Tranny Awards to change name to Transgender Erotica Awards (T.E.A.'s)

[GroobySteven]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/440492760043237376/Scuf2so-_400x400.jpeg

Tranny Awards Changes Name to Transgender Erotica Awards

Burbank, CA – Grooby Productions recently announced TS adult industry event, the Tranny Awards, will be re-branded as the Transgender Erotica Awards (T.E.A.’s). The event remains the only of its kind and exclusively celebrates the accomplishments of the TS adult industry.

“We started the show as an online event for a bit fun and never anticipated the interest and growth of the show to become the main annual event for trans women and men in the adult industry,” said Grooby Productions owner Steven Grooby. “When we named the show the ‘Tranny Awards’ in 2007 the climate was different and the usage of the word ‘tranny’ was appropriate as a catchy title in an online porn event. While I personally believe, within the context of porn, that ‘tranny’ has its place as a descriptor in the same way many words have their place only in porn, I do understand why some people have become frustrated with its usage here.

“As we aim to be inclusive of all areas of transgender erotica and are looking to broaden the appeal of the show to mainstream media, we believed it was time to re-brand the event to the Transgender Erotica Awards – or the TEA’s. The acronym works especially well since ‘T’ is used within the community and we’re going to have some fun with the promotions (the after party, for example, will be ‘The TEA Party’). I’d like to thank the extended trans adult community for their input and feedback over the last few months. We will be producing a show that the whole transgender adult community can be proud of.”

The Transgender Erotica Awards (originally known as the Tranny Awards) was created in 2007 and started solely as an online competition voted by a panel of industry judges. There were only a handful of categories and Grooby sponsored all of the cash prizes.

As interest grew, it was expanded into an actual event and hosted at a several different nightlife venues in the Los Angeles area, before moving to a full-scale theater in Glendale. The event now has over twenty categories, including special awards sponsored by other industry companies, many of which include donated cash prizes.

Last year the event expanded their categories to include Best FTM Performer, with support from sponsors such as Buck Angel and James Darling. This year also marked the first year the event included the category of Voluptuous Diva, awarded to the best BBW TS performer of the year.

This year’s event, hosted last month at the Beyond the Stars Palace in Glendale, also saw a 25% jump in attendance from last year, with nearly a 300% increase in livestream viewership. As the event continues to flourish, Grooby is constantly looking for ways to improve the show and honor the TS adult community.

More information will be made available in the upcoming months on http://grooby.com or http://TGEroticaAwards.com

[Ben in LA]

Will we get to meet Tea Shaws? :P

[GroobySteven]

Will we get to meet Tea Shaws? :P


It depends how far you want to reach up my ass.

[Dino Velvet]

I like the name. Seems like it might more solve the issue for the folks who didn't like the last name also reaching out to fans of TS adult videos. The T.E.A. hopefully catches on. Since it's 3 letters maybe have one of your talented computer ladies design a memorable logo. Just keep the "Grooby" part attached so people know it's you.

Personally, I like that you changed the name and commend you for it.

[Chance Armstrong]

This is exciting. Kudos to progress.

[$$$Bill]

Being politically correct can only help you with this. Besides, TEA's sounds much classier.
Kudos

[nysprod]

Excellent move.

[bluesoul]

what happened to the other party who were calling themselves the transgender erotic awards? https://twitter.com/TGEroticaAwards

[Kevin Dong]

what happened to the other party who were calling themselves the transgender erotic awards? https://twitter.com/TGEroticaAwards

squashed like a mosquito

[GroobySteven]

what happened to the other party who were calling themselves the transgender erotic awards? https://twitter.com/TGEroticaAwards


That was us also - just fielding ideas where people could be free to discuss what they'd want from a show without wanting to offend or prejudice us.

[bluesoul]

squashed like a mosquito

interesting. i was actually hoping it came down to a peaceful compromise but "squashed" sounds more like it wasn't.


That was us also - just fielding ideas where people could be free to discuss what they'd want from a show without wanting to offend or prejudice us.

ah nice one. for a minute, i thought it was another group trying to "take a piece of the transgender pie"

[Wendy Summers]

Just like retailers trying to move the Christmas season earlier, now we have a porn mogul trying to stretch awards season out more.

All kidding aside - great choice in changing the name. I'd advise you promote the gift bag that each attendee will receive a free TEA bag. I bet attendance climbs another 25% with that statement.

[Dino Velvet]

Seriously about the T.E.A. logo. Lately I've been shopping at Ralph's and their employees are wearing a button that says "Stand Together". It's a nice looking button with patriotic colors and makes you curious of what they want you to stand together for. They created an interest making me inquire about the specifics. I thought it was effective and they succeeded by baiting my curiosity.

