Official List of Attendees for the TEA Show 2017 & SCHEDULE

[GroobySteven]

I'll be going but the only issue with going three days is that I might not be able to get a sign language translator for the 3 days event.

Although she won't be available as a personal translator - Morgan can sign well.

[GroobySteven]

BTW check the new list and be amazed.

[BLKGSXR]

Looks great! Definitely a fun looking group!

[Athena_Addams]

If I'm available I'm rusty but I can sign

[bigm25]

I think I speak for a lot of forum members when I say it would be great if someone could write up a recap of the weekend including winners and just a first person account of how they thought things went. Maybe Becca Benz? Thank you to Grooby and Steven and all the sponsors for making this weekend possible. Congratulations to all the winners and to the nominees, you are all winners just being nominated is a real honor, and keep in mind there were tons of people who wanted to be nominated but didn't make it. I hope everyone had a safe fun time. And great partying too

[GroobySteven]

I'll be writing a full recap but man ... we're exhausted (and we still have the regular jobs to do!).

Two awesome articles:
https://avn.com/business/articles/ts...ow-721030.html

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—With Madison in the driver’s seat at the Avalon nightclub, where the winners of the 2017 Transgender Erotica Awards were announced last night, boredom was the last thing the audience had to fret about. The outspoken star, known for her site BigDickBitch.com, was a highlight of last year’s TEA Show, when event sponsor Grooby and its founder, Steven Grooby, gave her a Lifetime Achievement Award.
But first to grace the stage at the March 5 awards show was curvaceous songstress Hudsy Hawn, who did a number riffing on “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid, complete with a latex mermaid costume—and accompanied by Juanito Blanco dressed as a scantily clad sub. A regular asset at the TEA Show, Hawn ably assisted Madison throughout.
Madison also made a splashy musical entrance, surrounded by men wearing togas. The performer was bigger than life in a flamboyant wig, sweeping cape and black unitard with gold accents. For her opening volley, Madison put the crowd on notice to show due respect: “We are the motherfuckers who introduced trans people to heterosexual goddamn people. ... I am sick of all these people who try to shame the sex worker.”
The first award of the evening, Best DVD, went to a crowd-pleasing choice: Real Fucking Girls, directed by Mona Wales for Grooby and distributed by Exquisite. Wales and eight of her cast members came up to accept the award for Real Fucking Girls, which also won Best Transsexual Movie at the 2017 AVN Awards.
Next up was Best Photographer, with Bob Maverick of BobsTgirls.com taking the prize—and giving thanks to “all the models I’ve shot for the last 18 years.”
During a slight delay while Madison completed her first costume change, Hawn filled in to announce the winners of the Best Trans Man Scene: Eddie Wood and Michelle Austin in “FTM Fucker” (TSMichelle.xxx).
Madison emerged, wearing a long blonde wig and a sparkling dark green mini-dress, to reveal the Best Scene winners: Aubrey Kate, Will Havoc and Phoenix Marie. Alas, the always-lively Marie was not in the house.
Of course, Madison was more than lively enough to make up for any absentees as she emitted a stream of professional-grade profanity before the Best Scene Producer award was presented to Damien Kane.
Next, though now-retired Jonelle Brooks was not present to celebrate her win for Best Solo Site, the jet-setting trans star sent in a bilingual video message from Thailand to give thanks for the accolade given to JonelleBrooks.com.
Before Best Internet Personality was announced, Madison interjected, “It hurts me so bad that I never win.” Indeed, the winner in the category—announced by sponsor Robbi Racks, who said, “We’re from Las Vegas, representing”—went to Miran, which turned out to be one of two awards for the slender Asian beauty.
