Page 42 - AVN May 2018

FEATURE
TRANS-FORMATIVE
The TEA Show turns 10
TEA SHOW | By Tod Hunter
Trans stars, producers, photographers, company
owners and fans of trans erotica flocked to the
Avalon on March 11 for the 10th Transgender
Erotica Awards, known as the TEA Show.
The lobby of the concert venue, located
across Vine Street from the landmark Capitol
Records tower, was dominated by an orderly
queue leading to the red-carpet photographers.
Some attendees bypassed the queue and headed
directly to the auditorium, where low-volume
music encouraged conversation and networking,
and attendees found their assigned tables
stocked with matte-finished event programs.
“We’re maxed out on sponsors,” event
organizer Steven Grooby said, looking at the
crowded floor. “As far as seating goes, there’s
not much space. This year’s been amazing, huge
sponsors, People like ManyVids, Bad Dragon,
TransAngels—that’s a Mindgeek property—
we’ve got mainstream porn companies as well
as our longtime sponsors, people who’ve been
with us 10 years. Transational Fantasies, which
is the old Shemale Strokers from RodnieVision,
have been with us 10 years. I’m still a bundle of
nerves.”
Gender X’s Steve Volponi and Jim Powers
were getting ready to give the Gender X
Performer of the Year Award. (Many of the
individual TEA Awards were sponsored.)
“Gender X is Zero Tolerance’s new transsexual
company,” Volponi said. “It’s doing very well.”
Jessica Drake told AVN, “This is one of my
favorite awards shows, but I’m a little biased.
Wicked Sensual Care has been a sponsor three
years in a row. We’re honored to be a part of it.”
The awards began with a comedy performance
of two brides tussling over a groom, with
show co-host TS Madison as one of the brides,
lip-syncing “I Am Not Going” from DreamGirls
42 | AVN.com | 5.18
Top from left, John Stagliano, honored as Best Industry Professional; host Madison in the opening segment. Middle, Natalie Mars, accepting the Best Solo Model trophy; Best
Hardcore Performer Aubrey Kate. Bottom, Lifetime Achievement honoree Nicole Montero; Best Non TS Female Mona Wales. Photos by Rick Garcia/@IndustryByRick