I betcha Jamie French could come up with 20 different logo styles from funny to macabre and everything in-between. Have fun with it.

[Always_aUnicorn]

I think the name change is incredible and will attract more people. It also shows that we can slowly move away from the T word. Not saying it will ever go away, but when big players like Grooby can rename something like this it huge. I know of a few more girls who may be more likely to show up now. Thank you!

[Ecstatic]

Excellent choice, Steven! I actually expected that Transgender would be part of the name, but T.E.A. is really classy and clever at the same time. TEA Party, TEA bags, all good!

[Tina Francis]

I think it's a classy move, even if I always thought of name in the same context as the Oscar's and Emmy's. Maybe the awards could be given a new colloquialism? Something warmer and more descriptive than T.E.A.'s. That would be a fun contest on here.

[AshlynCreamher]

I really like the name "Tranny Awards" but i can see how it maybe offensive to others. Non-the-less "Transgender Erotica Awards" sounds a lil corny? - I would keep brain storming this idea before making it official!

Best,
ash

[RadiusDark]

Does this mean I don't get my $25,000? LOL

[AshlynCreamher]

Does this mean I don't get my $25,000? LOL
Did you win a prize? good for you! :banana:

[MrsKellyPierce]

I am not in favor of this name change..you could of just changed it to TRANS/TG/TS/TRANSSEXUAL...TRANSGENDER is used for educational purposes..we as the transsexual community are already sexualized enough with out Transgender now being googled and SEX AWARDS pop up. I would hope you take this into THOUGHT Steven...

IT DEVALUES the work of many activist trying EDUCATE AND SPREAD AWARENESS..Janet Mock/Laverne Cox and many others works...It labels us RIGHT BACK INTO all SEXUAL PERFORMERS...And mixes real EDUCATION on WHAT WE ARE ABOUT..to just SEX...

PLEASE take that into consideration..

I know trans performers love to gripe about WORD USAGE..but they are just causing more MIXED THOUGHTS to the masses...


You don't see AVN/XBIZ grabbing onto THE WOMEN AWARDS or whatever the case may be...

Porn is not about being POLITICALLY CORRECT..it's ABOUT SEX..it's why men already have all these MISCONCEPTIONS on TRANS-WOMEN..

Because they get their thoughts and understanding of trans-women from PORN

[fred41]

I honestly thought "Tranny Awards" was kind of cute...but I also understand that I'm not offended because it doesn't pertain to me. I also understand that over time Steven was probably going to take a beating over the name...if not from the girls in the industry...then from enemies that people with a successful business models make over time - other jealous folks in the industry, people with personal vendettas, people in media or people who like to use others in the media to score political points, etc...
..and as others have mentioned - there is a lot you can to with the T.E.A acronym to promote the awards - Wendy's idea about the bag is excellent, T-shirts that just say "T.E.A. Shirt" on them, the list goes on...
...so it is a good idea.

[GroobySteven]

T.E.A. Shirt! I like it.

[robertlouis]

I can understand where Kelly is coming from, but I certainly support the move.

Just make sure that you get the advertising right or you could be inundated with morons in sweater vests.....

[nysprod]

I think you should go with the Transsexual Erotica Awards...sounds hotter anyway.

[Donkey]

So, you're the TEA Party now?

[runningdownthatdream]

Have you notified Bella of this change? It will make her happy and maybe when her ban is over she'll return ;)

[robertlouis]

Have you notified Bella of this change? It will make her happy and maybe when her ban is over she'll return ;)

Oh shit.....

[AshlynCreamher]

The Grooby Awards sounds nice :)

[Rabbiteyes]

I am not in favor of this name change..you could of just changed it to TRANS/TG/TS/TRANSSEXUAL...TRANSGENDER is used for educational purposes..we as the transsexual community are already sexualized enough with out Transgender now being googled and SEX AWARDS pop up. I would hope you take this into THOUGHT Steven...

IT DEVALUES the work of many activist trying EDUCATE AND SPREAD AWARENESS..Janet Mock/Laverne Cox and many others works...It labels us RIGHT BACK INTO all SEXUAL PERFORMERS...And mixes real EDUCATION on WHAT WE ARE ABOUT..to just SEX...

PLEASE take that into consideration..

I know trans performers love to gripe about WORD USAGE..but they are just causing more MIXED THOUGHTS to the masses...


You don't see AVN/XBIZ grabbing onto THE WOMEN AWARDS or whatever the case may be...