Introducing the presenters for Best Non-TS Performer (Female), Madison said the outcome interested her because "I want to know the best female performer to break my virginity." Presented by Aiden Starr and Isabella Sorrenti and sponsored by Evil Angel, the trophy went to cisgender adult performer Amarna Miller. The pale, delicately pretty redhead sent in a video from her home country of Spain, and it was a big hit with the crowd. “This is my first award in the U.S. and I feel extremely proud,” Miller said, adding, “You are all fighters and I feel proud of you."
The irrepressible Madison was ready with a quip: “Ain’t no pussy like some foreign pussy. I used to get it in Dade County all the time. Foreign pussy with balls attached.”
The ceremony took a turn for the poignant when it came time to announce the Best Non-TS Performer (Male), sponsored by Flirt4Free and presented by Karly and Kimmy, representatives from the live chat pioneer. Bestowed posthumously on beloved performer Alexander Gustavo, who took his own life late last year, the award was accepted by Gustavo’s father, Mitchell. “Alexander enjoyed his occupation very much. Unfortunately he made a very unplanned decision in his life that he cannot take back," Mitchell said as the crowd quieted down to pay honor to Gustavo’s memory.
“One of his best friends, Dusty would also like to say something,” Mitchell said. The young woman standing next to him shared some eloquent words about a dear friend who left too soon. "He just loved to be loved,” Dusty said. “He was one of the most caring and happy people I ever met, and of course we wish he could be here tonight."
A popular performer in both gay and trans genres, Gustavo was also remembered at January’s AVN Awards, when Transsexual Performer of the Year Aubrey Kate expressed her sadness at his passing.
But since the show must go on, the next award was presented by director Buddy Wood, who named Natalie Mars as the Grooby Girl of the Year.
The next two categories got Madison started again. 'I love me some foreign pussy," she leered. Award sponsor Josh Stone of Trans 500 announced the Best International Performer (West). Winner Mia Maffia was clearly overjoyed, bobbing her head of long pink hair as she chanted, “Thank you, thank you so much, thank you, thank you.”
The Best International Performer (East) title, sponsored by Ladybody Gold, was presented to Megumi by Tarantino XXX and Sunshyne Monroe while Madison continued her running commentary on the parade of hot performers. "Bitch, you look GOOOOD. ... I'm turning gay this evening," she said as Monroe walked off the stage. “Sunshyne, you fine as hell. I'm thinking about it.”
A bit of levity was introduced with the Transcendence Award, presented by sponsor Dr. Alexander Sinclair with previous recipients Tori Mayes and Gia Darling to a “performer who lifts us to a new level of awareness." Darling blurted out the winner: LaLa Land.
Really, though, the prize went to Stefani Special, who had plenty to say to the industry crowd. “We had a really scary year last year with Prop 60, and because there was a vigilant team of workers we were able to beat it,” Special said. “I wouldn’t be here right now and we wouldn’t have been able to beat it if it wasn't for Siouxsie Q.”
Called up on stage, the Free Speech Coalition’s director of policy and industry relations added her thoughts about the Prop 60 fight. “I could text at 9:30 at night and [Stefani] would be ready to go at 9 in the morning and have her talking points,” Siouxsie Q said of the Transcendence Award recipient, adding that Special had given talks to many groups of potential voters. “She is an incredible advocate and we were lucky to have her,” Siouxsie Q said. “Blood, sweat, tears—you put it all out there.”
For the BobsTGirls.com Model of the Year, photographer Bob Maverick and reigning BobsTgirl Domino Presley announced this year’s model, and Miran came up on stage to collect her second trophy.
Before a short intermission, audiences enjoyed performance by Sonique, an alumna of RuPaul's Drag Race. The blonde quickly discarded a modest black dress to reveal a bikini with elaborate fringe, rhinestones and sequins. The outfit wasn't the only flashy action on stage—and soon the crowd was cheering Sonique’s graceful splits and other acrobatic moves.
