco to judge interviews. There were a total of eight contestants, two in each division for Miss/Mr./Elite (40+years)/Plus (200+lbs.) Domanique bravely had four crownings in one event and accomplished a respectable effort with amazing attendance. I judged with Rodney Chester from Logo TV’s Noah’s Arc. The entertainment alone was worth the price of the $20 admission and there was a small buffet of home cooked food since the show began slightly after the dinning hour of seven o’clock.

The crowns fell on the heads of the ones I believed in even though the contestant’s crotch I couldn’t stop staring at during interview, C.A. Lopez from Miami, didn’t win. But he looked damn delicious during swimwear. After some fierce competition, the final four standing were Miss Pacific Coast Continental 2011 Fontasia L’Mour; Kahlil Valentino Litter as the Mister representative; Alyssa Nicole Whitney as the Plus winner; and Carletta Couture as the Elite champion.

After saying goodbyes, I opted for hitting Swingers restaurant on Beverly for some pre-bedtime grub. I had decided to bring back my leftovers and leave them for a homeless man that slept around the corner from where I was staying. Times are hard for people and I didn’t see any point in wasting it. So after arriving, I parked and quietly placed the box down next to the man as his dog unexpectedly barked out from the darkness of where he lay. It naturally started me and him. I responded that there was some food for him and that he was lucky he had such great protection, trying to make light of the situation.

When I got inside the apartment, I can honestly admit that I completely lost it. I broke down. I felt more emotions in that one situation than I believed I could handle at once. I thanked my lucky stars right then that I was beyond blessed and the silly clutter that often fills my weary head is nothing in comparison to the challenges of some. Happy Holidays to everyone! Find something to be thankful for. Peace to you and yours!

2010 © PULP

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STEVEN SPILLS #85

Posted on 2011/02/10 | 2 Comments

STEVEN SPILLS © 85

STEVEN TAKES TAMPA

I had only been back to Florida to visit once in the dozen years since the day I moved from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles to pursue other interests that unfortunately the Sunshine State couldn’t provide for me. I loved living in South Florida at that point in my life because it satisfied my needs and was a means to an end. I was very involved in the community and the city and people were very good to me so I was always proud to be considered a local among many tourists. My picture still runs in Joe’s Barber Shop advertisements.

When I got the call to judge Bob Taylor’s Miss Gay Florida USofA 2011 pageant, I immediately asked if I could get an aisle seat on the flight because I’d be happy to. I hadn’t judged a pageant since the Continental preliminary in Los Angeles so I was about ready to judge again. Now, don’t get the wrong idea. I don’t like judging. I really don’t. I LOVE IT. I was to be sitting on the panel with celebrity guest judges Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap and from Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, Tabatha Coffey. You couldn’t pry me away from my seat if you tried.

I made it to Tampa, Ybor City to be exact, safely on a US Airway flight and spent glorious days in town saluting the art of female impersonation, reuniting with dear friends, and seeing new faces and places which was simply aces. I was very impressed with the energy that Ybor City provided and since the annual Gasparilla Pirate celebration had invaded the town, there was more than anyone’s share of scenery to be had and to behold. Mayor Pam Iorio reluctantly handed over the key to the city to the Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and the party was on! It seems the best way to describe it is Mardi Gras meets an on-water parade of party misfits in boats with metallic beads, eye-patches, wearing yellows and greens. Everyone got along with everyone and things seemed smooth throughout the streets.

Friday evening I punched it to Hamburger Mary’s for the dinner show and cocktails. Tabatha was doing a book signing of her new release It’s Not Really About the Hair. The reigning queen of Ybor City, Amy DeMilo, who was also Bob’s current Miss Florida USofA 2010, hosted many of the drag shows we attended throughout the weekend. I was sincerely pleased to get to know her much better. Genuine and sweet, and a seasoned veteran among the youngest of blood including RuPaul’s Drag Race sensation, Alexis Mateo, who will be a force to reckon with in years to come.

Also in for the weekend and pageant festivities were the National Director of Miss Gay USofA at Large, Jason Huff; old school peeps from Atlanta including Tina Devore and Jimmy Sugarbaker; the Grand Ole Gal of the South, Carmella Marcella Garcia; former Miss Gay USofA, Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington; and the current Miss Gay USofA 2010, Dominique Sanchez. The pageant took place at the Honey Pot and ran a smooth three hours which for eight contestants plus a dozen of former Miss Gay Florida USofA titleholders, Chrissy Taylor and crew ran that show like professionals. The pageant turnout was overwhelming and the magical feeling of the moment will stay with me for years to come.

To sum up the evening in a few sentences, if I’m able… It was an honor to sit beside Ericka and Tabatha on the judges table. Tabatha was passionate, petite, and pleasantly involved in every aspect of the judging and I loved hearing what Ericka asked during the interviews. The best contestant, Deloris Van Cartier, won on stage and my score sheets. Her alternate court rounded out with Kathryn Nevets and Trinity Taylor. Bob ran one well-oiled machine of a competition. I had a blast!

However, what I’m about to finish with is not fabricated. You can’t write this bizarre shit. OK, so this transsexual shows up late to registration as a contestant and no one believes she is actually a female impersonator, born male, still male. No sex changes can compete in Miss Gay USofA. Her cluelessness was apparent. When she came out for talent competition she decided to wear only a tiny g-string with her implanted tits to the wind. Writhing about on stage, she poured red candle wax on her naked body while her (be it man-made or God-made) pussy lips were falling out of the sides. Just then her rhinestoned butt plug caught the lights peeking from within. I sat with my mouth wide open the entire time in jaw-dropping body-shocking confusion. She was immediately disqualified for lying about being a boy and escorted (pun intended) out of the Honey Pot. She was a goddess, but a hot mess.

2011 © PULP

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