Porn is not about being POLITICALLY CORRECT..it's ABOUT SEX..it's why men already have all these MISCONCEPTIONS on TRANS-WOMEN..

Because they get their thoughts and understanding of trans-women from PORN

I agree....

Ideally, sex work wouldn't be an issue (since, adults should be allowed to do whatever they wish with their bodies and other adults would realize they are professionals and creating entertainment / fantasy). But, the reality we live in is one much different...where the masses take fantasy into their understanding of the world.

I've been assumed to be a sex worker by friends and family (and plenty of strangers) simply because I am trans....

The sad fact is, the vast majority of material out there relating to trans people is porn related. At least leave transgender awards alone for those of us who are working to change the way society views us.

[Tiffany Anne]

Hey look! Damned if you do, Damned if you don't!

Who saw that coming?

[giovanni_hotel]

T.E.A. 2015....Cool.
I could actually wear that tee shirt.

[TSMichelleAustin]

The girls are dishing the TEA in here already!!!

[GroobySteven]

I think you should go with the Transsexual Erotica Awards...sounds hotter anyway.

We're trying to be inclusive. Transsexual would be exclusive only to transsexuals.

[STARTUP999]

Has a much more classy sound to it. Good Idea.

[GroobySteven]

I agree....

Ideally, sex work wouldn't be an issue (since, adults should be allowed to do whatever they wish with their bodies and other adults would realize they are professionals and creating entertainment / fantasy). But, the reality we live in is one much different...where the masses take fantasy into their understanding of the world.

I've been assumed to be a sex worker by friends and family (and plenty of strangers) simply because I am trans....

The sad fact is, the vast majority of material out there relating to trans people is porn related. At least leave transgender awards alone for those of us who are working to change the way society views us.


Both pointless and silly arguments based on the fact you believe google will rank "transgender erotica awards" over "trangender rights" etc.
The industry spoke and asked for a change from what they stated was a derogatory name into the proper and appropriate word. We fielded this over respected members of the adult TG community and beyond. The support for this name has been overwhelming and the topic on the name, is closed.

[TatianaSummer]

Will we get to meet Tea Shaws? :P

Great Avatar! When did you took this picture? :)

[TatianaSummer]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/440492760043237376/Scuf2so-_400x400.jpeg

Tranny Awards Changes Name to Transgender Erotica Awards

Burbank, CA – Grooby Productions recently announced TS adult industry event, the Tranny Awards, will be re-branded as the Transgender Erotica Awards (T.E.A.’s). The event remains the only of its kind and exclusively celebrates the accomplishments of the TS adult industry.

“We started the show as an online event for a bit fun and never anticipated the interest and growth of the show to become the main annual event for trans women and men in the adult industry,” said Grooby Productions owner Steven Grooby. “When we named the show the ‘Tranny Awards’ in 2007 the climate was different and the usage of the word ‘tranny’ was appropriate as a catchy title in an online porn event. While I personally believe, within the context of porn, that ‘tranny’ has its place as a descriptor in the same way many words have their place only in porn, I do understand why some people have become frustrated with its usage here.

“As we aim to be inclusive of all areas of transgender erotica and are looking to broaden the appeal of the show to mainstream media, we believed it was time to re-brand the event to the Transgender Erotica Awards – or the TEA’s. The acronym works especially well since ‘T’ is used within the community and we’re going to have some fun with the promotions (the after party, for example, will be ‘The TEA Party’). I’d like to thank the extended trans adult community for their input and feedback over the last few months. We will be producing a show that the whole transgender adult community can be proud of.”

The Transgender Erotica Awards (originally known as the Tranny Awards) was created in 2007 and started solely as an online competition voted by a panel of industry judges. There were only a handful of categories and Grooby sponsored all of the cash prizes.

As interest grew, it was expanded into an actual event and hosted at a several different nightlife venues in the Los Angeles area, before moving to a full-scale theater in Glendale. The event now has over twenty categories, including special awards sponsored by other industry companies, many of which include donated cash prizes.

Last year the event expanded their categories to include Best FTM Performer, with support from sponsors such as Buck Angel and James Darling. This year also marked the first year the event included the category of Voluptuous Diva, awarded to the best BBW TS performer of the year.

This year’s event, hosted last month at the Beyond the Stars Palace in Glendale, also saw a 25% jump in attendance from last year, with nearly a 300% increase in livestream viewership. As the event continues to flourish, Grooby is constantly looking for ways to improve the show and honor the TS adult community.