Madison came back on stage in a short and sassy hairdo and an even shorter and sassier off-the-shoulder peach-colored mini dress. After Madison got the crowd to quiet down to a low rumble, Madeline Marlowe and Mona Wales came out to present Kink’s Kinkiest TGirl Domme. Honey Foxxx came onstage as Madison channeled Rick James: "She's a very kinky girl that you don’t take home to mother." Foxxx thanked her fans, saying, “I have to give my love to my honey bees."
Best Transman Model went to Eddie Wood, last year’s FTM Best New Face; the Ms. Unique title was conferred on Mara Nova; and the Best Industry Professional honoree was Al Tom.
The Stroker of the Year contest turned out to be a tie, with the trophies presented by SheMale Strokers director Sammy Mancini and last year’s winner, Sasha Skyes. Casey Kisses and Korra Del Rio shared the title, not heeding Madison’s demand for a tie-breaking “stroke-off.”
Then it was time for the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Awards, with the first award sponsored by Grooby. Kelli Lox introducing a tribute video to inductee Wendy Williams and thanked the redheaded Southern belle for “taking me under her wing.”
For the second Lifetime Achievement award, sponsored by Wicked Sensual Care, Jessica Drake came out with two big TS stars: Foxxy and Morgan Bailey. “I've been in the industry for some time and I've seen lots of changes on both sides of the industry,” the Wicked contract girl said. “There will be more changes on both sides—until there are no sides.” Coming on stage to accept, Natassia Dreams gave her own tribute to her presenters. "These ladies behind me, I have so much respect for them and I'm so glad to be on stage with them and to have them present this award."
Dreams added, "I love all you guys. Pursue your dreams because it can happen." To help Dreams realize hers, Wicked Sensual Care provided her with $500 to donate to the charity of her choice.
Madison added her own praise to the elegant Dreams, who was wearing a truly spectacular gown with an Art Deco flair: "Say yes to the dress."
Among the other big winners were Chanel Santini, named Best New Face, and Domino Presley, selected for the Fan Choice Award. Presley joked, “Thanks, Mom, Dad—you support me even though I’m a whore.”
With just two more awards to go, a bit of drama rocked the proceedings. After the competitive Best Solo Model trophy went to Kylie Maria, resplendent in thigh-high boots and a jumpsuit with strategically placed rhinestones, another nominee came up on stage. Visibly angry, Salina Samone yelled at the crowd. After Samone stormed off, Madison said, "That was the highlight of my evening right there. My sister don't play"—but even that seemed to set Samone off all over again.
Finally the time came for Best Hardcore Performer. Sponsored by ICM Registry, the award was presented by a sartorially splendid trio: Natassia Dreams, Yasmine Lee and Soldier Boi. Lee worked in a topical comment: "Your rights are being taken away for you. … We need to stick together and fight that fucker. Is it appropriate to call him a fucker?" she asked, clearly speaking about our current POTUS. The crowd seemed to agree it was appropriate.
Picking up the award was Aubrey Kate, also a big winner at January’s AVN Awards. “It's been a fucking amazing year,” she said. “It's funny—my ex told me I was terrible in bed and then I got a call from Kink asking me to shoot a scene. And now I’m the fucking Hardcore Performer of the Year.” Then came thanks to her supporters, including Sheena Ryder, whom Kate credited with getting her into the business, and new publicist Kristel Penn, the Grooby staffer who just started her own PR business.
Before turning the crowd loose, Madison reiterated the call for solidarity among the trans community. “I'm not standing for any more sex worker shaming,” she said. “Keep getting that goddamn money.”
And with that, Hudsy Hawn came back to entice the crowd up on stage for one last dance, set to—what else?—Kool and the Gang’s “Celebrate!”
Among other presenters were Dan Hogue of TransErotic, Jamie Jameson of TGirl Nights, Michael of Hubstars, Douglas Richter of Shemale.com, and performers Alexa Scout, Annabelle Lane, Ashes Wednesday, Athena Addams, Bailey Love, Becca Benz, Beth Bell, Jesse, Lena Kelly, Magdalene St. Michaels, Rob Yaeger and Tyra Scott.