More information will be made available in the upcoming months on http://grooby.com or http://TGEroticaAwards.com


I gave this advice long long long time ago but nothing was done. At least I am glad finally its been changed. I felt very uncomfortable when people asked me why I went to LA, to tell them I went to the "Tranny Awards"

[GroobySteven]

I gave this advice long long long time ago but nothing was done. At least I am glad finally its been changed. I felt very uncomfortable when people asked me why I went to LA, to tell them I went to the "Tranny Awards"

Change can take time. We decided to change the name last year but it would have been detrimental to change it before the show.
All feedback is noted, stored and called upon when necessary.
Thanks.

[TatianaSummer]

Change can take time. We decided to change the name last year but it would have been detrimental to change it before the show.
All feedback is noted, stored and called upon when necessary.
Thanks.

Well I am happy for the progress!! Believe me it will be much better to promote it and people will accept it more easily.

great move!

[robertlouis]

Well I am happy for the progress!! Believe me it will be much better to promote it and people will accept it more easily.

great move!

It also makes it more inclusive as you already recognise FTM transsexuals in the awards.

I sympathise with Rabbit Eyes' general points, but while the TEA's are big in this world, they're still niche and well below the general radar. There are far more appropriate places to fight that fight.

[Rabbiteyes]

The industry spoke and asked for a change from what they stated was a derogatory name into the proper and appropriate word. We fielded this over respected members of the adult TG community and beyond. The support for this name has been overwhelming and the topic on the name, is closed.

Well, it IS an improvement over "tranny awards" at least and shows more respect to the trans actresses. So credit where credit is due.

While it would be nice to believe that the only things people pay attention to are the activists trying to move the ball forward.... the reality is that the adult industry plays a HUGE role in shaping peoples view of trans individuals (which is why most people assume we are sex workers).

So showing more respect towards the actresses and trans people in general (even if just within the adult entertainment industry) actually does seem like it would do some good.

The branding of the word transgender really seems like a more minor issue (though, I'm likely giving the general public way too much credit in their ability to differentiate porn and reality....but, I like to be optimistic? haha).

[enzio]

So, you're the TEA Party now?

I never would have thought that I would want to associate with the Tea Party!

;-)

[TempestTS]

Awareness has no frontier, life is a constant state of change from the moment it starts to the moment it ends.

A name change in the Awards is simply part of the natural process and I embrace it because it is EXACTLY as it should be.

[gummi baer]

I will look forward to the next T.E.A party.

[mildcigar_2001]

The best part of this thread was reading the post from the TS porn star who said that transsexuals were "too sexualized."

Just too priceless.

[Tara Emory]

Meh.

I know I'm a few weeks late chiming in on this, but I'm almost in agreement with Kelly on this, though the name change is a trade off. In losing "Tranny", you're losing the snappy name that alluded to "Grammy" and "Emmy" Awards, replacing it with something rather clinical and descriptive. And at the same time maybe taking something that the trans political movement can now say hurts them, by applying a non-sexualized term to a sexualized industry event.

There seems to be a helluva lot of political correctness for teminology going on, mostly spearheaded by trans folk that have nothing to do with the porn industry. They're just as much against the trans porn industry as genetic women and men are against the cis-gendered porn community. They've been coming down hard on terms like "tranny" and "shemale".

Soon if the trans porn industry (which has the right to name their products anything they damn well please) gives in to this sort of pressure, all porn movie titles will have to resort to generic scientific terms like "transgender", because everything else willbe off limits. That's like if you went to buy a straight porn movie that was called "Sluts Getting Fucked up the Ass", and it was renamed "Promiscuous Women Receiving Anal Intercourse".

Meh. So I'm indifferent to the name change, but people coming down on porn marketing terms takes it a bit too far. Now of course if better terms come around to replace "Shemale" (which I always saw as a hybrid creature fantasy thing, sorta like a "unicorn" or a "mermaid", and totally fair game to use- though don't ever call me a "shemale" in real life) - then all the better.

Sadly the only newer terms I've been seeing are "gurl" (ick- rhymes with "hurl"), or even worse! - "trap". Once something better comes around, hey, I'd love to use it.

But yeah, "tranny" also references "transvestite" which conjures up revolting images of movies like "Tootsie", and any thing that eliminates that association I guess is a good thing.

But yeah, we're porn stars here. We just happen to be transsexuals. We're sexualized because we work in porn, not because we're trans. If a cisgendered female can open up her legs and look coy and make people sexually excited, so can a trans woman!

-Tara

[Northof60]

LOL. Its an awesome idea and it will beyond any doubt drive the extreme right wing political party (The TEA Party) batshit crazy.

[BLKGSXR]

A Degenerate of the year award should be added in....