[GroobySteven]

http://www.xbiz.com/news/217615

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Held at the iconic Avalon Hollywood, Sunday night’s Transgender Erotica Awards welcomed adult performers, producers and companies in true superstar fashion — with a red carpet, flash photography and goodie bags.
Once inside the venue, attendees could bask in each other’s presence under dimmed lights and a purple hue that gave the main ballroom an intimate, yet elegant feel. Hanging displays emblazoned with the logos of the event’s sponsors decorated the walls, glowing vividly with neon lights amidst the darkened atmosphere.
Right in the center, standing next to the fully decked bar and surrounded by gals dressed in gowns fit for the occasion, was CEO and founder Steven Grooby. Looking dapper as ever, a red handkerchief peeped from his blazer’s left pocket, accenting his sleek black suit.


When asked about the work that goes behind the scenes to produce a show such as the TEAs, he said it was a “labor of love” which sought to highlight the transgender community in times where anti-transgender political rhetoric only seemed to intensify.
“It’s very exciting to celebrate another year, especially when there’s so many things right now troubling the transgender community in adult entertainment,” he said. “Everybody out here is here to support us, you know? To get 400 people from across the world like the U.K., Japan, Canada and America together for one night is quite a unique and special thing.
“First, you’ll never get a transsexual person out before midnight,” he joked. “But we got them all out tonight! Second, to put them all in one place is just a beautiful thing.”
Off to the side, Grooby’s longtime marketing and editorial director, Kristel Penn, looked cute as a button in her black pants, white button-up and blazer. Ear piece firmly in place, she generously took a few moments from her busy scheduling and planning to give XBIZ an insight on the night’s event minutes before it kicked off into action.
“Planning for the event started, like, half a year ago since it is a three day event,” Penn disclosed. “It all culminates at this sort-of grand finale. So, I’m really, really excited but also very, very exhausted!
“You know, it used to be an online competition, and it’s expanded a little bit over the years,” she continued. “It used to be held at these little nightclubs in North Hollywood, so to be here at the historic Avalon… it really means a lot to me. Honestly, seeing everybody so happy and dressed up, it makes my heart so happy. I know it sounds cheesy, but I appreciate that everybody kinda makes the trek to come here!”
Holding a clipboard tightly to her chest, Penn also gushed about the all-inclusive vibe they hoped to generate at the night’s show.
“I think what’s cool about this show is that it feels very inclusive,” she added. “I want it to feel that way. I don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t come hang out, or can’t celebrate this part of the industry.”
Then, to signal the start of the show, the lights turned on and off and the host of the night, TS Madison, appeared behind the podium located on the right side of the stage.
The awards program, in typical fashion, got a late start and went on until about 1:30 a.m.
“We’re on trans/drag time,” TS Madison exclaimed into the microphone, urging everyone to take their seats to get the show on the road. She then disappeared, and the stage was silent until the first bars of “The Little Mermaid’s” classic song, “Part of Your World," began to echo around the room.
All eyes were on center stage as Juanito Blanco dressed in a comical interpretation of Disney’s Sebastian the crab — with his butt cheeks on display and a hat on his head — rolled right on stage.
Then, just like last year, the ever-eccentric Hudsy Hawn took the stage to open the show, looking the part of the classic Disney character, Ariel, with her striking red hair and green skirt, mimicking a mermaid tail.
She sang several of the original lyrics before making her way across the room and changing the words to fit the night’s event and its attendees. Marching right behind her was her very own Sebastian, who tossed ping pong balls into the crowd and hugged attendees.
Once they had made it back on stage, they were replaced by four men in togas that immediately began to dance. After a minute or so, hostess TS Madison returned, donning a new green, sparkly outfit.
She was the focal point of the dance routine, with the men gyrating around her and a new male joining in to sensually grind upon her. The crowd cheered them along, and once they had concluded the routine, TS Madison took the podium yet again.
“I’m sick of these advocates who try to shame sex workers,” TS Madison explained, going into detail about the trans experience, and stating trans adult performers were responsible for introducing heterosexuals to their community. “We are the most important people in this trans struggle!”
Her introductory speech received a loud boom of applause and cheers from all angles of the ballroom. Once the clamor had settled down, she began the show by introducing the presenters of the first award of the night: Best DVD Release.
Grooby Productions’ “Real Fucking Girls,” which also won the 2017 XBIZ Award for Trans Release of the Year, kicked off the ceremony by being named the Best DVD Release. Then, Bob Maverick of BobsTGirls.com won Best Photographer.
Next up, Eddie Wood and Michelle Austin won Best Trans Man Scene for their performance in “FTM Hunter” for TSMichelle.xxx.
“We hiked all the way to Santa Monica to film this scene,” Austin exclaimed, holding the prize up high.
Right after, Aubrey Kate, Phoenix Marie and Will Havoc received the Best Scene award for “Phoenix's Marie's TS Threesome.”
Best Scene Producer recipient, Damien Kane, accepted his award with his drink still firmly in his grasp, which prompted TS Madison to make a joke. She then asked for a beer, which was delivered by a stagehand.
The Best Solo Site nominees included TS Madison, who joked that “if her name wasn’t up there, she’d burn the place down.” The award, however, went to JonelleBrooks.com.
The next award, Best Internet Personality, was “near and dear” to TS Madison’s heart.
“They rob me every year,” TS Madison exclaimed into the microphone, before smacking her lips and waiting for the award winner to be announced. Tokyo native Miran took home Best Internet Personality. She appeared on stage in a striking ball gown, bedazzled with crystals.
Best Female Non-TS Performer went to Amarna Miller, who accepted her award from the comfort of her bedroom in Spain. Then, the late Alexander Gustavo won Best Male Non-TS Performer.
His family accepted the award in his honor, stating that he “loved to be loved, and loved working with all of you.” He passed away in mid-December.
After a brief moment of silence, and then a roar of applause from the crowd to celebrate Gustavo, the show continued.
Natalie Mars was named Grooby Girl of the Year, and stood shyly in front of the microphone. “That was unexpected,” she said, but held the award close to her chest. “Thank you!”
This year, Best International Performer was divided into two categories: West and East. The award for Best International Performer from the West would be awarded to a performer that resided in the U.S., Canada, Central America or South America, while East would honor a performer from Japan, Thailand or the Philippines.
Mia Maffia was named Best International Performer from the West, and Megumi was named Best International Performer from the East.
Up next was the Transcendence Award, which honored an individual who “transcended further than their contemporaries.” Tori Mayes and Gia Darling took the stage to name the winner. After quirky bantering, Darling opened the envelope and announced...
... “La La Land” as the winner!
The crowd erupted into laughter, but Mayes — last year’s recipient of the Transcendence Award — quickly corrected the “mistake” and announced the real winner, Stefani Special.
Right before the “halftime,” Miran was named Bob’s Tgirl of the Year.
This time, instead of TS Madison on stage, Ru Paul’s Drag Race alumni, Sonique, was the focus. Wearing a red bikini, with jewels embedded into the fabric, Sonique danced for the audience and introduced the break.
During the short interval, industry members and performers took a second to freshen up, refill their drinks and chat with peers. Stars also took this time to make impromptu photo shoots, some of them taking selfies, while others sensually climbed atop tables and posed for professional photographers.
When TS Madison returned to the stage, she had changed into another outfit — this time it was a flashy pink.
“Return your false asses back to your seat,” she instructed the audience, waiting for them to follow suit.
The event continued with Honey Foxx being crowned Kink’s Kinkiest Tgirl Domme, while Eddie Wood won the award for Best Transman Model and Mara Nova was named Miss Unique.
Best Industry Professional went to photographer Al Tom, while Shemale Stroker of the Year was a tie between girlfriends Korra Del Rio and Casey Kisses. They shared a kiss before and after receiving their award.
Next, the two Lifetime Achievement Awards went to Wendy Williams and Natassia Dreams. As they gave their acceptance speeches, montages of their best scenes and clips from interviews played behind them.
Rounding out the final stretch of the show, Chanel Santini won Best New Face, Domino Presley won the Fan Choice Award and Kylie Maria was named Best Solo Model.
To conclude the show, 2017 XBIZ Trans Performer of the Year Aubrey Kate was named Best Hardcore Performer.
TS Madison took the stage one last time. After thanking the audience for coming out and “surviving” the evening, she invited the community up on stage so that everyone could truly celebrate together as a family.
This year’s sponsors included: CameraPrive.com, Shemale.com, TS4Rent.com, .XXX (ICM Registry), Kink, Bob’s TGirls, Dr. Alexander Sinclair, Eros, Flirt4Free, GameLink, Shemale Strokers, Stockroom, Aiden Starr, Evil Angel, Free Speech Coalition, Hubstars Dating, Ladyboy Gold, Lord Morpheous, Joey Silvera’s Shemale Idol, Sunshyne Monroe, TAIF, TGirl Events, TS Dating, Trans500, TransErotica, Transformation Magazine, Wicked Sensual Care, Altomic Visuals, Doxy, FTM.XXX, Jacquie Blu, Kacy TGirl, Krissy4u, Micha Angela, NikkiLadyboys.com, Perfect Fit Brand, RobbiRacks.xxx, Spunk Lube, TGirl Nights and Third World Media.